Our "Growing" Children
by Amanda Keegan
While the past few decades in the United States have been full of ups and downs, one thing has certainly hit a new high: child obesity. In the United States, nearly 2 out of 3 people are overweight, and it is no surprise that obesity affects the younger generation. As obese children become adults, they will experience health problems throughout their lives. But an extensive analysis of child obesity done by Time earlier this summer shows that children falling under certain demographics are more likely to carry extra weight than others. These statistics identify some of the problems with the nation's attitude toward obesity and provide a foundation for change.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the researchers at Time, an astounding 30 percent of children are overweight in the United States. The children that are specifically targeted for weight gain are children of urban communities, mixed race, low income and those residing in the Southeast of the United States. Inner city schoolchildren are especially susceptible to obesity because of the poor neighborhoods they live in, where it is especially hard to find (and afford) fresh produce. Instead, they turn to foods packed with preservatives and have little nutritional value.
While cities naturally require their inhabitants to exercise and walk more than suburbs, these children have found themselves living in neighborhoods where it is not always safe to play or walk outside. Parks, basketball courts and playgrounds can be danger zones in large cities. A combination of all of these factors sets urban children on the fast track to obesity.
Mixed race children are also statistically more likely to gain weight than white children are. The CDC report showed that "30.7% of white American kids are overweight or obese...and 38% of Mexican Americans." The researchers attributed this difference to the environments that the mixed race children live in, as well as their income. Many of these children are classified under the urban community bracket, where their environments do not always cater to healthy lifestyles. There are also cultural factors that contribute to weight gain. A representative of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at the University of Texas Health Science Center claimed that in the Hispanic community "there's a perception...that a chubby baby is a healthy baby."
Most obese children in the United States are found the southeastern parts of the country, in states like Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. According to Time, these are some of the poorest states in the country. This region is also known for its southern comfort cooking-a diet filled with heavily fried foods. Children of these rural areas often indulge in high fat, greasy foods on a daily basis simply because they are a part of their upbringing.
Thankfully, child obesity has hit such a high point that it has finally attracted national attention and concern. Schools offer the most hope for children who are dangerously gaining weight. Many food services have revamped their cafeteria lunch menus to include meals with whole grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables. By eliminating greasy burgers, fries and desserts loaded with sugar, schools are giving their children the tools that they need to craft their own healthy lifestyle. Lunch programs in the urban communities are especially important for students who open their refrigerators at home and never see an apple or a head of lettuce. These children are at an impressionable age where it is never too late to try a new food.
For years, other countries around the globe have known us as the "fat Americans." Our oversized portions, preservative packed foods, and our home-cooked greasy favorites are hurting our bodies and those of our children. But one thing is for sure: It is never too late to make a change for the better.
For a list of sources, email the writer at amandakeegan@crossingsmagazine.org.
