Who's Responsible for Child Obesity?
Greetings!
The issue of child obesity is one that's plaguing afluent Western Societies nowadays.
I guess the fact that fast food is readily available and heavily promoted through advertising is a factor to take into account in this equation.
It is just so convenient to buy fast food (junk food, fat food), that having to cook our meals has become an unwated chore. When we, or our kids get hungry, it is easy to drive to the junk food outlet around the corner, and buy food. Just cue up, pay the teller, and walk away with a filling meal.
The "I want it now" attitude (aka "instant gratification") has permeated into our family values, and one of the consequences is that of bigger and fatter generations already entering our work force.
Our governments know this and yet, laws like those contained in the "Cheesburger Bill" protect fast food restaurant chains by preventing patrons from suing their businesses for getting fat as a result of eating the food they promote and sell. Whether you agree with this law or not, is irrelevant. The fact that it has been passed is what remains significant.
Our governments are shifting the focus onto "individual responsibility": You are responsible for what you eat, and the consequences of eating it. A corollary of this is: You are responsible for your children, including their health, and including what they eat.
That's a big responsibility.
In the UK there's been a recent move to implementing and educating children about healthy eating. Epolitix.com reported recently that there is a
In the USA, there is also a move towards making kids health conscious in relation to what they eat.
But I also believe parents need to take an interest in, and learn about healthy eating, and that is not an easy task, as adults are less likely to want to change any habit or life style... even if it kills them. Individual responsibility has been tamed with complasency... and the cycle continues and gets bigger.
And this is where I believe our governments are not doing enough. They're not spending sufficient resources in "brainwashing" their citizens into believing in healthy eating and exercise.
If you think about it, a child may very well be "health aware", but if his/her parents don't buy or cook healthy food ingredients, chances are that child will continue being fed with inadequate nutrition... at least until that child is old enough to decide for him/herself (and by that time, it is often too late, as fast food tends to be addictive!).
Parents are certainly responsible for their kids' health, but I believe our governments are also responsible in spreading the message in an effective way, so that our populations become more aware of the consequences of our eating habits.
What do you think?
Yours in Health,
Skinny Jeff
For lots of delicious low fat recipes, weight loss and healthy eating tips and articles, visit www.Delicious-Low-Fat-Recipes.Com (They're so delicious... you won't believe they're good for you!).
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Get an Ebook with 120 Energy-Boosting and Delicious Low-Fat Fruit Smoothie Recipes for a small Donation to Skinny Jeff.
The issue of child obesity is one that's plaguing afluent Western Societies nowadays.
I guess the fact that fast food is readily available and heavily promoted through advertising is a factor to take into account in this equation.
It is just so convenient to buy fast food (junk food, fat food), that having to cook our meals has become an unwated chore. When we, or our kids get hungry, it is easy to drive to the junk food outlet around the corner, and buy food. Just cue up, pay the teller, and walk away with a filling meal.
The "I want it now" attitude (aka "instant gratification") has permeated into our family values, and one of the consequences is that of bigger and fatter generations already entering our work force.
Our governments know this and yet, laws like those contained in the "Cheesburger Bill" protect fast food restaurant chains by preventing patrons from suing their businesses for getting fat as a result of eating the food they promote and sell. Whether you agree with this law or not, is irrelevant. The fact that it has been passed is what remains significant.
Our governments are shifting the focus onto "individual responsibility": You are responsible for what you eat, and the consequences of eating it. A corollary of this is: You are responsible for your children, including their health, and including what they eat.
That's a big responsibility.
In the UK there's been a recent move to implementing and educating children about healthy eating. Epolitix.com reported recently that there is a
... move from the education secretary last week to ban low quality foods high in fat, salt and sugar from school canteens. Chocolate, crisps, and sugary fizzy drinks are also to be banned from school vending machines.
Extra funding... will go into schools and local education authorities over the next three years to help transform school meals through training and increased hours for cooks, equipment, and a minimum spend on ingredients - 50p at primary schools, 60p at secondary schools.
Children will learn about healthy eating and nutrition and practical cooking skills. That is a good step towards fixing the problem.
In the USA, there is also a move towards making kids health conscious in relation to what they eat.
But I also believe parents need to take an interest in, and learn about healthy eating, and that is not an easy task, as adults are less likely to want to change any habit or life style... even if it kills them. Individual responsibility has been tamed with complasency... and the cycle continues and gets bigger.
And this is where I believe our governments are not doing enough. They're not spending sufficient resources in "brainwashing" their citizens into believing in healthy eating and exercise.
If you think about it, a child may very well be "health aware", but if his/her parents don't buy or cook healthy food ingredients, chances are that child will continue being fed with inadequate nutrition... at least until that child is old enough to decide for him/herself (and by that time, it is often too late, as fast food tends to be addictive!).
Parents are certainly responsible for their kids' health, but I believe our governments are also responsible in spreading the message in an effective way, so that our populations become more aware of the consequences of our eating habits.
What do you think?
Yours in Health,
Skinny Jeff
For lots of delicious low fat recipes, weight loss and healthy eating tips and articles, visit www.Delicious-Low-Fat-Recipes.Com (They're so delicious... you won't believe they're good for you!).
=*= =*= =*= =*= =*=
Get an Ebook with 120 Energy-Boosting and Delicious Low-Fat Fruit Smoothie Recipes for a small Donation to Skinny Jeff.
posted by Tomas L Incredulo | 9:14 am
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