Conner

Daniel Conner
Mr. Benjamin Mitchell
English 1101
14 November 2013
Schools Involvement in Childhood Obesity
One of the most widespread problems we face among the younger generation in the
United States is obesity. The root link of obesity among adults is obesity in their younger years,
and a contributing factor to controlling childhood obesity is through the schools. Consequently,
no one wants to live unhealthy, and schools can play their part to help minimize the obesity rates
among children in America. As a result of the American modern day culture, childhood obesity is
increasingly becoming more of an issue and can be addressed by implementing strategic changes
in the school system.
One of the contributing factors to obesity in schools is vending machines. The availability
of junk food through vending machines in schools is at an all time high. Vending machines need
to be limited or eliminated completely to diminish consumption of junk food among the students.
In a recent survey, 97% of high schools and 82% of middle schools have vending machines, and
this statistic has risen dramatically during the past five years (Dater 1). One reason to explain the
rise in vending machine sales could be the fact that the students parents are not there to say no.
US Congress did enact a bill that restricts sale of unhealthy foods and beverages in schools,
however; this bill has unfortunately not provided the impact that it should have in the schools.
The unhealthy food available in vending machines is not the only problem with vending
machines, but it is soda sales as well. In 2006, a bill was passed to address this issue, however, it
has its flaws. Washington Post staff writer Caroline Mayer reported, In an agreement to be

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announced by former president Bill Clinton, Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) and the head of
the American Heart Association, the industry also will limit the amount of other sugary
beverages, such as fruit drinks, in school vending machines. But diet soft drinks will continue to
be sold in high schools that allow such products. Yes, this did help address the issue of high
calorie and sugary drinks sold in schools, however, diet alternatives are actually worse for our
health. The high acidity of diet sodas contain extreme acidity levels that erode tooth enamel and
lead to tooth decay. Due to the alternative sweeteners found in diet sodas, kidney failure has been
reported as a side effect. Ironically, diet sodas have been linked to weight gain as well. Schools
need to remove vending machines completely. If vending machines were removed, the
temptation for students to consume junk food and sodas will dramatically decrease, causing
consumption to decrease as well. Removing vending machines from schools will be a step closer
to schools role in limiting the availability of junk food to students.
In addition to vending machines, one of the root issues in which many would claim to be
the biggest cause to childhood obesity is the food served in school cafeterias. This is of extreme
health concern because food provided in cafeterias are overwhelmingly unhealthy and contain
tremendous amounts of calories, carbohydrates, sodium, and fat. Those are extreme contributing
factors to gaining weight. A healthy diet is vital to maintaining desired weight and controlling
obesity. To help the problem of unhealthy food served at school cafeterias, there needs to be strict
guidelines by which the schools need to follow. If there were standards that the school food
administration had to meet, the food served eat will be healthier, in turn, decreasing obesity. In
addition, there needs to be an increase in fresh fruit and vegetable options for students as an
alternative to chips, french fries, or dessert. An expansion of healthier options in cafeterias would
test the students ethical decisions, as the students are faced with a decision to continue to eat

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junk food or eat the healthier food instead. The problem that will arise is that most students
unfortunately will continue to choose the junk food over the healthy food. We cannot control the
students decisions, however, we can promote healthy food and encourage them to make the right
decision. Malnutrition and vending machines are actually correlated. According to Datar,
Existing research does show that competitive food availability is associated with a decline in
nutritional quality of meals consumed at school. This quote from Datar brings up an interesting
point, where the correlation between the amount of healthy meals and junk food is negatively
related. Thus, we can support the domino effect and conclude that healthier food will rise once
the junk food declines.
The head of Consumer Sciences and Institute of Food Research conducted an experiment
to test the eating patterns of students in cafeterias. They used a newly developed smart card that
monitors the food students purchased. The experiment lasted for 89 days, and narrowed down the
test to 7-16 year old boys and girls to achieve the most accurate results as possible. The results
were astonishing and rather concerning. According to the Lambert, Buns and cookies were over
10 times more popular than fresh fruits and yogurts. Sugary soft drinks were over 20 times more
popular than fresh fruit drinks and milk combined. Appropriate choices could, over a month,
reduce intake of added sugar by over 800 g and fat by over 200 g (Rolfe 4). This experiment
accurately proved that students, by choice, eat products in high fat or sugar as opposed to the
healthy counterparts. Although this was true for this particular experiment, conclusions cannot be
made based on the fact of the extent of availability of the junk foods in comparison to the healthy
food.
The best way to combat the poor dietary options provided in schools is through physical
education. The programs we have today are not conducive to weight loss, and the value of the

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modern culture physical education class has diminished. Nowadays, physical education is not
required and is not nearly as organized and rigorous as it used to be. To address the inadequacies
of physical education, The American Journal of Public Health organized a test of the REP, or
recess enhancement program. The REP program is coach led and aimed to increase the rates of
childrens physical activity though inclusive, age appropriate games. This program was tested
across a broad range of schools across the United States, and measured the programs affect on
the physical activity among children. In the end, this program proved to be monumental in its
effects on the children. The program concluded that the rate of vigorous activity in REP schools
was 52% higher than non-REP schools (Ludwig). Schools need to implement this program not
only to provide a more effective alternative to the traditional physical education class, but also to
decrease obesity among children.
Some may argue that a main cause of obesity among people, specifically children, is
hereditary. Some people are born into families with physical orders, poor family history, and
specific genes in which are few of the many obesity-causing factors that we cannot control.
Researchers at Institute of Preventive Medicine at Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark identified
the first obesity gene, known as the FTO gene, and have concluded that people with FTO have
an increased risk of obesity (Chin). Despite this valid and scientifically proven argument, these
disorders and genetics do not inhibit them to overcome obesity. Although hereditary factors seem
prohibitive to controlling obesity, Louise Chang MD states that, Though genetics do play a role
in obesity, a new study shows regular physical activity can blunt the impact of a genetic
predisposition to being overweight. To prove this, Dr. Chang conducted an experiment and
studied DNA of 703 patients to see if there is in fact a correlation between physical activity and
obesity. As a result, the researchers found that being genetically predisposed to obesity "had no

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effect on those with above average physical activity scores. and concluded that, These findings
emphasize the important role of physical activity in public health efforts to combat obesity,
particularly in genetically susceptible individuals (Chang 1). This concludes that even though it
may be harder to maintain weight with unfavorable genetics such as the FTO gene, it can be
overcome with proper treatment, such as a proper diet and a active lifestyle.
Childhood obesity is a problem that needs to be of concern, and fortunately is a
problem that can be addressed. Although this requires changes in lifestyles that contradict the
modern day culture, childhood obesity should not be overlooked and forgotten. Junk foods need
to be replaced by healthier options in school cafeterias, and sodas replaced by healthier drinks
such as water and juices, childhood obesity can be controlled and lessened over time. Ultimately
the effectiveness of weight loss in children comes down to their parents to set the example for
healthier lifestyles. Childhood obesity is a problem in which, despite the inhibiting factors
associated with the modern day culture, schools can play their part and promote healthier
lifestyles.

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Works Cited
Chin, John J., and David Ludwig. "Increasing Children's Physical Activity During School Recess
Periods." American Journal Of Public Health 103.7 (2013): 1229-1234. SPORTDiscus
with Full Text. Web. 30 Sept. 2013.
Datar, Ashlesha, and Nancy Nicosia. "Junk Food In Schools And Childhood Obesity." Journal
Of Policy Analysis & Management 31.2 (2012): 312-337. Business Source Complete.
Web. 30 Sept. 2013
Li, Ji, and Neal H. Hooker. "Childhood Obesity And Schools: Evidence From The National
Survey Of Children's Health." Journal Of School Health 80.2 (2010): 96-103.
SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 30 Sept. 2013.
Nicholas J. Rowland, et al. "The Effect Of School On Overweight In Childhood: Gain In Body
Mass Index During The School Year And During Summer Vacation." American Journal
Of Public Health 97.4 (2007): 696-702. Business Source Complete. Web. 29 Sept. 2013.
P Rolfe, et al. "Using Smart Card Technology To Monitor The Eating Habits Of Children In A
School Cafeteria: 3. The Nutritional Significance Of Beverage And Dessert Choices."
Journal Of Human Nutrition & Dietetics 18.4 (2005): 271-279. CINAHL Plus with Full
Text. Web. 30 Sept. 2013.

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Obesity is a problem that causes more than just an increased percentage of fat on the
body. Increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing problems, and
trouble sleeping are some complications associated with obesity. Children and teens struggling
with obesity have a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem.
Our younger generation has reached all time high levels of obesity. According to a study
conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.6 billion adults (age 15+)
were overweight, 400 million adults are obese, and 20 million children under the age of five are
overweight globally (Rowland 1). The Journal of School Health association, along with four
professors, conducted a survey to see correlations between body mass index (BMI) and various
factors such as physical activity, family, and schools. Body mass index is a measure of the human
body based off mass and height, and is used to assess how much an individual's body weight
differs from what is desirable for a person of his or her height. The survey yielded interesting
results. Children of physically active adults had a body mass index .199 lower than nonphysically active parents. This would lead us to infer that kids look up to their parents and take
by example, thus, if their parents are working out or being active, chances are they will as well.
Children who participated in sports had a body mass index .751 lower than those who do not
participate in sports. This statistic is staggering and tells us that sports do in fact keep obesity
among children down. They also surveyed and compared the body mass index of children in
public schools versus private schools. They found that children in private schools averaged a

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body mass index of .398 lower than those in public schools (Rowland 3). Based off that statistic,
one would wonder if the economic statuses of families play a role in obesity as well.

The current generation of youths is considered to be in the technology generation in which

they grew up with the latest advancements of technology that earlier generations did not.
Technology has contributed to obesity because the youth find themselves spending much of their
downtime with electronics. Whether it is watching TV, playing video games, or playing on their
latest smartphone, kids are now raised in a culture where being active outside is a very small part
of their day. This increased laziness and inactivity in athletics has caused them to gain weight.
Nearly four million U.S. youth fall into a new category of obesity risk, one that carries dangers
of serious disease and early death, even beyond expected harms. In my parents early years, most
of their downtime was spent being active outside playing sports as they did not have the access
to all the technology the new generation is accustomed to. The problem of this generation can be
a root cause of obesity in their future. To address this problem, parents need to enforce time
restrictments kids spend on electronics and encourage participation in sports, aerobic, and
anaerobic exercise. If kids are raised playing sports, they consequently develop active lifestyles,
which in turn greatly decrease the risk of obesity. In addition, physical education and personal
fitness ought to be increased for all students across the board of education K-12. In High School
for example, only one semester of health and one semester of personal fitness are required for all
four years. Physical education and/or personal fitness should be required at least one semester
per year. Not only would this give the students an opportunity to be active during the school day,
but will enhance the performance in the educational setting as well. Parents need to start raising
their kids in an active lifestyle because once they are obese, while it is possible; it is hard to get

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back to healthy levels. Worse, when children get that big, its difficult to help them lose weight
with traditional tools of diet and exercise, or even with drugs and surgeryOnce this problem
gets so severe, theres no turning back, or theres no turning back easily, said Dr. Thomas Inge.