Speech Title: Super Sized Kids Purpose: To inform Thesis: I want my audience to understand three factors that are

leading American children into the obesity epidemic of today: wrong dieting, lack of exercise, and finally generational reoccurrence. Introduction Did you know that one out of every eight deaths in America is caused directly by an illness related to overweight and obesity? Or did you know that two out of every three people are overweight or obese? Knowing these statistics, given by the Surgeon General, puts each and every one of us in the position of being, or knowing someone who is overweight. Becoming knowledgeable of the factors that have caused this epidemic, can therefore, create within us the awareness to cease its deadly roots among our younger generation. The factors of great emphasis today are: improper dieting, lack of exercise, and the repetition of bad habits passed on from obese parents. (First, I will elaborate on inappropriate dieting.) Body I. We are eating more and worse a) SuperSized Portions McDonalds increase in calories since 1955 Children eating frequently in fast food restaurants

b) Increased fast-food and soda consumption Sugar in soft drinks has calories that make us have excessive fat

c) Reduction of family meals Hectic schedules When we eat out we eat faster

(That was improper dieting as our first factor, and lack of exercise is our second factor.) II. We are exercising less a) Increased TV viewing, computer usage, and video games b) Reduced participation in Physical Education classes and school athletics

(First we realized that improper dieting was a factor, then lack of exercise, and finally the example led by parents who also have poor eating habits.) III. Obese and overweight parents a) Bad habits and poor lifestyles are example for children b) Genetics c) Modeling/ Social effect

Conclusion To summarize, obesity, as mentioned by the Surgeon General, has reached the state of an epidemic. The consequences that arise as a result of it are horrifying for the self-image of the child, and most importantly for their overall health. Therefore, since you are aware of the factors of this serious issue, than you can now help prevent the spread of its influence. Help a child by introducing them to proper dieting, encourage exercise, and speak to their parents about the danger they are placing their child in. In addition children, for the most part, have people they look up to and listen to, and if you take advantage of your power of influence than you can help save a child from perpetual overweight persistence.

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