Eating Habits and Obesity nursing essay

Eating Habits and Obesity

Obesity is a “growing” problem in the United States and over the world. With fast paced lifestyles these days with parents working and countless activities after schools and social times a healthy lifestyle has fallen to the wayside for many American families. Parents are often in such a hurry that a home cooked meal made from fresh ingredients is far and few in-between.

During a week fast food, pizza, pre-packaged or frozen food is the go to. While these meals dont taste bad they are packed with extra-unneeded fat, sodium, and preservatives that are not needed in anyone’s diet let alone a child. Another big issue with obesity is the amount of inactivity the kids have, with so much screen time kids are not getting outside and being active as much as they use to be. There are a few different ways we can try and get our families healthy and on track again.

With obesity being a growing problem it is important to know what is considered obese, Obesity is usually defined as more the 20 percent above ideal weight for a particular height and age.(Healtheychildren.org 2014). In the past 30 years childhood obesity has more then double. In 2012, more then 1/3 of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.(cdc.gov 2014).

I don’t not that that any child should be put on a strict diet or vigorous exercise regimen, children have sensitive feelings especially if they are feeling singled out all the time because of their weight.

I do think changing lifestyle habits as a whole is the way to go, for example do not tell a child that they cant have a donut because they are fat, Its about making healthier choices for the family as a whole, like dont buy a bunch of junk food and do things like going on hikes as a family, Parents are ultimately responsible for ensuring that their children are getting the proper nutrition at home and at school.

Make sure we are buying nutritional foods and snacks for lunches and snacks. Parents should encourage school……………………………

Eating Habits and Obesity

Eating Habits and Obesity