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bookmark - Obesity In Young Children Who is to blame?

Obesity In Young Children - Who is to blame?

 
 Discussion by Wetton with 24 Replies.
 Last Update: November 18, 2011, 2:48 am
 
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Obesity in young children.


Obesity seems to be a growing concern, particularly in England and America. Obesity in young children seems to be an even bigger concern. Some people beleive that it is the parents fault, for letting their children eat 'Junk food.' Some people think that the fast food industry is to blame, for advertising their foods without mentioning that it is in-fact an un-healthy option. But whose fault is it really?

.:.Parents.:.
I understand why people think that the parents could be to blame, they should be aware of the content in foods such as McDonalds, or Burger king. Because the kids may not be aware, the parents should be responsible for making sure that their children get the nutrition they need, and that they are healthy. But is it really the parents fault? When their children are out with friends, they may choose to go to a fast food restaraunt for dinner, the parents cannot be at fault if the children are out with friends, they cannot possibly keep their children in sight at all times, children need freedom (To a certain extent.) So lets explore the other possibilities.

.:.Fast Food Industry.:.
Many people blame the fast food industry. They should warn people in the adverts, that the food they produce is of high fat/salt content. Children today aren't aware of the dangers of junk food. They don't necessarily choose to eat junk food because it tastes nicer, but more the way it is promoted. Children see eating as a social occasion; and children see the contradiction between what is promoted in theory and what adults provide in practice. Children do not see it as their role to be interested in health; children do not see messages about future health as personally relevant or credible; fruit, vegetables and confectionery have very different meanings for children; children actively seek ways to exercise their own choices with regard to food.

.:.The Children.:.
Whilst most people believe that it is the parents, or the fast food industry that are to blame, there are a few who beleive it is the childrens fault. It should be their responsibility to check what they are eating, and be aware of the risks. Most children are aware of the risks, but then choose to have the food anyway. The fast food industry provide the food, btu don't we all have the power to say 'No'? Aren't we all responsible for our own health? We are not obliged to buy the food, just because it is there. The fast food industry only produce the food, but this does not mean that the children MUST gorge themselves.

Obesity is a growing concern, and there are many theories as to why the numbers of obese children are growing. There is no real answer to this dabat, but I would love for this topic to turn into a debate, and we can hear different views from different people.

Thank you.

   Sun Apr 27, 2008    Reply         

I don't think the people behind fast foods and their ads can really be blamed. They are here to make a living. If they wanted to advocate healthy lifestyles for the sake of the people, they would have gone to do something else. Besides, I don't think warning people actually works. In my country, a lot of people like to eat oily greasy food from roadside stalls although we know perfectly well that it is unhealthy and sometimes, unhygienic. People go for what appeals to their stomach when it comes to food, not what appeals to logic.

Perhaps the best solution would be to educate children from a young age in school about healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. You can eat fast food and not get fat, if incorporate enough exercise into your lifestyle. I do agree that parents are also largely to blame. They should educate their children too and not indulge in their children and let them have whatever they want. Then again, some parents are fans of fast food and other unhealthy foods themselves.

   Sun Apr 27, 2008    Reply         

I agree that the parents should educate their children as to the dangers of fast food, and should not give in as easily. But when they say obesity in young children, they don't just mean little tots. Anyone up to the age of 16 is still considered a child, and so teens often contribute widely to the number of obese children.

At this age the parents cannot be to blame, it is reccomended that you give teenagers freedom, and let them go out. If this happens, the parents cannot be blamed for giving in to their children when it comes to fast foods, because they are not there to be asked.

It would be great if they taught children from a young age about the dangers of fast foods, maybe a topic in science. This would make children think about what they are eating before cramming it into their mouths.

   Sun Apr 27, 2008    Reply         


QUOTE (Wetton)

.:.Parents.:.
I understand why people think that the parents could be to blame, they should be aware of the content in foods such as McDonalds, or Burger king. Because the kids may not be aware, the parents should be responsible for making sure that their children get the nutrition they need, and that they are healthy. But is it really the parents fault? When their children are out with friends, they may choose to go to a fast food restaraunt for dinner, the parents cannot be at fault if the children are out with friends, they cannot possibly keep their children in sight at all times, children need freedom (To a certain extent.) So lets explore the other possibilities.


The morbidly obese children are the ones who are fed the fast food from a young age at home by parents. And you can't blame them. Fast food is cheap and tasty food that young children enjoy, more importantly it's cheap. This means people on a low income can afford to feed their families.

Solution?

Tax fast-food and use the money to subsidise healthier foods or lift some of the taxes on oil or alcohol. Not the most popular solution but it will make healthy foods cheap and more desirable for poorer families.

Also, if you ban ads for fast-food like they've done for cigarettes, then you decrease the demand by children for fast-food products. (Unfortunately, if you do this, the laws of supply and demand tell you that fast-food will become cheaper and increase the parents' want to buy it!)

   Sun Apr 27, 2008    Reply         

I agree that maybe the price should be raised so as to promote healthy food options, or better yet, lower the price of healthy foods. The children at that age cannot be to blame for obesity, I suppose. But like I said, there is no correct answer.

This debate has been going on for many years, and still no conclusion has been reached. I suppose it depends on each child in question, as to whose fault. But to be honest, I think people are making way to big a fuss over it. Its up to the child/parents (depending on age off child) to look after them, the government needn't get involved, if I'm honest.

Thanks for replying, I'd love for more people to show their opinions.

Thanks.

   Sun Apr 27, 2008    Reply         

QUOTE (Wetton)

Its up to the child/parents (depending on age off child) to look after them, the government needn't get involved, if I'm honest.
Link: view Post: 387045


You see, this where the socialist side of me kicks in. If you look at various points in history where people have disagreed with governments intervening with the welfare of the people, it turns out that in the end intervention was the right thing to do.

Example :: Liberal Reforms, UK, 1906 - 1914

The UK was in serious poverty and someone needed to do something. The Labour Party promised help and the Liberals were worried they'd lose votes to them so they introduced a series of Reforms to keep the punters happy. These reforms included helping children, the unemployed, the elderly and the sick. They were popular with everyone but the rich, the House of Lords and the Opposition. However, nowadays the government giving out benefits like this is applauded; in order words, it is acknowledged that the government should interfere with the welfare of the people.

SO, let's NOT make the same mistake this time. Parents are poor, fast-food is cheap. Spot the link! Parents know full-well the dangers of this food but it's a choice between cheap food or starvation. If they were your children, what would you choose?

You want the problem solved, this is how you solve it!

   Mon Apr 28, 2008    Reply         


I totally see where you are coming from, the government wouldn't have a job if it didn't need to be enforced, but surely in the case of obesity, frankly if they decide (klnowing the risks) that they wish to idulge in fatty foods, and gorge themselves, then quite frankly, its their fault.

I understand that its fast, affordable, and easy, but you can make meals for a lot less if you are willing to put some work into cooking, and not just resorting to the unhealthy option. Those who are un-willing to try, and put some effort in, don't deserve help, they are aware of the risks, they should be the one to take action.

I know that sounds harsh, and perhaps it is, but I think if people have a problem with being fat, or any other aspect of their looks, then its up to them to fix it. Either go to the gym often, (Or just excercise casually with friends, E.G. Football) and/or dont eat as much fast food. Theres nothing wrong with fast food, but its like the Greeks said, all things in moderation.

thanks.

   Mon Apr 28, 2008    Reply         

My apologies for not replying, Windows XP went mad after I tried a technique I found on the Internet to improve my computer's speed (guess I had it coming I suppose :lol: :))

QUOTE (Wetton)

I totally see where you are coming from, the government wouldn't have a job if it didn't need to be enforced, but surely in the case of obesity, frankly if they decide (klnowing the risks) that they wish to idulge in fatty foods, and gorge themselves, then quite frankly, its their fault.
Link: view Post: 387171


Smokers know the risk of starting smoking: does that mean, then, that in the UK the NHS should not provide stop-smoking clinics for addicts and that adverts for cigarettes should not be banned? Despite, people knowing the risks, the government has intervened.

QUOTE (Wetton)

I understand that its fast, affordable, and easy, but you can make meals for a lot less if you are willing to put some work into cooking, and not just resorting to the unhealthy option. Those who are un-willing to try, and put some effort in, don't deserve help, they are aware of the risks, they should be the one to take action.
Link: view Post: 387171


A typical family has two parents who work from 9.30am - 5pm and get home at 6pm, tired and exhausted. They don't have the energy to make proper to dinner some of them. It's a lot easier to eat fast-food or stick something in the microwave. I can assure you that 500g of mincemeat; a few carrots, new potatoes and a broccoli is more expensive than a Big Mac and chips.


QUOTE (Wetton)

I know that sounds harsh, and perhaps it is, but I think if people have a problem with being fat, or any other aspect of their looks, then its up to them to fix it. Either go to the gym often, (Or just excercise casually with friends, E.G. Football) and/or dont eat as much fast food. Theres nothing wrong with fast food, but its like the Greeks said, all things in moderation.
Link: view Post: 387171


The typical cold-blooded capitalist. ;) People who are upset by being fat and are still eating fast-food are heading for depression. You've got to stop these seemingly petty issues before they develop otherwise you will have a much greater problem on your hands. And depression is terrible, takes years to get out off and leaves a permanent scar on your memory.

   Wed Apr 30, 2008    Reply         

It all becomes a chronic cycle of who is to blame, well everyone is; the parents for not educating their children, the children for not caring for themselves, the fast food franchises for putting the food their and bormbarding the world with propaganda, and the government for not doing anything. This is a topic where everyone points fingers, that is the easy thing to do. Yet, we must see this from every single perspective.

Parents:
The greatest mayority (the common class) has both parents working full time. That means you have parents arriving past 5 pm at any given afternoon. What happens between the time parents leave for work and arrives... ideally kids are in school til say 3 pm. The crucial part, is that 2 hour lapse when children are under their own supervision. What can a parent do if their kid is hungry at 3:15 pm and "oh" Mc Donalds happens to be in the way home? Not much, take away there allowance? For what? Being Chubby? Don't think so.

Children:
Sure they should control what they it and excercise regularly... but hey most consider Physical Education meeting the daily excercise amount "required." Again Mc Donalds is in the way home and trust me a dollar menu double cheeseburger tastes better than a ham a cheese sandwich. A coke hits the spot perfectly, water does not quite hit it.

Fast Food Franchise
Hey they are just making money, you put the bucks they give you a burger. If they wanted to sell healthy food, they would have started that long time ago. The same goes with beer franchises, cigarrettes, etc.

Government:
Hey Mc Donalds contributes more than you do, why limit them?

Lets see, who are the healthy kids and who are the unhealthy kids. Those doing extracurricular activities are the healthier ones... is it because they do more excercise? Probably, but what is also a fact is that the gap between school time and parents being home is iliminated by this activity. Its because those childrens have less time to think of Mc Donalds in the way home.

   Wed Apr 30, 2008    Reply         

No problem electric, reply in your own time.

I can see what you mean about the dangers of smoking, and people getting help, why shouldn't it be the same for obesity? It shouldn't. I'm not against them getting help, but I do think its their fault. People who die of lung cancer from smoking, yeah its sad, and maybe a little harsh, but they were the ones to choose to take up smoking in the 1st place, they were ware of the risks.

The government have banned smoking in public places such as restaraunts, mainly cause it damages other people health too, via passive smoking. its not like they can just ban eating in public places such as restaraunts though.

There are a number of groups out there dedicated to helping people loose weight. Weight watchers, Fat fighters, Slim fast. There are many solutions, but some people just arent taking it upon themselves to try and sort it out.

And Gaspe, you're right, there is no real answer to this dilemma. I see why its easy and convenient, and how some people dont have the time. But there are many cheap and fast solutions. Many foods can take as little as 10 minutes to cook, but just take the effort. If people were willing to put in the effort, then perhaps there would be less obese children in todays society:

Pasta- This can take as little as 20 minutes, and if you cant be bothered, you could always use the pasta sauce in jars, rather than making your own.

Sausages- By frozen sausages in a bag, they only take a few minuits too cook, sure its not the healthiest food in the world, but its a damn sight better than McDonalds

Instant mashed potato- This goes with anything, and doesnt take long cause you buy instant, none of that mashing up potatoes yourself.

Theres no end to the list. Use fast food every once in a while, but do not over indulge.

Thanks.

   Thu May 1, 2008    Reply         

QUOTE (Wetton)

I can see what you mean about the dangers of smoking, and people getting help, why shouldn't it be the same for obesity? It shouldn't. I'm not against them getting help, but I do think its their fault. People who die of lung cancer from smoking, yeah its sad, and maybe a little harsh, but they were the ones to choose to take up smoking in the 1st place, they were ware of the risks.
Link: view Post: 387685


People aren't perfect - they make mistakes. Don't tell me you've never done something that endangers your health or personal safety just because it seems like a good idea at the time. (If you haven't, you will). The thing about smoking is you do it once and you find you're not addicted yet, you do it again and until you do find yourself addicted. It draws you into a false sense of security.

QUOTE (Wetton)

The government have banned smoking in public places such as restaraunts, mainly cause it damages other people health too, via passive smoking. its not like they can just ban eating in public places such as restaraunts though.
Link: view Post: 387685


No, that would be stupid. :)

QUOTE (Wetton)

There are a number of groups out there dedicated to helping people loose weight. Weight watchers, Fat fighters, Slim fast. There are many solutions, but some people just arent taking it upon themselves to try and sort it out.
Link: view Post: 387685


FatFighters :lol: ;)

People aren't taking them up because they're lazy and these weight-loss "clubs" cost money. People are by nature inconsiderate to the future and despite how much they get told, don't quite comprehend the consequences of their actions. Why do think people still take drugs? They know the risks inside out, sure, but something about human nature does not stop them doing it. It's not a fault with the addicts specifically, it's a fault with people in general. Put yourself in the situation where you go to a party, all your friends are smoking and they offer you one, what do you do? Deny? They'll only keep bugging you until you do...


QUOTE (Wetton)

Pasta- This can take as little as 20 minutes, and if you cant be bothered, you could always use the pasta sauce in jars, rather than making your own.


Sausages- By frozen sausages in a bag, they only take a few minuits too cook, sure its not the healthiest food in the world, but its a damn sight better than McDonalds

Instant mashed potato- This goes with anything, and doesnt take long cause you buy instant, none of that mashing up potatoes yourself.

Theres no end to the list. Use fast food every once in a while, but do not over indulge.
Link: view Post: 387685


No vegetables in your quick meal suggestions then?! For all the good a meal of sausages, pasta and instant mash potato will do you, you might as well be eating burgers - at least they come with lettuces and tomatoes in them!

   Thu May 1, 2008    Reply         

Yes it would be stupid to ban eating in restaraunts :lol:

QUOTE

People aren't taking them up because they're lazy and these weight-loss "clubs" cost money.


Yes, people are lazy. It is up to them to pull their fingers out and try something. Some people should set up local weight watchers or whatever clubs for free, I suppose. But who cares if it costs, good help doesn't come cheap. For those less fortunate who can't afford it, thay can still excercise and choose to eat healthily. Fat fighters and weight watchers mainly work because its easier to loose weight if you have the encouragement from other people trying to do the same, much like stop-smoking groups. I'm sure everyone can find a fat-friend who they can talk to and they can both diet.

You are right, I have made mistakes that endanger my life, in fact- most of my hobbies include risking my life (Free running with friends ETC) But I'm not stupid enough to blame the government if I fall, like the obese society are blaming others.

Y'know what really grinds my gears? Fast food restaraunts saying their meals are healthy cause they have a slice of tomato with them. They still have the same fastty foods, but they are havving MORE by having salad, too. This is actually even more unhealthy cause people are still eating the fast foods, PLUS the salad. Although salad isnt bad for you, it doesn't mean that the food it touches also isnt bad, otherwise everyone would rub lettuce on their chocolate before eating...

Irealise there are no vegetables in my examples, but everything can be served with salad rather than fries/beans or whatever else you would serve those things with. I did say the list goes on, and it does. Salad is just one of the many quick and easy options.

I have realised that people don't like salad because of hgow it is viewed globally. People on T.V saying "Eat your greens" to their children and what-not, who refuse because it is nasty. People don't want to try Salad because they dont think it will taste nice, due to how people talk about it. This plays a big part in why people try fast foods, too. It is viewed as the tasty sustinance, and so people choose it over a healthier meal.

Thanks.

P.S- I know it seems I'm arguing with you but I am greatful for the replies XD Good discussion to be honest.

   Thu May 1, 2008    Reply         

QUOTE (Wetton)

Yes, people are lazy. It is up to them to pull their fingers out and try something. Some people should set up local weight watchers or whatever clubs for free, I suppose.
Link: view Post: 387703


Lol - the "can't someone else do it?" attitude. But anyway, someone has, the NHS run numerous stop-smoking programmes, advertise on TV and lots more. Help is there. But no-one is forcing people to quit as it's their personal choice and withdrawing free help for cancer victims caused by smoking would be seen as taking away that right to choice. Because of this right, there will always be some people who choose against and they have the right to get free treatment.

QUOTE (Wetton)

But who cares if it costs, good help doesn't come cheap. For those less fortunate who can't afford it, thay can still excercise and choose to eat healthily. Fat fighters and weight watchers mainly work because its easier to loose weight if you have the encouragement from other people trying to do the same, much like stop-smoking groups. I'm sure everyone can find a fat-friend who they can talk to and they can both diet.
Link: view Post: 387703


You do know Fat Fighters isn't a real weight-loss club?!

Anyway, I am not fat myself and I do not know any fat people although I do know of fat people. I'm sure they wouldn't want to be diet-buddies with me even if I were fat. Life's not as simple as you make it out to be...

QUOTE (Wetton)

You are right, I have made mistakes that endanger my life, in fact- most of my hobbies include risking my life (Free running with friends ETC) But I'm not stupid enough to blame the government if I fall, like the obese society are blaming others.
Link: view Post: 387703


That's because you make the choice to do free-running totally independently. Your parents didn't take you free-running with friends from a young age, like fast-food addicts were; and the media did not pressure you to either. Never underestimate the power of parents and the media.

Also, if you did fall, I bet you would expect the government to provide you with nurses and a hospital bed, despite knowingly undertaking those risks.

QUOTE (Wetton)

Y'know what really grinds my gears? Fast food restaraunts saying their meals are healthy cause they have a slice of tomato with them. They still have the same fastty foods, but they are havving MORE by having salad, too. This is actually even more unhealthy cause people are still eating the fast foods, PLUS the salad. Although salad isnt bad for you, it doesn't mean that the food it touches also isnt bad, otherwise everyone would rub lettuce on their chocolate before eating...
Link: view Post: 387703


By advertising their food as healthy, they are persuading the more health-conscious people to join and perhaps eat some of their less healthy food. The power of the media. And because fast-food addicts were and still are, under their control, as it were, they keep on going; it is not their fault: they should get free help.

QUOTE (Wetton)

I realise there are no vegetables in my examples, but everything can be served with salad rather than fries/beans or whatever else you would serve those things with. I did say the list goes on, and it does. Salad is just one of the many quick and easy options.
Link: view Post: 387703


Chips are easier than salad. Salad takes time to prepare. Cutting up all the fruits and vegetables etc... It might sound stupid but that is their mentality and they won't see the other way. It is, whatever you say, still easier just to go down to McDonalds. Besides that, you can't have salad every night because it would get bland and boring.

QUOTE (Wetton)

I have realised that people don't like salad because of hgow it is viewed globally. People on T.V saying "Eat your greens" to their children and what-not, who refuse because it is nasty. People don't want to try Salad because they dont think it will taste nice, due to how people talk about it. This plays a big part in why people try fast foods, too. It is viewed as the tasty sustinance, and so people choose it over a healthier meal.
Link: view Post: 387703


Again, the social impact of the media means that it is not the addicts' fault. Why do you therefore not agree that help should be provided for them to stop?


QUOTE (Wetton)

P.S- I know it seems I'm arguing with you but I am greatful for the replies XD Good discussion to be honest.
Link: view Post: 387703


Tis a good discussion... :lol:

   Fri May 2, 2008    Reply         

Yes, I do know Fat Fighters isnt real (Little Britain ftw :lol:)

You say that salad takes time.. Seriously, if they are too lazy to be bothered cutting up some veggies then its purely their own fault that they are fat. And life is simple if you know hoe to play it right, why wouldn't people want to be diet buddies with you? Knowing that theres somebody else doing it with you gives you the determination not to let them down, you dont see a problem with letting yourself down, but you'd hate to let somebody else down. The NHS adverts on T.V say you are 40% more likely to quit with them, than if you go it alone. I don't see how it would be different for belly-busting.

As far as I am aware- There IS help for those who seek it- FREE. Most people seem to be embarassed though, and don't have the courage to go to a gym or weight loss club. I can understand why, tbh, I can see it must be hard.

Yes, the media does have a HUGE impact on how food is viewed, and I agree they should get help- I'm not saying that they shouldn't. What I'm saying is they should be prepared to try, they'll get nowhere otherwise.



This thread was supposed to be a 'Who's to blame' thread, and its turned into more of a 'How to loose weight' Thread, still a good topic none the less.

   Sun May 4, 2008    Reply         

The problem seems to be twofold as in a lack of eduction reguarding diet and the rubbish found in food now adays.

It seems that in the UK most obesity is most commomn on families on a low income bracket, due to this cheaper food stuffs are bought these are mainly processed foods. These foods stuff are usually made with stuff you will not want to know! Such as recovered meats, which the taste and apperance are changed drastically with dyes added sugars added salt etc.
This is not health food but if you are on a budget, combined with working late, this is what you are going to be servering your kids. Needs must, this trend started in the 80's and now those adults raised then are giving their offspring the food that they have always known.

Its these kids that must be educated in proper eating, along with govermental sancations on the food producers.

Once the chain is broken obesity levels with be reduced and the only reson why the goverment is now watching over this issue due to the cost of the health service wil have to pay in the long run.

But another factor to take into consideration is that the way the media portrays the ultra slim giving the impression that certain persons although having a safe and suitable body maybe deemed as obese.

   Fri Jan 29, 2010    Reply         

obesity really is a serious problem. this post offers a lot of helpful insights. i really try to get my younger cousins, neices, and nephews to get active and do some sports and not just sit around watching tv or playing xbox.

   Tue Aug 3, 2010    Reply         

why blame fast food joints for a problem thats only brought about by the fact that we are all tryna get more for less.

I think the blame goes to the whole food industry tryna cash in on Genetically modified foods. I mean shouldnt the guys making the chemicals that speed up chicken or beef growth take into consideration that the people who will eat the food has minimal excercise and hence the side eefcet will be fatten. And this is not just children but adults as well.

Has the food industry ever cared bout people or just about profits cause if you look at countries like africa they grow their own food in the feilds or farms and they eat organic products 90% of the time. You find they are not obese because they have to walk 5 Kilometres to get to school early morning and another 5 kilometres from school. so they automatically have done a fat burning excercise and there is hardly much chance of a build up of fat in the body unless its a genetic inheritance. For most people junk food is a lunchtime meal and an evening snack but because of the high amount of walking and running after the buses or public transport as they have to fight for entry into the trains or buses as they full up quickly and if you dont shove and push with the rest you will get home after 3 hours or get to work very late.

They dont need gyms to excercise, their whole life is full of excercise. Yes they eat fast foods but you will find the source of the fast foods is organic and hence not as fattening as in western countries. I mean diseases like diabetes are there but very low in number. But if only you knew how high their sugar content is in africa you'd realise that Western world countries are having a major prolem with their genetically enhanced food.

Yet you will find people saying its the parents fault, its the fast foods industries fault. Look The Fast food Industry is there to make money ad hence they will get the cheapest product and sell it for the mosst profit so we can not really blame a business man for wanting to make profits. And if a product is available and cheap why should people not buy it. Arent we all looking for a bargains included in the list beiong fast food. Its Todays world i blame. We have cheap cars and they are the main problem source, we have electrical bikes and those are the problem. We have paedophiles and they are the main problem. You see from my point of view its not that a person goes to the gym because we cant practically afford to have a gym membership for the whole family. So what should we do. If only the world didnt have paedophiles then things wouodl be better, kids would be not obese. Every parent wants to protect their child and now drives their child to school. They by scooters and electric bikes for their kids which means the kids only walk to the driveway and then sit all the way to school then get up and walk to class. They spend all day except break time and toilet time sat down and walk back to the school gate sit in the car or on a bike and once home only walk back into the house.

They hardly burn any fat so their body is just pilling on fat which is actually the food which was meant to be burned as energy but never was. Hence instead of eating 2kgs of food, burning 1,9kgs of it into eanergy to carry on the days activities and then storing 0.1kg as reserve energy (fat) the process is totally reversed we only using 0.1kg as energy then convert the rest to fats so tell me how long before we are all obese.
We need to start letting our kids walk to the shops and to school and get involved in school sports like athletics and tennis and squash those high energy sorts which makes our kids run around and not be just idle and lazy.

We cant start blaming parents and fast food shops when the truth is probably that they are not responsible for the problem anyway and besides whats the point of blaming each toher instead of offerign a solution.

   Tue Aug 3, 2010    Reply         

The problem has nothing to do with fast food. People stab each other to death too -- does that mean we should blame every knife-maker in the world because it's their fault they create sharp objects?

The truth is nobody forces anyone to go get fast food. Many people have *never* eaten fast food before. You can't possibly try to blame someone else because of a choice you make.

Not to mention fast food isn't what makes people fat -- it's the lack of burning calories. There are people in the Olympics who posted their diets and some of them require 20k+ calories a day (meaning the equivalent of 20-25 double cheeseburgers at McDonald's). Yet they aren't fat. Why? Because they burn as many (or more) calories as they take in.

If people would learn to quit blaming everything on OTHERS and accept responsibility for their own actions, people would be living much better lives right now. Until people grow up and admit that not everything is someone else's fault, nothing will ever change.

   Tue Aug 3, 2010    Reply         

I know! Blame President Bush!!!! :rolleyes:
Might as well, he gets blamed for everything else!

I think the problem is very complex. Personally I think the big culpret are these stupid machines we park our rapidly expanding rear ends in front of for hours on end. I really never thought I would live to see the day that they had to start an advertising campaigne on TV encouraging children to GO OUT AND PLAY! What is up with that???? When I was a kid you couldn't keep kids in the house, we were outside every minute we could get out, playing games, riding bikes (or horses if you were country kids) and all and all getting tons of exercise.

We had health classes in school that taught us about the basic food groups and how we should eat so many servings of each every day, I think they probably still do that. Education is key, and somewhere in there a little common sense might prevail, guidence from parents in food choises, having sit down home cooked balanced and healthy meals with the family might go a long way.

I don't think fast food is popular because it's cheap. I can spend more money at McDonalds and still be hungry than I can if I go to a good resturant and have a good meal.

   Wed Sep 8, 2010    Reply         

QUOTE (rpgsearcherz)

Not to mention fast food isn't what makes people fat -- it's the lack of burning calories. There are people in the Olympics who posted their diets and some of them require 20k+ calories a day (meaning the equivalent of 20-25 double cheeseburgers at McDonald's). Yet they aren't fat. Why? Because they burn as many (or more) calories as they take in.
Link: view Post: 492805

Well, there is some evidence that it actually IS the diet and no so much the activity..
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10545542
Obviously your basic point is correct: if calories-in minus calories-out>0 then you put on weight..

   Fri Sep 10, 2010    Reply         

Obesity is the parents fault. No matter how much unhealthy food kids eats when they are with their friends, they are not going to get fat just for a greasy meal every other day. Now if your kids spend most of their days out in the street, then it is still the parents fault, where are they?, if you do not have time to take care of your children then don´t have any children until you organize your time, kids need care, protection, guidance, and that applies to food as well, is your responsibility as a parent to give them healthy foods, and to teach them what to eat and what not to eat, it is not like you are not going to give your children some candy once in a while, but to also teach them self control, I have seen children on television, who need to be eating the whole time, to one point where their parents have to put locks on the refrigerator or cabinets, these children did not become like that after night, off course since they were little, their parents did not teach them good eating habits and now they are out of control, is like those parents that does not have any rules in the house and when the kids are teenagers they can control them anymore, it is a process a learning process for the kids to learn to eat healthy and maintain a healthy life of exercise, god food, and some junk food because let´s face it is really good, who does not like a shake, or a hamburger once in a while??.

I don´t think we can blame the food industry directly about kids obesity, because even though is not like they advertise that you are going to get fat just by eating their fries, they do put the calories and stuff of the food you are eating, it´s like cigarettes and alcohol, you do know that if you do it in excess you are going to get sick, but it is your own self control that make you stop at a certain point, and they do say that alcohol y bad for your health, cigarettes too, blah blah, so basically they are just doing their job, making money, you would not complaint about it if you were the one receiving the millionaire earnings they make every year with their food.

The kids mmm noppp, they are just kids, they eat based on their parent eating habits, so if you give them a good example and eat all of your veggies they are going to eat them too, and probably they are not going to like every single veggie in the world, but if you let them try, different forms, shapes, flavors, preparations, they there is going to be one they are going to like, probably not row or in salad, but maybe soup or juice or cake, there are so many ways children can enjoy healthy foods you just have to be creative with them.

   Thu Dec 2, 2010    Reply         

It seems to me know a days that parents aren't being strict enough with their children.. its not all parents just some of them.. or a majority of them.. what ever, but if their child is crying for something, they feel too embarrassed especially when they are in public, and they give the kid what they want. This leads to candy everyday, letting them sit on the couch and play video games.. what ever it is that their child wants that will keep them from throwing a fit, they give to them. I think this is mostly due to all the teenagers having babies now. No to say that they are bad parents, its just that they haven't had proper guidelines to being a parent.. most of which are still immature... Obesity in kids is a growing epidemic, and parents are about 85% of the reason why.. This is my opinion, please don't harshly criticize me, everyone is entitled to their own!

   Sat Dec 4, 2010    Reply         

I believe that the fact that kids and teenagers are getting more inactive everyday is much more of a cause for obesity than fast food. Fast food is a major reason for obesity but I believe that inactivity affects the obesity factor more. If you look in the United States, you will see how inactive people are. In every other house, you will probably see a kid playing Black Ops, watching a movie, playing an MMORPG, being lazy, watching television, etc. There is not anything wrong with the list that I just provided but no kids are being active anymore. They would much rather stay home than go outside and get some exercise. A good reason for this is probably the fact that they don't have the motivation to exercise. Who actually just suddenly decides to go outside and run for 30 minutes straight? I will assure you that that is not the case with many people.

   Mon Dec 6, 2010    Reply         

there is two games available for fighting with obesity which are named ‘Escape from Diab’ , ‘Nanoswarm: Invasion from Inner Space’. i don't know how they will fight against obesity but i think if they do the effectiveness will be very low because they are video games and playing a video game means sitting and no physical activity.

fast foods aren't only dangerous for children because of they high fat or salt (which cause obesity) they are more dangerous because of their preservative substances which will cause cancer. so not using them will save you from two dangerous situations one is obesity and another one is cancers. anyway learning these to small children is very hard and maybe a video game helps :D even if it doesn't increase physical activity.

   Tue Dec 7, 2010    Reply         

For coping this problem ,you can't force children to eat healthy you have to teach them how to eat healthy and live a healthier lifestyle. ..

   Fri Nov 18, 2011    Reply         

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