Childhood Obesity Paper
Magen Fullwood
Instructor Leishman
English 1123-5513
6 May 2010
The Use of Medication to Treat Childhood Obesity Experts agree that none of the medications currently being used in the war against childhood obesity miracle cures for the nation 's nine million obese children. However, research generated during the development of these drugs has helped to identify the underlying factors contributing to the continual obesity rates in American children. A reduction in physical education programs in schools, the growing number toward vending machines in public places, and the growth in fast-food restaurants have all contributed to the national curse. Conclusive evidence now exists for the need for the development of a comprehensive test for the treatment of this problem. Addressing this problem will call for more than just a doctor and his prescription pad. Parents, teachers, policy makers, and children 's advocates must mobilize and form action plans against this threat to our children. (James) Children should become more involved with activity 's outside rather than playing video games or watching TV inside all day. In my opinion, young children that are sheltered by their parents are the main ones that suffer from obesity problems, because they are not allowed to participate in many activity 's that might help them acquire the exercise that they need. When a child or an adult for that matter become obese it can cause many problems to their health and outlook on life. Kaiser said, "Obesity puts children at risk for a number of medical complications, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and orthopedic problems." These are terrible complications for anybody to suffer from, but it would be very unfortunate for younger children, because they have the rest of their lives to live and to live with one of these complications would be terrible. Even though modest weight loss has been documented with the use of medication, the use of drugs for
Instructor Leishman
English 1123-5513
6 May 2010
The Use of Medication to Treat Childhood Obesity Experts agree that none of the medications currently being used in the war against childhood obesity miracle cures for the nation 's nine million obese children. However, research generated during the development of these drugs has helped to identify the underlying factors contributing to the continual obesity rates in American children. A reduction in physical education programs in schools, the growing number toward vending machines in public places, and the growth in fast-food restaurants have all contributed to the national curse. Conclusive evidence now exists for the need for the development of a comprehensive test for the treatment of this problem. Addressing this problem will call for more than just a doctor and his prescription pad. Parents, teachers, policy makers, and children 's advocates must mobilize and form action plans against this threat to our children. (James) Children should become more involved with activity 's outside rather than playing video games or watching TV inside all day. In my opinion, young children that are sheltered by their parents are the main ones that suffer from obesity problems, because they are not allowed to participate in many activity 's that might help them acquire the exercise that they need. When a child or an adult for that matter become obese it can cause many problems to their health and outlook on life. Kaiser said, "Obesity puts children at risk for a number of medical complications, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and orthopedic problems." These are terrible complications for anybody to suffer from, but it would be very unfortunate for younger children, because they have the rest of their lives to live and to live with one of these complications would be terrible. Even though modest weight loss has been documented with the use of medication, the use of drugs for
Cited: Bott, John Entwhist and Jane. The Growing Epidemic of Obesity. London: Liverwright, 2010. James. Surviving the Threat to Our Health. Chicago: Penguin, 2010. Kaiser, Henry J. "The Role of the Media in Childhood Obesity." 4 May 2010. The Kaiser Foundation. 12 December 2007 <http://www.kaiserstudies.edu>.