Persuasion: The Obesity Campaign

The campaign to end childhood obesity has been an ongoing process and has been affecting millions of Americans for many years. According to facts and research the rate of childhood obesity more than doubled from 1980 to 2000 (“End to Obesity,” n.d., para. 1-2). With the numbers of childhood obesity significantly increasing in the past decade it has become a main focus within the campaign. If the community can help children now, there is a possibility that in the future obesity will no longer be a problem in America.

Within this campaign there are many movements’ people have proposed to decrease this problem. Let’s Move, Play 60, and Pass the Plate are a few movements’ people are trying to express to end such a never ending process. Obesity in America has become overwhelming, though there are many people out there trying to solve this problem so that one day people will grow up healthier and stronger.

Americans love their food as the United States has become one of the fattest countries in the world. There are multiple components that come together when it comes to becoming obese, the most common being food. There are multiple ways these restaurants have attracted children, the big factor is the toy. McDonald’s happy meals for years have been promoting the toy the kids get when ordering a happy meal. Promoting this toy get the kids to beg their parents to take them to this place. Fast food restaurants are easy, fast and affordable which parents like. They are right at people’s feet and has truly taken a toll on the increase of obesity. Researchers Janet Currie, Stefano Della Vigna, Enrico Moretti, and Vikram Pathania took it upon themselves to look further on how fast food affects people, as they express, “Turning to the results, they find that proximity to a fast food restaurant significantly increases the risk of obesity” (Currie, n.d.). Though it is a quick meal fast food and food in general isn’t the only cause of obesity.

On average expert Edward Laskowski explains adults should get at least sixty minutes of physical activity a day (Laskowski, 2011). This is true for both adults and children. Children need just as much exercise as an adult. Whether this is walking the dog, riding a bike, or a full workout, getting up and being active is exercise. In today’s world everything is handed to us, therefore makes it easy for people to be incredibly lazy and not active. Obesity is just getting worse as young children grow up this way.

Childhood obesity has become a main topic for many; according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “in 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese” (“Childhood Obesity Facts,” 2013.). This is a struggling problem that too many kids have to face. Though some kids do not realize how much hate there is in the world, adults do. ABC news has an article about childhood obesity and recognizes the problems of having actual obese kids in the campaign pictures or regular kid’s Photoshop. “If you use real kids, you’re going to be called fat-shamers,” reporter Bazilian said. “On the other hand, if you take this kid and you Photoshop them, it’s really a no-win situation” (ABC News, 2013). With this being said there is no win on either side; though one thing is recognized between all this commotion, “But the latest ad, with its enhanced chubbiness and all, shows one thing is clear: People are talking about childhood obesity, which appears to be the point” (ABC News, 2013). Talking about the problem of childhood obesity will only help in the long run; being aware is the first step to solving a problem.

With the topic being talked about, many people did want to make a change for the future. With change in mind the first lady Michelle Obama recognized the problem in America. On February 9, 2010 Michelle Obama launched the Let’s Move program. This program has served as a tool to help the society recognize this growing problem and to provide a guide for a healthy lifestyle for children. Let’s Move is designed to solve the struggle of childhood obesity so that more children grow up with a healthier outlook on life. It is hard for children to determine what is good for their body, and having a cafeteria that serves many unhealthy and unbalanced meal choices isn’t helping the reduction of childhood obesity. To reduce this problem of unhealthy habits in the cafeteria Michelle Obama proposed the Healthier US School Challenge. The idea of this challenge is to teach nutrition, physical activity, and meal ideas to the students. Michelle Obama has taken many steps to see Let’s Move succeed with the many creative ideas she has shown. “Obesity rates among low-income preschoolers modestly declined in 19 U.S. states and territories between 2008 and 2011” (Kass, 2013). Taking action by learning, being active, and eating healthy are three easy ways to get up and “move”.

Let’s Move is not the only organization with people who care about the health of others. NFL Play 60 is a movement teaching kids the importance of physical activity. Kids admire those who “make it big” or are on TV. With the help from many Play 60 was put into action, and NFL players show these kids personally how staying healthy and eating right is important. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says, “Our players recognize the value of staying healthy and it's important that young fans also understand the benefits of exercise. NFL PLAY 60 is a significant tool in ensuring children get their necessary, daily physical activity” (Goodell, n.d).

Lastly, a movement that is hidden though many kids will see. Disney Channel is promoting healthy habits with the movement “pass the plate”. Pass the Plate is a way for kids to see how others around the world eat healthy and pick up healthy eating tips from the other countries. The famous Disney Channel star Brenda Song is the host for this particular show. As said before kids are more likely to get involved seeing someone they believe is a “star” is involved with the campaign.

Obesity is something that many people care and talk about. This campaign has been working hard to overcome barriers of how to get people involved. Millions of Americans struggle with being overweight, but when they recognize that there are so many ways to overcome this it will be life changing. Children shouldn’t have to deal with the pressure of what foods to eat not knowing what is good for their body and what is not. The many movements within this campaign have shown that overcoming obesity is possible, with the many ways to treat one’s body. Let’s Move, Play 60, and Pass the Plate are just a few of the many movements that have been promoted to help campaign the end of childhood obesity.

References

ABC News (2013, June 10). Obesity campaign slammed for digitally fattening kids. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/06/obesity-campaign-slammed-for-digitally- fattening-kids/

Childhood obesity facts. (2013, July 10). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm

Edward R. Laskowski, M. D. (2011, Jan 17). Mayo clinic . Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/AN01713

Goodell , R. (n.d.). Nfl play 60 . Retrieved from http://www.nflrush.com/play60/

Janet Currie, S. D. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nber.org/bah/2009no1/w14721.html

Kass, S. (2013, Aug 6). Evidence of progress:lets move blog . Retrieved from http://www.letsmove.gov/blog/2013/08/06/evidence-progress-new-cdc-report-shows-declines- childhood-obesity-rates-among-low-in

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.obesitycampaign.org/obesity_facts.asp