Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Teen Obesity-Morgan Harkness



            Studies are showing weight loss in teenagers across the U.S. Healthier foods are being consumed, at least one hour of exercise is in effect and the amount of television being watched has decreased. Obesity has been a big problem in the U.S. It is more prevalent in teens. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, started a campaign called “Let’s Move!”. Her goal is to help children get to a healthy future. She believes many people have a role in helping reducing childhood obesity. 
            This study consisted of 34,000 teenagers ranging from 6th to 10th grade. There were 3 different time periods: one from 2001-2002-, another from 2005-2006 and finally one from 2009-2010. The participants take annual questionnaires with questions like types of food they eat, if breakfast is a regular habit and about physical activities. Other questions are their weight and height and screen time activity (computer use, television or video games).  After looking at these results, there has been a decline in the obesity rate.

The Results:

2001-2002:
Overweight: 14.9%
Obese: 10.3%

2005-2006:
Overweight: 17%
Obese: 12.7%

2009-2010:
Overweight: 16.6%
Obese: 12.7%

            Physical activity and studying time went up slightly and the TV time dropped.

            I think the obesity rate in this country is frightening. Even after the slight decline I still feel like food is a big issue in the U.S. We eat very differently from other countries. The obese rate stayed the same after about 3 years and the overweight category is still high. This article is meant for parents, teenagers and health care professionals. The author of this article is Serena Gordon for the HealthDay.

Article:

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