English B1A CLASS PACK - Bakersfield College

Apart 6(Rimm and Rimm 29). Obviously, obese children are suffering from low self-esteem and a lackof confidence if they feel that their quality of life is as bad as or worse than children with apotentially life-threatening illness. There are many factors that have contributed to the currentobesity epidemic including environmental factors, sedentary lifestyles, consuming high calorienon-nutritional foods, and the media. Furthermore, family dynamics today are definitely differentcompared to the past and may also play a role in the increased incidence in childhood obesity.The traditional American family has changed over the past thirty years. With more dualincome families, mothers are working outside the home; therefore, families are eatingwholesome home cooked meals less frequently than in the past. Families are eating more prepackagedfoods and eating out more often at restaurants. Most of these foods have a higher fat,sugar, and salt content. Consequently, these foods have a higher calorie content which causeschildren to consume more calories than they expend, contributing to higher obesity rates.According to Weight in America, “nearly half of California teens (48%) eat fast food every day,and many eat fast food more than once a day” (Wexler 65). In addition, since children are homealone more often now than in the past, with no adult supervision, they are snacking on caloriedensefoods which are also contributing to their increased caloric intake. One of the factors thathave contributed to the increase in childhood obesity is a sedentary (not physically active)lifestyle.To promote increased physical activity, “The CDC has recommended that childrenshould receive a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity a day.” (Wilkinson) Sadly, mostchildren don’t meet the minimum standards. Additionally, due to budget cuts, some schools arecutting physical education classes; consequently, children are receiving less physical activity.26