Whose problem is child obesity?

[Nani]

Many of the schools around here are taking steps against child obesity. Seems like some of them have gone over board with "no sugar" on campus rules--giving the kids apples and carrot sticks for their holiday parties, etc. I'd like the schools to educate the kids about healthy eating, but as the parent I'd like to decide the balance between healthy eating and enjoying life...! It's like prohibition is back. Is it like that everywhere?

Nani

[Audrey]

I don't have young kids, but I can tell you that at the high school level they have begun offering healthy choices and they have removed some of the soda machines.

[Ravish30]

I saw this happening around here when Jen was a Junior and Senior in High School.

However, I have a neice who is 32 and all 3 of her children are obese (ages 17, 15 and 12) and I can tell you as a FACT its because she feeds them JUNK at home and she is also obese.

[Lori]

I think it should be up to the parent what they SEND their child to school with for snacks and lunch.

But what I don't like is the vending machines in schools and easy access to junk food that parents don't choose to give them at home.

I think whatever a school serves should be healthy, with the exception of a small desert with hot lunches or special treats at a party.

I don't want my kids buying sodas from vending machines though.

[ALNMedia]

I do agree with removing vending machines from schools. However, I don't think removing sugar in general is good thing. I definitely promote keeping sugar to a minimum, but not banning all together.

[MaryAnn]

I think that child obesity problem is more than just the food. On the food front, I think the schools should teach healthy eating and healthy choices by providing nutritious meals, getting rid of vending machines and allowing sweets on occasion - the way we are supposed to eat.

I think our kids are too sedentary - they don't go out and play anymore. They sit in front of the TV, computer or video games way too much. They are chauffeured to and from events. We have just grown too slothful in general as a society.

Additionally, I think parents allow their children to eat junk food by relying on fast food and having sweets/snacks in the house. Children will learn to like what is available. They will like fruits and vegetables as snacks if that is what they are raised on. I don't think they should have soda, cake, cookies, etc. everyday. Those are things that should be saved for special occasions.

As a "super size" society, we have super sized our kids.

[usbornelynsey]

This is an interesting and complex problem. Last year I did a college research paper on the subject for my English class. I thought some of you might be interested in reading it.

However, the attachment says it is too big. I will try to post it later as more than one post.

[marieta]

Child Obesity is a very big problem.
I hope this problem will not be plaguing us in the future.

[veronicagoldy]

I saw an article some time back that said schools in Arkansas are sending home report cards regarding their child's obesity. Other states are supposedly going to adopt this idea. How would you parents react to this?

[Audrey]

I think that's funny. A non qualified person is going to rate a child's obesity? For what purpose?

[usbornelynsey]

I am unable to post my report on child obesity. If anyone is interested in reading it, please e-mail me or send me a private message and I will e-mail it to you as an attachment.

It is an interesting read on the subject, and I believe it was pretty well researched.