Essay on Preventing Childhood Obesity in Australia

Introduction â€Å"During the past two decades, the prevalence of obesity in children has risen greatly worldwide. Obesity in childhood causes a wide range of serious complications, and increases the risk of premature illness and death later in life, raising public-health concerns.† (Ebbeling, Pawlak Ludwig, 2002 p.471) Currently in the Australian community and schools there is an obesity epidemic in young people with many children doing less and less physical activity then advised. â€Å"In 2007-08 the National health survey, run by the Australian Government indicated that 24.9% of children aged 5-17 years old were either overweight or obese† (Healthy Active, 2009). These figures show that children are not being properly educated about healthy†¦show more content†¦Physical activity also has benefits for childrens social and emotional development and cognitive development. These benefits include being part of a team and making friends through group sports, which have a maj or impact on social and emotional development. The effect of obesity on children is closely linked to many bad health habits such as diet, smoking and drug use which in turn can affect a childs academic performance (Goran et al., 1999). Physical activity, if encouraged at a young age, can reduce the likelihood of children developing these behaviours and focus on their academic performance and cognitive development. As children in this age range are in their fundamental development stage, it is important that educators and parents alike, teach children about the importance of physical activity at a young age in order to prevent health and social well-being problems in their adult years. The Teachers Role in Addressing and Preventing Obesity â€Å"Schools have been recognised as an appropriate setting for the prevention of eating disorders and child obesity due to the continual and concentrated access to a large number of individuals at a developmentally appropriate age† (Yager O’Dea, 2005). If teachers and health professionals believe that changes need to be made toShow MoreRelatedPreventing Childhood Obesity in Australia Essay1031 Words   |  5 PagesChildhood obesity is becoming more prevalent in the western world as statistics show that in Australia, one quarter of children are either overweight or obese. (Australian Bureau of statistics) Teachers have a role and opportunity to be an influence on students. They can train and develop good eating habits as well as encourage physical activity. The age 2-6 will be the focus of preventing obesity. This is a fantastic age group to work with as they are at the age to start good habits in allRead MoreSchools Should Implement Programs Tailored to Prevent Childhood Obesity796 Words   |  4 Pagesadverse consequences of childhood obesity on the overall prosperity of the country, elucidating the urgent requirement of prevention programs in schools. Childhood obesity is one of the most alarming public health challenges of the 21st century(World health organisation.(2012). Obesity according to Bruce-Keller et al.(2009) is ‘a physiological condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that it can negatively affect health’. Over 90% of children in Australia attend school, more thanRead MoreObesity and Physical Activity in Schools1476 Words   |  6 Pageshaving an effect on the prevalence of obesity and related illnesses in society. â€Å"Obesity is increasing steeply in Australia† ( Magarey, A . M., Daniels, L. A. and Boulton, T. 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With fastRead MoreChildhood Obesity Is An Alarming Issue In Australia, And1434 Words   |  6 PagesChildhood obesity is an alarming issue in Australia, and there is not only a rapid national epidemic in Australia and around the world. Obese children are likely to develop detrimental problems in their health and have enduring social, health and economic effects that permeate throughout adulthood. Early detection and management of childhood obesity are critical in preventing obesity during adulthood, considering it is a significant contributor to the adulthood epidemic. Thus, there are several socialRead MorePhysical Activ ity in Primary School Children Essay1559 Words   |  7 Pagessuch as watching television or computer games, are fuelling the unhealthy lifestyle epidemic in children. Physical activity in middle childhood, (8 to12 year olds), is a crucial component in addressing and preventing this crisis, and it appears that schools in conjunction with teachers have a large role to play. 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