The Fuel of American Obesity

            "Since 1950, Obesity rates have increased by 214 percent" (Livestrong). Alarming rates like these need to be fixed. First we need to evaluate what is being done in school systems and find where we can increase food education. What we teach our children about food and how it is going to be a key concept in fixing the obesity epidemic because they are the future. Schools need to increase food education because children spend most of their time at schools. Also, society is changing so now parents are taking less time to teach them about food as we as good eating habits, but if kids received the education at school they are more likely to bring the information home to their parents. Until food education in schools increases obesity rates among our nation's youth will continue to rise. .
             Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity is measured, by Body Mass Index (BMI). Body Mass Index is calculated by pounds in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. Someone's whose BMI is between 25-29 is considered overweight and someone whose BMI is 30 or greater is considered obese. Obesity is such an important issue because of the many health risks involved with it. Some of the complications include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, hypertension and respiratory problems. "The rate of obesity in children ages 6-11 increased from 6.5 to 19.6 percent between the years 1980 and 2008. In just 28 years, obesity nearly tripled in all age groups under 18 years old. Between 16 to 33 percent of adolescents are now obese, meaning in certain parts of the United States one in three kids is obese" (Spark PE). People are more obese in the South or Midwest region of the United Sates than other regions. Researcher says that if something is not done to reverse these results this generation might be the first generation whose life expectancy is shorter than their parents.