Did you think being fat or obese is just your problem? Was it just limited to some fellow mates bullying you and judging you? Can it be the reason to affect the economy of the world’s biggest superpower? Well, it is bigger than just you and me.
Childhood obesity has been a major concern of the people in America. In the last three decades, childhood obesity rates have almost tripled in America. Nearly one-third of children are obese or overweight. The productivity levels have gone down severely because of most of them being unhealthy. Also, health issues like high blood pressure and high sugar levels have been prevalent in young aged people. Michelle Obama started an anti-childhood obesity campaign “Healthy Kids, Healthy future” while she was the First Lady of America. She focused on generating enough resources to make an impact. The initiative works upon four areas majorly- healthy lunches, physical exercise, access to affordable healthy food options and a marketing campaign to publicise it all. It helped to alleviate children’s interest in physical games and activities in their leisure time. Northeastern University’s students actively contributed to this program in the Boston neighbourhoods by coming out in large numbers. They created awareness about the need for a healthy body structure and a controlled weight gain. This program also looks forward to educating the young parents and guardians about how to take care of a growing child’s health. It helps them learn ways to prevent childhood obesity from an early age. The program also reached out to schools and learning centres asking them to include health education in their curriculum right away from beginner grade students. Providing information and learnings about the problem helps to prevent it at the larger dimension.
It is important to realise that the obesity epidemic is complex. The going has been tough with slow results but Mrs. Obama made it clear that it will be a long journey with more obstacles and less motivation. However, the need is to stick with it in the long run and eventually it will all be worth it!
Luvpreet Singh