Monday, March 15, 2010

Surroundings Contributing to teen obesity?

Surroundings Contribute to teen obesity

This article in USA today addresses the possible environmental factors that are influencing teen obesity such as sedentary activities, ‘food deserts’, unhealthy school food choices and television commercials. 

            However, the article never addresses the teenager’s individual responsibility of taking care of his or her own health.  Teenage obesity is largely influenced by the environment that surrounds them including their community, home and family situations.  There are so many factors that have to be considered when trying to solve the problem with obesity.  Not only do you have to improve the environment that surrounds the teenagers, but health education and promotion needs to be dealt with on the individual level. Teenagers have the choice when they see Hardees commercials as of whether to eat a burger or maybe try a healthier alternative like fruits and vegetables.  Even if you provide teens with the resources for a healthy lifestyle, if they are set on eating and living a certain lifestyle then they will still search out their old ways.  You cannot completely blame the environment for individual’s actions. It is still up to the teens to use their resources and change their old ways so they can turn their life around.  

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