Compared to earlier generations, young people engage in fewer physical activities, resulting in an increase in obese children. The main problems this causes are immobility and health problems, and the most viable solutions are raising awareness and more physical exercise at school.
Heavier children cannot move as freely as people at a normal weight. This is because these young people have larger bodies, getting in the way and hindering them from performing normal tasks easily, such as tying shoelaces. Furthermore, obesity can cause several health issues, especially when the weight problems started at a young age. The main reason for this is the strain the extra weight puts on the body, particularly on the joints and the heart. For example, obese children cannot play active games, like catch, in the same way as their peers with a healthy weight because they feel pain in their legs or get out of breath earlier.
One way to overcome these problems is by informing children and parents about the consequences of obesity. If people are made aware of the risks and causes of excess fat, the chances that they will try to counteract the effects will increase and lower the prevalence of obesity in future generations. Another solution is to increase the activity levels at school. Children spend a long time at school mostly sitting, only contributing to a sedentary lifestyle. By incorporating little exercises during and in between classes, young people would be forced to move more. For instance, teachers could let their students learn new content by exploring an area in the vicinity.
In conclusion, obesity hinders children from moving effortlessly and makes them more prone to disease. Spreading the word about the seriousness of severe overweight and introducing active exercises into the classroom are two possible solutions.