The issue of obesity in young people under the age of 18 has become a matter of great concern in many countries. This essay aims to examine the reasons for this and suggest possible solutions.
One important reason is the cheap price of junk food, which is a vital trigger of obesity in children. It is affordable, and one can get it anywhere; it can even be found in school canteens. Children under the age of 18 need guidance and restrictions on what they should consume to grow healthy. School canteens need to be regulated regarding the list of foods they can offer. Authorities should pay attention to this and work alongside.
Another significant factor is that unhealthy foods, like sweets, chocolate, and high-calorie fast food, are constantly marketed on TV, billboards, and social media, whose main target is often people under the age of 18 who have no idea of the harm they can perceive from one bite on a daily basis. Things should be controlled as they were with cigarettes and alcoholic drinks. Also, they need to not be shown during daytime on TV to avoid any contact between those foods and children.
In addition to consuming junk food, lifestyle has something to do with the problem. The lack of interest among teenagers in sports or other outdoor activities is clearly seen in today’s world. Children are fond of spending time in front of screens rather than enjoying outdoor activities. These are things that can prevent pupils from being active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Physical education hours in schools should be increased, and weekly term exams should be welcomed.
If governments were to follow these suggestions step by step, it would prevent childhood obesity and reduce the statistics of obese young people.