In some countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some people think that it is the responsibility of governments to solve the problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health threats in modern day society. While some people say that the government should hold the responsibility for tackling the problem, I strongly believe that collective actions of individuals and the authority are needed to combat the childhood obesity crisis.
First, advocates of the former argument would point out that it is the duty of the government to ensure healthy communities and address public health concerns including childhood obesity epidemic. For instance, they should initiate several strategies aimed at increasing habitual physical activity and sports participation, thereby reducing obesity rates. In addition, the authority also has a part to play in the heavy bombardment of unhealthy food advertising targeting children. In other words, the authority should impose strict censorship of material before it is published, slashing the constant stream of ads for junk food.
On the other hand, eating behaviors that affect weight are heavily influenced by elders in a family. The involvement of parents and caretakers, therefore, will be needed to reverse the epidemic. During early childhood, parents are the main source of children’s food and drink which determines whether or not kids experience unhealthy weight gain. Moreover, as children often unconsciously imitate words and actions of others, parents could serve as powerful role models in establishing healthy eating habits and being physically active. Ultimately, under careful parental supervision, children would participate in more active pursuits and adopt healthy eating patterns; hence, lower obesity rates ensue.
In conclusion, in order to confront growing level of childhood obesity, joint efforts of government agencies and families are essential to promote a more responsible lifestyle choice in young generations.
