In today's USA Today, there is an article about childhood obesity and nutritional education. It explains that these educational programs targeting children to change their eating habits have had almost no effect at all in getting kids to change what they eat. It goes on to say the the federal government is going to spend 1 billion dollars this year to continue such programs. Now, for my opinion of what's going on here.
It is atrocious what is happening to kids today in regards to obesity. As a parent, it is very concerning to me. However, spending a billion dollars on programs that have been clearly shown not to work is, quite simply, insane. The definition of insanity being, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. It's not going to happen. All this education will do is get kids to, maybe, be more positive about healthier foods. It doesn't get them to eat more healthy. The article cites many of excuses why children are fatter and even suggests a socio-economic reason. While I'm sure this plays a role, it is nothing really more than an excuse because there are obese kids in all socio-economic levels, so it is simply one factor. I think this billion dollars would be better spent educating parents to the dangers of childhood obesity and how to help their children eat healthy. Also, some education to parents in how to say no to their children would be the best thing anyone could do. The simple truth in this country is that parents will feed their children whatever the kid wants in order to quiet them down or have some time to themselves, etc. They don't say no to their kids. I see this all the time, especially at the supermarket. Only a parent can teach good eating habits to their children, by presenting healthy choices and saying no to alternatives. Now, I believe in the concept of everything in moderation, so I'm not advocating cutting out anything. However, nothing is good for anyone if it is taken in excessive amounts. This is simply what needs to be done. STOP teaching the kids, since they don't care and won't change what they do anyway and START teaching the parents, who are the only ones who can do anything about it.
