What if?...

What happens if America continues down this road of physical inactivity among children?  What would the ramifications be if we did absolutely nothing to change the course of our children’s health? If recess is not considered a critical part of a child’s growth development and learning process during their school years, then the consequences could be detrimental, even life-threatening.  Obesity among children can cause a plethora of immediate health complications such as “sleep, respiratory, and gastrointestinal problems, endocrine disorders, menstrual irregularities, genitourinary problems, skin conditions, orthopedic problems, and psychosocial problems.” (Kopelman, Caterson, and Dietz, 383).

Obese children are also more likely to be obese into adulthood.  Recent studies indicate that over seventy-five percent obese children continue to be obese as adults.  Not only do they remain obese, but are more obese than those who have adult-onset obesity (Kopelman 392).  Obesity leading in to adulthood increases the morbidity and mortality rates.  It causes severe health problems in adult years that can be chronic complications, such as diabetes and heart problems.

Overweight vs. Obesity

What is obesity exactly?  What differentiates between being simply overweight versus obese?  “Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual’s ideal body weight” (Metcalf, 13) Body composition is normally determined by using a simple formula that involves weight and height.  Age and gender are both factors in determining the body mass index of an individual.  This same formula is also used in children.  Other factors can effect a child’s body mass index as well, such as growth.  The body mass index number determines whether an individual is overweight or obese.  The higher the number, the closer the individual can reach an obese status. 

School recess, in particular, is an important factor in decreasing childhood obesity.  Unfortunately, many school systems over the years have decreased or eliminated recess time in order to increase classroom time.  This decline in physical activity has contributed to the obesity epidemic among our children.  It is unfortunate that you will find more children sitting in front of televisions, behind iPads and tablets, or engrossed in video games instead of getting physical exercise.  Exercise is a habit that must be implemented early and recess is a great form of exercise that is fun for the children but can also add to their classroom curriculum.

Fighting the Fat

Keeping recess in schools is a vital contribution to keeping childhood obesity rates down.  Over the past two decades, children are becoming heavier and less active.  School districts are cutting back on recess times and physical education for various reason. However, no reason is good enough if it is at the expense of children’s health. 

Lack of physical activity can cause tremendous amounts of health problems in the near and far future.  Not to mention, children who are obese now are more likely to be obese later in life. 

There are different resolutions for solving the obesity crisis, such as limiting high calorie foods, regular doctor visits to monitor for any disorders that can exacerbate obesity, and incorporating a healthier lifestyle.  One of the most important answers to solving the obesity epidemic is to increase physical activity in children.  The easiest, least expensive, and most effective way to accomplish is to keep recess in schools and increase the recess time to a minimum of 30 minutes.  This change can alter the lives of children for the better.