Ethics Paper - Childhood Obesity and Nutrition

Words: 4637
Pages: 19

Abstract Schools may have an ethical obligation to help in the prevention of the increasing propensity toward childhood obesity. School programs can be implemented to improve the nutritional quality of students’ diets. Students spend approximately one third of their day in school and consume one to two meals there per day, therefore justifying the importance of the responsibility to advise dietary behaviors and influence healthy decisions. In consideration of these logical methods, the ethical dilemma arises as good actions conflict with those that may be seen as a conflict of interest by interfering with the choices of children and their parents, faculty, and the community.
Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that
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Foods and beverages like these are high in sugar and calories. These foods are often served in cafeterias and are considered competitive foods as they “compete” with healthy options available to students.
Inactive kids are more likely to gain weight because they do not burn calories through physical activity. Inactive leisure activities, such as watching television or playing video games, contribute to the problem.
If a child comes from a family of overweight people, he or she may be genetically predisposed to gaining weight, especially in an environment where high calorie food is always available and physical activity is not encouraged.
Some children may overeat as a way of dealing with problems or emotions, such as stress or boredom. Their parents may have similar tendencies.
Kids cannot be blamed for liking sweet, salty and fatty foods because they do taste good. Since most children do not shop for the family’s groceries and the parents do, they can control their children’s access to these foods by putting healthy foods in the kitchen at home and leaving unhealthy foods in the store.
Children from low income backgrounds are at greater risk of becoming obese. Poverty and obesity often go hand in hand because low income parents may not have the time and resources to make healthy eating and exercise a family priority.
Obesity affects both body and mind. Extra weight puts stress on the body,