Advertising on television and promotion of unhealthy foods are having detrimental effects on New Zealand children, with statistics only growing daily. This is supported by the World Health Organization, as they found that heavy marketing of energy-dense foods and fast-food outlets is a probable cause of obesity (World Health Organization, 2013). Grant and Bassin (2007) state that opponents of government regulations have claimed that, because obesity is a complex issue, attempts to single out and regulate marketing activities are both unfair and unlikely to succeed.
From carrying out this blog on obesity it has opened my eyes to how big this issue is. It has made me aware of all the implications that come from obesity and how easy it is to become obese. I still cannot believe how many people in New Zealand are categorised as obese. From researching obesity I now can say that I hope in the future I do not see myself in an obese state.
Throughout this blog I have discussed why obesity is an issue, what causes obesity and have identified the implications that obesity has on people’s lives. I have looked at how obesity is measured and talked about what the government is doing around obesity in New Zealand. An overview of responses from the government were explored with some critique and informed and insightful recommendations were proposed to address this issue effectively I have also looked at childhood obesity and the factors that are involved. I have identified the key issues of childhood obesity including relation to marketing communications. Lastly I have explored obesity in early childhood and the pedagogical implications for practice around obesity. I have drawn on information from books, website and databases to support my argument around obesity.
I leave you with this last paragraph stating, with the rapid rise in obesity throughout New Zealand, we can no longer sit back and assume that no action is needed to prevent this issue. If everyone continues to consume so many foods containing poor nutritional level with very minimal physical activity this issue will continue to grow. So the government, health professionals, families and schools need to work together to put a stop or minimise obesity in New Zealand.
References
Grant, B. C., & Bassin, S. (2007). The challenge of paediatric obesity: more rhetoric than action. Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/120-1260/2684/.
World Health Organization. (2013). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/index.html
Kylie your blog is really interesting and informative. I have to admit that when I first begun to read your blog I felt a bit anxious about whether or not I would read judgements made about people who were obese, but I was relieved that your information focused on facts, figures and well balanced opinions. You have really got me thinking about being a role model for healthy eating in early childhood. I have made a conscious choice this last week to eat part of my lunch (the healthy part of course!) with the children at the centre during their lunch time. I was sitting beside a child who was beginning to open his packet of biscuits and began to eat my banana. As I peeled my banana I spoke about how much I was looking forward to eating my yummy banana and made “Mmmm Mmmm” sounds as I ate it. I was interested to notice that he put his biscuits back in his lunch box, looked at what else he had, and picked out an apple, held it up to show me and said “look! I have an apple”. The children at the table joined in on our conversation about fruit and I reinforced that fruit was yummy and a healthy choice. Through this experience I am convinced that children can be influenced by the adults in their lives as your blog suggests, and I am looking forward to my own personal challenge of making sure I bring a healthy snack to work with me each day to eat with the children.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading your blog, I was really interested in your statement about emotions playing a role in obesity and I wondered, what are the psychological factors that contribute to children overeating? In the International journal of obesity (2010) research by Puder and Munsch conclude that there are a number of psychological factors that contribute to childhood obesity. A few of the factors recorded were; stress associated with socio-economic status, low self-esteem and peer conflicts. I am interested in this because as a child my parents pacified me by using food. If I was upset, I was usually offered a biscuit or some other treat to help calm me down. This was done with the upmost of love and concern of course, and being a parent myself I understand that we do the best we can with the knowledge that we have at the time. Unfortunately for me, I have a tendency to crave those rubbishy ‘treat foods’ when I am feeling stressed or upset. Because of my own experience, I have learned not to offer food to children when they are upset. I have found that giving children a cuddle and a chance to talk about it teaches a far better way to deal with emotions. Thanks for the chance to read your blog, I have learned so much.
Yes… obesity is definitely a social issue in this country I am glad to see that you have done some in-depth research on this topic. It is good to see early childhood centre are doing healthy heart awards. I was unaware that there were seven criteria’s a centre had to meet before they could receive the award. I thought it was just about eating healthy and learning the healthy foods to eat. Your blog has taught me something today. It is good to see that one of the criteria’s is to a physical activity policy this will ensure children can eat and live a healthy lifestyle. It is amazing to think that over 63% of new Zealanders are overweight or obese. After reading your blog it will make me think twice about driving through that MacDonald’s drive through. I like the last picture you put up. ‘STOP OBESITY OR IT WILL STOP YOU’. This really makes you think. Thank you for this thought provoking blog I have enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteNicole Bewley