I am writing a ten page paper on a public health problem and discussing how a law or policy could improve the scenario. The other option is to review a public health law. I have chosen the topic of childhood obesity and have four pages so far.... I have now hit a wall!

Holly Rhinehart

June 13, 2022

Final Paper

In this paper, I will be discussing the public health problem of childhood obesity and how a law mandating healthier lunch options in schools could help to improve the situation. I will begin by identifying the problem and discussing some of the contributing factors. I will then apply a relevant legal framework to the problem and discuss a potential solution. Finally, I will analyze how this solution could help to improve the situation of childhood obesity in the United States.

Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obese children and adolescents has more than doubled since 1980 (CDC). This increase in obesity rates is concerning because obese children are more likely to grow up to be obese adults, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. In addition, obese children are more likely to suffer from social and emotional problems, such as low self-esteem and bullying.

Alternatively, obese children will more than likely turn into obese adults. This will then in turn cost the insurance companies, government, along with individuals more money. This also can play a very important role in the healthcare system and the number of resources and supplies needed for individuals that are obese and have health-related issues to their size. Anyone can go into a doctor's office or local health department and see the pictures of the plate with the healthy servings, but I do not feel this is educated to the public as it should. Minority groups are honestly ignorant when it comes to what number of certain foods to eat and how often. We have failed as a whole in the healthcare system to help make this connection.

One way to help address the problem of childhood obesity is to require schools to provide healthier lunch options. This could be done by mandating that schools offer more fruits and vegetables and by limiting the availability of processed foods and sugary drinks. This solution would not only be beneficial to children's health, but it would also send a clear message that childhood obesity is a serious problem that must be addressed.

In stating my opinion on what needs to be done, here is a background that was started in 2010, according to researchers from the University of Washington School of Public Health. This was put into effect by former First Lady Michelle Obama and was called Hunger-Free Kids Act. One of the issues was not being able to address the children that brought their own lunch to school. According to the research, this policy resulted in healthier lunch options for all children who participated in the school lunch program.

The national school lunch program was changed by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act by requiring schools to serve more fruits and vegetables, fat-free/low-fat milk, and offer whole grains. This was a wonderful step in the right direction that the former First Lady implemented. Since the implementation of this program, there have unfortunately been several rollback measures. According to the same article from Washington, it states in 2018 the United States Department of Agriculture lowered the nutritional standards to allow for flavored milk, fewer whole grains, and more sodium.

In January 2020 right after the Covid-19 pandemic, the USDA proposed another set of changes to the policy that would not require schools to serve as many servings of vegetables as previously needed on a weekly basis. This is supposed to still provide nutritional standards while allowing schools some flexibility. This although was struck down in federal court in Maryland in April 2020.

There are a number of different legal frameworks that could be applied to the problem of childhood obesity. One potential framework is the constitutional principle of the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This principle could be used to argue that children have a right to healthy food options in schools. Another potential framework is legislation, such as the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. This act could be used to argue that the federal government has a responsibility to ensure that all children have access to nutritious food.

The solution of requiring schools to provide healthier lunch options could have a positive impact on the problem of childhood obesity. This solution would improve children's health and send a message that obesity is a serious problem. In addition, this solution could help to reduce the number of obese adults in the future.

There are a number of different ways to approach the problem of childhood obesity. One potential solution is to require schools to provide healthier lunch options. This solution would improve children's health and send a message that obesity is a serious problem. In addition, this solution could help to reduce the number of obese adults in the future.

Another potential solution is to increase the availability of physical activity programs for children. This solution would help to reduce obesity rates by encouraging children to be more active. In addition, this solution would have a number of other benefits, such as improving children's mental health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

The problem of childhood obesity is a serious one that needs to be addressed. A potential solution is to require schools to provide healthier lunch options. This solution would improve children's health and send a message that obesity is a serious problem. In addition, this solution could help to reduce the number of obese adults in the future.

References:

https://sph.washington.edu/news-events/news/obama-era-school-nutrition-policy-led-better-diets-students-faces