Combating Child Obesity in America

Abstract

This paper examines the child obesity epidemic that is gripping our nation, and explores various causes and treatments that may help to defeat child obesity. First there is a description of the obesity epidemic, its causal factors, and its consequences. Additionally there is a summary and critique of the FDA’s obesity report and recommendations. There is a description of drug treatments that are available for obese children and why more research is necessary to ensure the safety of drug treatments. The paper then explores various causal factors of the obesity epidemic and possible solutions. The paper stresses the need for parental education and awareness, and the role that schools can play, particularly regarding school lunches. This paper further explores fast food litigation, as well as the possibility that regulations on advertising and food labels can help combat the epidemic. Finally, this paper explores the way market incentives can be used to encourage corporations to take responsible actions to combat child obesity.