Ethos
The reduction of childhood obesity is considered as a societal responsibility. Schools, parents, guardians, leaders, healthcare givers, the private sector, and community-based initiatives are responsible for obesity reduction in children. The involvement of such individuals will ensure that children live healthy lives.
Logos
Feeding children with healthy foods and helping them in becoming fit physically will reduce childhood obesity. Statistics show that, in America, one among three children is obese (National Center for Health Statistics et. al, 2015). However, in the African Americans and Hispanic communities, 40% of the children are overweight (National Center for Health Statistics et. al, 2015).
Pathos
Lifestyle changes, such as children spending most of their time in schools and watching television, have led to increased obesity cases. It is predicted that, a third of the children population will suffer from obesity and related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure among others, if the situation is not rectified. The explosion of adverts that are related to a wide range of snacks, sweetened beverages, and other unhealthy foods has influenced children’s feeding habits. Obese children experience early low self-esteem, discrimination, and low productivity in schools (Van Grouw & Volpe, 2013).
Thesis statement
In the recent years, childhood obesity in America has risen. While marketing their products through social media advertisements, food and drink companies reach out to children. Therefore, curbing the effects of such advertisements is better than fighting them.
Claims to build upon last week’s research
In homes and schools, feeding programs have led to increased obesity among children. Many children feast on snacks such as pizza, which contain high-fat contents that cause obesity. The transition of promoting unhealthy foods to healthy foods will help in sensitizing people on obesity, changes in feeding behavior, and attitudes.
A counterargument and idea for rebuttal
Parents and other individuals argue that, feeding children with a snack in schools should not be banned. On the other hand, students claim that snacks and sweetened foods taste better than healthy foods (Van Grouw & Volpe, 2013). The counterargument is that, no regulations that state that healthy foods cannot taste good exist.
How can snacks be replaced? What can be done?
Healthy foods that taste good as snacks do, can replace snacks and junk food. For instance, baked foods can substitute fried foods while fresh juice can replace carbonated drinks. An individual can reduce the intake of snacks by eating a larger amount of healthy foods instead as well.
References
National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control, & Prevention (Eds.). (2015). Health, the United States, 2013, with a special feature on prescription drugs. Government Printing Office.
Van Grouw, J. M., & Volpe, S. L. (2013). Childhood obesity in America. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity, 20(5), 396-400.
