Deeply concerned that more and more unhealthy food became people’s first choice due to its convenience and cheapness. However, the number of obese children has increased in the past few years. At the same time “whether the government should be responsible for the massive number of childhood obesity” became a popular debate topic among citizens. Knowing that obesity is not only a threat to children’s health but also a sign of poverty, the government has the resource and is capable to help the obsessed population. Thus, childhood obesity should be the government’s responsibility.
First of all, childhood obesity can be an extreme threat to children’s health, children are the future of our society, if they are not healthy then our society would be affected too. Study shows that starting from 2016, more than 650000 people with cancer got cancer from obesity. This shows that if the obesity rate continues to grow like it already is then our society would be full of weak people that may not be able to hole up our society in the future. Additionally, according to NCBI.gov “Obesity can be a cause for diabetes, arterial hypertension and coronary artery.” Childhood obesity has become a major health concern, for parents and physicians all around the world. Childhood obesity is associated with increased risk for other diseases not only during youth but later in life. If the government wishes its citizens can country to stay healthy in the future, then the government is highly encouraged to do something about the current issue.
Secondly, a massive number of obesities can be a sign of poverty. According to NCBI.org “childhood obesity is a civilization disease and the proportion of people suffering from it continues to grow, especially in developing countries.” Also, according to scholars.org “Being overweight in young adulthood is associated with unemployment, limited education attainment and lower levels of income.” It is clear that obesity is closely associated with poverty. When a family is poor, they often use more money of shelters and other things that food. Since affordable and convenient food is often form restaurants such as KFCs and Mcdonalds. Often times, long term of eating junk food may lead to obesity.
Some may say what the children eat is the parent’s responsibility. However, some families might not have the resource to afford healthy food. Therefore, the government is responsible and capable of helping the low-income population with being able to afford healthy food. Data shows that after Mexico established “sugar tax” the number of obese people decreased drastically. This means that if the government taken action, there will eventually be a result, what really matters is whether the government I willing to help or not. Another example is in 2010, the government of the USA launched the “let’s move” campaign to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. Different organizations were responsible for different areas of the plan. Receiving support from the GOs not only makes things easier but also motivates the citizens.
Aware that the childhood obesity issue has been going on for decades and it had only gotten worse. It is time for the government to make a difference. From areas such as children obesity being a threat to children’s future health, obesity being a sign of poverty and the government having the resource to help, it is obvious that in order to reduce the current issue the government will need to step in and help.