CHILD OBESITY BY ALEJANDRO MONTOYA 4/28/2014

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Obese as a child Food choices Eat junk food every day Unhappy with myself

CHILD OBESITY IN MERCED COUNTY 4 out of 10 children are obese 40% “An estimated 43 percent of children in the county are overweight or obese.” (Giwargis) Country 38% Merced 2 nd highest obesity rate in the state

OBESITY AND WHAT IT IS Obesity The condition of being obese: increased body weight caused by excessive accumulation of fat Metabolism Process in which energy is broken down Body: A pit stop for energy (calories) Calculated by BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculated using height and weight

WHY IS CHILD OBESITY A PROBLEM Higher risks of getting Type 2 Diabetes High Cholesterol High blood pressure Depression Bullying Not happy about their weight Inability to do physical activities

INTERVIEW: STEPHANIE RUSSELL Merced County Department of Health What is the greatest cause of Child Obesity in Merced County? “Parents don’t think obesity is a problem because they are uninformed of the risks like increase of diabetes, heart problems and depression because children are being bullied” “Parents are not informed of what obesity is.” “Children are not eating real food”

PARENTAL INFLUENCE Parental Influences Why? Children eat what they are given. Parents put the food in the table Children don’t have a choice

HOME COOKED MEALS VS FAST FOOD MEALS Racheal Gussin reporter from LiveStrong claims, “Many restaurant meals are portioned excessively, and some can contain as much as an entire day's worth of calories.” Stephanie Russell also claimed that “Children are not eating real food when they eat from fast food restaurants. Parents should consider making healthier meals at home

HEALTH BENEFITS Fast Foods Calories Grams Fat Big Mac g M Sized Fries M Sized Shake Total 1, Home Cooked Meals Calories Grams Fat Half Roasted Chicken Breast ounce glass of 1% milk M Sized baked white potato (almost) Total 374 6

IS JUNK FOOD REALLY CHEAPER As reported by Brad Tuttle a reporter from TIME states, “Supper for a family of four at McDonald’s runs in the neighborhood of $23 to $28, a full roasted chicken dinner, with veggies, salad, and milk, costs about $14.” (Tuttle) Fast Foods Calories Grams Fat Big Mac g M Sized Fries M Sized Shake Total 1, Home Cooked Meals Calories Grams Fat Half Roasted Chicken Breast ounce glass of 1% milk M Sized baked white potato (almost) Total 374 6

WHAT CAN BE DONE Inform the parents Influence the change in diets Less children eating junk food Economic Benefit Appeals interest

EVENT TO RAISE CHILD OBESITY AWARENESS Giveaway event at Rivera Middle School Flyers given to elementary students Give away food to the families who need it Whole chicken, fruits, vegetables, and soups Games for children in the playground area Hopscotch, Jump rope, Capture the Flag, and Soccer Volunteers Adult volunteers Regulating Games and distribution of food

FUNDS BHC Building Healthy Communities Dedicated to fight against obesity Funded by the California Endowment’s Fund Seek financial help and professional help from

WHY I CHOSE THIS Personal Experience Mother helped me Changed her diet as well Offer fruits instead of sweets Children don’t have a choice Parents prepare meals Children don’t cook