Our World

Town Blames City Planning For Child Obesity

I recently found an article that talked about the rising obesity rates in children, in both the U.S., U.K., as well as other countries around the world. But what took me by surprise the most, was that a city was blaming poor town planning for obesity in their children. They claims that city plans limit the opportunities for exercise, such as walking or biking. A leading U.S. pediatrician, Professor Richard Jackson, claims that this poor city planning is limiting the area for children to walk. He also said that living in a walk able neighborhood can help keep off nearly 7 pounds. He says humans were made to be active, and as soon as they are in an environment that provides little opportunities for activity, we gain weight. And with a sedentary lifestyle, we easily make unhealthy choices. Studies have shown that in 1999 only 19% of kids walked to school, and 6% rode bikes, compared the 48% walking and biking in 1969. Also, 90% of children living within a mile of their school walked or biked to class in 1969.

Studies show that in the past 30 years, the development of obesity is the direct result of a change in environment. Plus, with the increase in technology, for example cars, the need for manual labor has decreased. This also creates a more lazy generation, who grew up with this technology and don’t know what a hard days labor really is. Researchers say that only through politicians and public health official actions will the obesity rate drop.

Honestly, I find this absurd. Once again, everyone is playing the blame game, and not admitting fault for their own state. So what if there isn’t the best neighborhood for walking or biking, in ways, that is what school sponsored activities are for. Join an athletic club of some sort, or if you can’t, find a driveway or open gym to play a sport.The only one that can make someone loose weight is themselves. It’s called having the will power to want to better yourself. To me, blaming technology and city planners isn't right. I just thought this was ironic how we talked about poor city planning and its consequences in class. But then again, that’s just my opinion.

Link to Article

posted by Anonymous @ 9/27/2006 09:32:00 PM