Christian Science Monitor Examines Causes of Childhood Obesity in United States
The Christian Science Monitor on Wednesday examined factors in family, school and suburban life beyond the "obvious culprits" of junk food and television that are "conspiring against physical activity and contributing" to obesity among U.S. children. The Monitor cites a number of factors, such as:
- The lack of required physical education in schools;
- The decreased number of school playgrounds;
- The lack of recess at some elementary schools;
- Extended lunch hours;
- The increased number of "mega-schools" to which few students can walk;
- The increased number of children who prepare snacks and dinner for themselves;
- The shift among children from sports participation to computer games;
- The shift among children from outdoor weekend family activities to shopping;
- The increased number of children who eat in response to stress; and
- The increased number of children who ride, rather than walk, to reach extracurricular activities.