The childhood obesity epidemic is a majorly increasing issue in Australia that is constantly affecting the health of children. Obesity is defined as an excessive fat accumulation that may impair health (World Health Organization, 2016). Worldwide in 2014, 41 million children under the age of 5 were obese. Australia accommodated for 11.2 million of those children (AIHW, 2017). Therefore, the main focus of this work will look at children in the age category of 5 -12. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics 2017, an obese child is more likely to have lower self-esteem than their peers that may not be overweight. This can affect their emotional and spiritual health and can lead to poor academic performance at school or bullying by their peers. If an obese child stays obese until adulthood, they will tend t earn less income than those of average weight and struggle to get a job. As a result of childhood obesity, 5.1% of children
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At this rate, it is predicted that 65 per cent of young Australians will be obese by 2020 (Victoria State Government, 2013). As of 2011, there were 3,775 fast food restaurants situated in Australia (Markey, 2011). As a result of this, Australia’s expenditure on fast food has increased by 50% in the past six years. Australians are spending approximately a third of their weekly household food budget on fast food (Murphy, 2015). According to News Corp Australian Newspapers, "In 2007, fast food outlets in Australia served approximately 1.64 billion meals” (Markey, 2011). Childhood obesity occurs for many different reasons (ABS, 2009). The most common cause is simply genetics. However, low physical activity levels and unhealthy eating patterns are also huge contributing factors (MD, 2005). As stated by Mind Mastery 2017, obese Australian children have been influenced by the major increase in fast food consumption and drop in physical exercise (Mind Mastery,
At this rate, it is predicted that 65 per cent of young Australians will be obese by 2020 (Victoria State Government, 2013). As of 2011, there were 3,775 fast food restaurants situated in Australia (Markey, 2011). As a result of this, Australia’s expenditure on fast food has increased by 50% in the past six years. Australians are spending approximately a third of their weekly household food budget on fast food (Murphy, 2015). According to News Corp Australian Newspapers, "In 2007, fast food outlets in Australia served approximately 1.64 billion meals” (Markey, 2011). Childhood obesity occurs for many different reasons (ABS, 2009). The most common cause is simply genetics. However, low physical activity levels and unhealthy eating patterns are also huge contributing factors (MD, 2005). As stated by Mind Mastery 2017, obese Australian children have been influenced by the major increase in fast food consumption and drop in physical exercise (Mind Mastery,