The United States is in the midst of an epidemic crisis because of the high obesity rates among children. One major factor contributing to these rates is the progressive decline in the level of physical activity in children’s daily lives. Obesity rates among children in the U.S. have doubled since 1980 and have tripled for adolescents. The main question is how this rate can be decreased among our children today. Although many people would argue that there are numerous major factors besides the lack of physical activity that contributes to childhood obesity, parents should enroll their children in sports such as basketball, because of the physical and psychological aspects associated with it.
Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that occurs when a child is well above the standard weight for his or her age and height. In this condition, the child’s health is negatively affected by surplus body fat. Treating and preventing childhood obesity will help protect the health of the child now as well as the future. (Clinic) Sifferlin Alexandra concluded that “researchers should focus on understanding what …show more content…
The sport of basketball has some rules to follow and noncompliance to them results to certain penalties. This teaches discipline to players, and in effect, they become more competitive and focused on succeeding. Being disciplined can help them stay focused on their eating habits as well as the amount of physical activity involved in their daily lives. Furthermore, Research by Taliaferro suggests that playing sport can even protect against suicide risk in youth. Compared to non-athletes, male athletes exhibit lower levels of hopelessness and suicidal ideation. “Young males involved in multiple sports seem to foster even more protection in this regard. Similar results were found for girls.”
Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that occurs when a child is well above the standard weight for his or her age and height. In this condition, the child’s health is negatively affected by surplus body fat. Treating and preventing childhood obesity will help protect the health of the child now as well as the future. (Clinic) Sifferlin Alexandra concluded that “researchers should focus on understanding what …show more content…
The sport of basketball has some rules to follow and noncompliance to them results to certain penalties. This teaches discipline to players, and in effect, they become more competitive and focused on succeeding. Being disciplined can help them stay focused on their eating habits as well as the amount of physical activity involved in their daily lives. Furthermore, Research by Taliaferro suggests that playing sport can even protect against suicide risk in youth. Compared to non-athletes, male athletes exhibit lower levels of hopelessness and suicidal ideation. “Young males involved in multiple sports seem to foster even more protection in this regard. Similar results were found for girls.”