Teenagers are in constant battle with obesity and it has now escalated

to one of the main issues in the United States. Miami-Dade implemented

new measures to deal with obesity.

The human body stores extra calories that people eat, but don’t burn

off; these extra calories become fat. It isn’t a health risk for most people to be

a few pounds over their ideal weight. But, when people excessively overeat and

don’t exercise, they build more body fat than they are supposed to, leading

to obesity. More than 100 pounds overweight is considered morbid obesity

because of the severe health risks.

When a person has an excessive amount of fat they are considered

obese or overweight. On a second note, once you have reached over 100

pounds you become morbidly obese.

Obesity and inactivity can easily intertwine with a great range of

health problems, from diabetes to depression.

“Up to 1.7 billion of the world’s population is already at an increased

risk of weight-related non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart

disease,” according to the International Obesity Task Force.

Obesity can cause asthma, which affects the amount of physical activity

a person performs. Obese children may have breathing problems, making

it harder for him or her to keep up with friends when they are playing.

Obesity and inactivity don’t only affect your physical health. It also

affects your mental health. Physically active people tend to have better mental

health according to the 1996 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity

and Public Health Services. Depression is a great part of obesity. Because

of their depression, people tend to eat more; making it a never ending cycle.

In these past years, schools in Miami-Dade have implemented quite a

few regulations to help fi ght the war against obesity.

According to the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey among schools

that allow students to purchase any food or beverage, 44% do not allow students

to purchase candy; high fat snacks;or soft drinks, sport drinks, or fruit

drinks that are not 100% juice during school lunch periods.

“Our school should sponsor a nutrition club. It will let students be

aware of the situation at hand and statistics always amaze people,” said Joycellin

Rodriguez, 10th grade health student.

According to the 2005 Survey one of the implemented measures to

help with obesity is that among schools that require physical education, “36%

require students to take two or more physical education classes.”

“It’s hard to tell them what to eat, but if they get physical education

it’ll give them a chance,” said Ms. Arterburn, P.E. teacher.

“There is a big difference from the beginning of the school year to the

end of it...towards the end of the school year they come and just get started,”

said Arterburn, explaining how students’ physical health improves throughout

the year.

Students have the opportunity to gain the physical education course

online. They will be taught why they should exercise and how often through

the internet, but will not be obligated to actually run a certain distance.

“Night school is okay. I just fi nd it to be ridiculous to have to take it

online...it is only acceptable if you are impaired.Even children who are impaired

can still do some exercises,” said Arterburn.

Exercising can help with other things not only with physical health.

It can also help people feel better about themselves, build and keep healthy

bones and muscles and joints, and it also helps them sleep better at night.

Exercising also includes simple things like walking, riding a bicycle,

dancing, bowling, just about any activity that requires movement.