Graduate Research Papers

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Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has been increasing over the last two decades. Besides sedentary activity and high-calorie diet, there are numerous obesity-related factors that could be generalized to two categories: (a) intrapersonal factors (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status) and (b) interpersonal factors (e.g., friends, family, social support, social climate). The purpose of this literature review was to examine these factors behind the issue of childhood obesity and adolescent obesity in Taiwan and United States. Strong evidence shows a similar trend that both American and Taiwanese adolescents are living sedentary lifestyles, habituated to bad eating habits, and large percentages are overweight or obese. However, there is a marked difference in socioeconomic status (SES). Lower SES groups in United States have been found to participate in lower levels of physical activity than those of higher SES, while Taiwanese youth of high SES group had a stronger chance of being obese than those of low SES. Healthy concepts instilled in youth might be effective in modifying juvenile diet and physical activity habits. Current research suggests that public organizations should promote physical activity through education initiatives, social events, and training-related activities in which children, teachers, and parents are informed and involved

Year of Submission

2010

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Division of Physical Education

First Advisor

Jennifer Waldron

Comments

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Date Original

5-2010

Object Description

1 PDF (vi, 43 pages)

Language

en

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