Under nutrition is a problem faced today by many children in the United States. It is very important for children to get as many nutrients in their body to be healthy. Under nutrition is caused because the body lacks the six sources of nutrients carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Hunger can effect a child from developing appropriately. Hunger than can lead to weight loss which then can affect the body from fighting infectious diseases. Therefore, they are more likely to become sick, miss school, and fall behind in class. Malnutrition from hunger can also cause cognitive difficulties. Cognitive difficulties then affects brain growth which is very important for a developing child. Brain disfunction leads to a child not being able to learn or experience what healthy children do such as reading, writing and speaking. Malnutrition occurs mainly because parents and care givers lack the time or have no knowledge of nutrition. Dr. Martorell discusses the relationship between under nutrition and cognitive development. He states that children that are under nourished have a greater degree of behavioral problems, decreased attention and lower education achievement. Another question answered is if the effects of under nutrition are reversible. The doctor states that the longer the child is not nourished the greater the chance that they will have permanent effects.
             Obesity is another major factor effecting the children of America today. Obese children tend to suffer from many health problems in the future. Which leads to physical and emotional problems. Dietary excesses in foods containing fats, cholesterol, and sugar is one of the reasons for obesity. Children that become depressed tend to turn to food for their comfort. To avoid obesity parents need to teach their children how to eat healthy and be role models themselves. Parents can motivate their children to play. Children need to do some kind of...