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Audrey Poindexter
Mattie Quesenberry Smith
English 100
6 June 2014: Revised June 24, 2014

Sara Pyle, Jill Sharkey, Georgette Yetter, Erika A. Felix, Michael J. Furlong, and W.S. Carlos
Poston. Fighting an Epidemic: The Role of Schools in Reducing Childhood Obesity.
Psychology in the Schools. Vol. 43(3). 2006. Pg. 361-373. Ebsco. May 29, 2014.
The article identifies the lack of physical activity in youth as a major cause of being overweight
and obese. It states the number of obese youth is steadily increasing. The article defines obesity
by the Body Mass Index module but states for children a healthy height to weight ratio through
the growing years is the main goal. Obesity is found to be gender and socioeconomic specific.
The journal defines patterns found in overweight or obese children that once adults are more at
risk for a number of physical illnesses as defined by government reports, and links physical
inactivity as part of the cause. The article finds links between social and psychological problems
among the young and obese. It states youth and peer physical perception is most important at
this stage of life and, if not positive, can lead to mental and emotional health problems. The
article explores the effects of obesity on academic success and health issues as a cause for
learning disabilities. There are reports of lower math and reading skills among children in
kindergarten and first grade who are obese. A decrease in learning skills is found to be
contributed to the link between obesity and physical illnesses such as sleep apnea. The cost of
healthcare due to physical disease as a result of obesity is defined as an ongoing problem in the
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United States. The physical condition of obesity is costing Americans millions of dollars in
healthcare.
The roles of schools, communities, and parents play a major role as stepping stones in the
treatment of obesity. Schools provide education to a mass population of youth at an early age,
and parents focus on behaviors being readily observed. They can work together to provide
physical activity, nutritional education, and behavioral supports and intervention. The article
states that physical activity programs are difficult to measure in success due to nutrition and
weight management being a lifelong process. It defines the schools intervention at this level
making the most direct and positive impact on youth that can be documented successfully.

Charles H. Hillman, Kirk I. Erickson and Arthur F. Kramer. Be Smart, Exercise Your Heart:
Exercise Effects on Brain Cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. Vol. 9. January 2008.
Pg.58-64. Ebsco. May 29, 2014.
This article explores the link between physical and mental health illness, and the importance of
physical activity. Children who lack a physical lifestyle are prone to several life threatening
diseases. The healthcare monetary costs of obese children throughout adulthood is steadily
increasing through the years. The article explores the research using animals showing that with
physical activity there are positive cognitive development results, and human research is
paralleling similar results. The article states the research on children and exercise is limited but
the correlation between physical activity and academic performance is defined. It explores
specific physical activity and brain functions in verbal and memory learning processes. The
article states animal research can be directed in areas where the human brain cannot be studied
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using neuroimaging. The links between physical activity, cognition performance, and fitness are
validated thru research. There are many areas lacking in research in this field but evidence has
determined the link between a long life of physical activity and the brains functional benefits,
which can lead to the reducing obesity and disease.

Shelly Russell-Mayhew, Gail McVey, Angela Bardick, and Alana Ireland. Mental Health,
Wellness, and Childhood Overweight/Obesity. Journal of Obesity. Vol. 2012, ID 281801. Pg.
1-9. Ebsco. May 29, 2014.
The article defines obesity as an epidemic in children. It defines obesity as a medical issue but
suggests that it be studied as mental and behavioral issues. It defines the research on the
relationship of obesity and mental health as inconclusive because a clear model has not been
defined. The article explores the risk to youths psychological and emotional health as defined
by obesity issues. A new model was created to explore psychological factors of obesity such as
depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction among other factors. Two variables are
discovered that can impact psychological health, weight attitudes, and weight shape. The link of
a lower quality of life is defined as a cause for obesity. It suggests the focus on weight produces
psychological struggles for children. There is need to promote more positive body images this
can reduce negative psychological issues. The article addresses the need for more research to
develop effective programs to combat the growing obesity epidemic and promote mental health
wellness.