EFFECTS ON ELEMENTARY ACADEMICS

The Link between Poverty and Childhood Obesity and the Effects it has on Elementary Academics

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would initially consider to convey my whole hearted appreciation to the person who had supervised me throughout this study. Next, I would also take this opportunity to give thanks to all those people, who had thouroughly supported me, throughout the passage of conducting this study, which include all my colleagues, friends, along with my family members. Conducting this study, would not have been possible without the kind of support all these individuals have provided me with.

DECLARATION

I hereby certify that the work described in this PhD thesis is my own work, except where otherwise acknowledged, and has not been submitted previously for a degree at this or any other university.Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTii

DECLARATIONiii

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION1

Problem Background2

Statement of the Problem2

Purpose of the Study6

Justification of the Study6

Research Questions7

Definition of Terms7

CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW10

Obesity & Elementary Academic Performance11

Effects of Obesity on Academics12

Absenteeism in Schools14

Development of Chronic Physical Health Illnesses15

Behavioral Problems16

Reduced Educational Expectations17

Work Habits17

Effects on Long Term Success of Children18

Effects of Poverty on Obesity19

Poverty & Elementary Academic Achievement20

Interventions in Schools21

Social Consequences of Childhood Obesity22

Relationship to the Development of Society22

Nutrition and Cognition23

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY25

Meta Analysis25

Procedures25

CHAPTER IV: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS27

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY28

Summary28

Further Study & Recommendations32

REFERENCES33

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

Childhood obesity is one of the grimmest issues in today's modern world. With advancements in the field of medical science; the public awareness has enhanced on the topic. Experts are in consensus that elementary academics of a child could be heavily affected due to obesity and poverty. It also leads to a wide array of physical health problems. The cognitive development of a child is also affected due to obesity and the socio-economic status. It results in a number of psychological illnesses i.e. depression, anxiety and emotional problems for the child.

This study will be based on highlighting and identifying the link between poverty and childhood obesity and its impact on elementary academics. Poverty and obesity are some of the most devastating issues found in our society (Brody, 2002). The countries, which have higher income, have bigger percentages of obesity than those countries, which have middle or lower income. There are some countries, which are developing wealth but at the same time they are also developing obesity as well; like for instance with the development of economy in India and China, the rates of obesity have also enhanced by several folds.

In this research we intend to explore the relationship between poverty, childhood obesity and its role in the elementary academics of children. Primarily, the depression in childhood lowers the academic performance of the child. Relevant studies on the topic clearly indicate that a definite relationship exists between the academic performance of the child and the socio-economic status and physical fitness. Our research would explore the underlying avenues in childhood obesity and how it affects the academic performance of children. Also, the role of family socio-economic status would be highlighted and discussed with respect to the performance in elementary ...