The Social Significance of the Obesity Problem

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Introduction

Among the most prevalent health issues in Penhill (Swindon) are adult and childhood obesity and diabetes as a result of it. Statistics show that Penhill has the highest rate of obese people in England, with a prevalence of about 27% over the average for England. Diabetes, which is the second most common problem in Penhill, shows an increase of about 10 percent over the average in adults and about 6% in the children’s population. The region ranks low in respiratory and infectious decease, about 5% below the country’s average. Obesity and diabetes levels appear to have fluctuated in the past few years with a downward trend; however, the prevalence over the country levels is a worrisome sign that necessitates specific measures taken by the government. The social significance of the problem of obesity is determined by the threat of disability of young patients and a decrease in overall life expectancy due to the frequent development of severe concomitant diseases.

Penhill (Swindon): Relevant Social Issues Linked to the Health Issues

The reason for the development of obesity and, as a result of it, diabetes is low physical activity (inactivity) in combination with excessive, irrational nutrition, rich in fats and carbohydrates. Factors contributing to the development of obesity include regular consumption of sweet soft drinks and juices, the habit of eating fast food and eating large portions, and alcohol abuse. These factors play a major role in the development of the disease.

In Penhill, low physical activity and alcohol abuse are the social issues most conducive to obesity and diabetes development. Thus, statistics show that Swindon exhibits a high rate of hospital admissions in the state of alcohol intoxication (92.9 admissions per 100,000 aged under 18, compared to 58.6 for England).” Thus, Swindon’s admission hospital rate is much higher than the England average. The problem of alcohol consumption is especially relevant for people living in poor areas of Penhill. The national Active People Survey (APS) data shows how much time people in Penhill engage in active sports and recreation. It shows that people do physical activities for around 30 minutes every 12 days in a month, an indicator that is below the country’s average. Different sports and recreational activities are elaborated to engage local people and especially children in sports.

Local PH Initiatives/Strategies

The local authorities launch initiatives to combat alcohol abuse and low physical activity factors. There are two major clinics in the city – Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn Clinic that specialize in obesity treatment along with other illnesses. Moreover, there are many voluntary organizations in Swindon as well as branches of national organizations such as the Carers Trust and the Children’s Society that aim to provide the services needed for the citizens’ wellbeing.

The Carers Trust is a charity organization that provides free help to everyone who has addiction problems. The Children’s Society has got a program that caters especially to young people who want to quit using alcohol, a major reason for obesity. A range of recreational and sports centers is scattered around the city so that everyone can find a sports activity to his or her taste.

Governmental Agendas, Frameworks, or Guidelines

In 2020, the government launched a campaign to combat obesity at all levels. The so-called “A call to action campaign” was introduced, where people can weigh and measure themselves for free and embark on a free ‘loss weight journey’ with a free mobile application. Other governmental initiatives include a ban on the advertisement of high-calorie products, the obligatory marking of such food as food high in fat, and expanding weight management services so that they are accessible to everyone. Moreover, the government considers placing restrictions on the volume of food with high sugar or salt levels sold, banning discounts such as ‘buy one get the other for free’ advertisements.

Health and Social Determinants: Literary Overview

Among numerous theories that try to pinpoint the social determinants of health, the most well-known is the social model of health developed by Dahlgren and Whitehead. Social determinants of health are generally social and economic circumstances that determine the quality of public health. The social model of health by Dahlgren and Whitehead presents the levels of influence on human health. It describes the socio-ecological theory of health and displays the relationship between a person, environment, and disease.

Personal characteristics form the basis of the model and include gender, age, ethnic group, and hereditary factors. Individual lifestyle factors include behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. This level shows how the environment affects a person’s health, but personal behavior can contribute to strengthening individual health and harming it at the same time. Social and community networks include the family and wider social circles. Man is a social being and therefore needs support. This level shows mutual support or its absence under unfavorable conditions. Living and working conditions include access to opportunities for work, housing, education, and social services. General socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions include factors such as disposable income, taxation, and job availability.

Based on the model of Dahlgren and Whitehead, WHO presented data according to which human health depends on lifestyle by 50 – 52%, by 20-22% – on heredity, by 18-20 % from the state of the environment, by 7-12% – on the health system. The statistics are especially relevant for obesity and diabetes as these diseases are largely determined by the way of life a person leads. Indeed, obesity is always a food-related issue, while diabetes, though in some cases it can be genetically programmed, most often develops as a reaction of an organism to overeating or unhealthy food.

The Link Between the Determinants and Obesity and Diabetes Development in Penhill

The research found a correlation between the number of people suffering from obesity and diabetes in Penhill and alcohol addicts as well as people who do not engage in physical activity. Thus, the city demonstrates a higher-than-average percentage of obese people along with a higher than the average number of hospitalization due to alcohol intoxication. The time spent on physical activities in Penhill is not adequate and shows the number below the country’s average. Taking all the above said into consideration, it can be concluded that preventive measures should be aimed at changing people’s lifestyles, promoting sports and healthy eating habits as well as reducing alcohol addictions within the city.

Recommendations

Given that the basis of any form of obesity, one way or another, is an alimentary (nutritional) factor, attention should be paid to the quality and quantity of food consumed. But the main thing here is not to fall into the other extreme – into starvation. Contrary to many statements, fasting, especially dry, without water, is not only useless but also harmful. Alcohol abuse is inextricably linked to obesity. Firstly, alcohol increases appetite – a person eats more. Secondly, it reduces the sensitivity of the saturation center in the hypothalamus. And ethyl alcohol itself is a high–energy and high-calorie product. So, alcohol consumption should be reduced.

To balance the amount of incoming and consumed calories, people reduce their intake or increase consumption. Of course, exhausting sports training is not good for everyone, especially with chronic diseases. But jogging, cycling, and sports games suit many people. And the most optimal preventive means of this plan is swimming. Swimming movements contribute to the burning of calories. And when the body comes into contact with water, the heat output increases, which also contributes to the breakdown of fat. Sleep disorders, negative emotions, and frequent stress can contribute to the release of certain biologically active substances that increase appetite and encourage eating. Obese people should normalize the regime and improve their psycho-emotional status.

Reference List

Seven steps for effective leadership development (2012) Web.

Guenther, R. and Vittori, G. (2012) Sustainable healthcare architecture. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Smith, V. and Jones, R. (2012) ‘Individual assignments and academic dishonesty: exploring the conundrum’, The Educational Researcher, 35(1), pp. 37–56.

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