Obesity refers to a medical condition characterized by build-up of excess fat around the body tissues. Such a condition threatens the body health. Obesity results in various health complications that can significantly reduce ones life expectancy. Intriguing is the fact that incidences of obesity are rampant. Obesity does not spare age and sex; it is prevalent among children as well as adults. There are various factors that lead to obesity. For instance, the condition has been associated with lack of a balanced diet, limited physical exercises and genetics. However, it is not uncommon for those that observe balanced diet and exercise to be obese. Additionally, those that have closely studied the genetic factors have noticed the existence of the disparities. More focus has further been directed to the link between socioeconomic status and obesity prevalence. This paper summarizes the article by Knai, Lobstein, Darmon, Rutter & McKee (2012) studing the link between childhood obesity and socioeconomic status.
Knai, Lobstein, Darmon, Rutter & McKee (2012) begin by acknowledging the increase in the disparities among children in Europe. They proceed to explore the link between socioeconomic status and obesity. They carry out a cross-country analysis on the relationship between the two variables and they also seek to establish the evidence on the trend of overweight disparities between the socioeconomic states by drawing literature reviews. In the studies reviewed, there are four revealed increasing disparities between the high income families and the low income families. On the other hand, three studies showed insignificant growing differences between the social economic strata. There was no study that revealed decreasing overweight disparities between the socioeconomic strata. They infer that low socio-economic states are the major cause of obesity.
They sought to establish the factors contributing to the widening economic disparities. Although being overweight may be caused by behavioral and biological risks, the researchers note that it may be exacerbated by the limited socio-economic capacity. Moreover, the relationships between the variables are often perceived as being complex and intergenerational, and are likely the root-cause of the parental risks factors. Indeed, they concur that parental factors are considered as one of the risk factors that particularly lead to obesity. Additionally, the weight of the mother is perceived to have a significant impact on the weight outcome of a child. For instance, a pregnant obese mother is likely to bear and raise an obese child, considering the mechanisms that underlie in Utero-programming.
Behavioral factors such as smoking during pregnancy largely increase the chances of childhood obesity. A social disparity in smoking has been particularly pronounced during the pregnancys third trimester. On the other hand, smoking among women in the low socio-economic strata increased significantly between 1995 and 2003. This was not the case among women with high incomes. Additionally, mothers who are socially and economically limited are less likely to breastfeed compared to those from the high income families. Mothers with relatively low incomes are likely to introduce cows milk to the new born babies. Considering that breastfeeding prevents children from childhood obesity, limited breastfeeding may result in obesity.
Other correlates of low socio-economic status include non-healthy eating and stress. People consume food without considering the number of calories in the foods. Moreover, some underestimate the amount of calories in their diets. A large population of poor people is now consuming these kinds of foodstuffs. The level of stress and depression cases has drastically increased among the poor people. These positively correlate with the drastic increase in the prevalence of obesity. The appetite for food increases when people are stressed. For instance, stressed persons are unable to come up with an appropriate choice of diet that suits them. As if not enough, children who are limited socio-economically have limited access to desirable healthcare services. Thus, Knai, Lobstein, Darmon, Rutter & McKee (2012) conclude that in the cases where evidences of widening disparities are clear, cases of childhood obesity have also been observed as the correlate. In this regard, Knai, Lobstein, Darmon, Rutter & McKee (2012) go ahead to recommend that environmental, as well as social and economic interventions are dire in curbing childhood obesity, both in the current and future generations.
In conclusion, the study by Knai, Lobstein, Darmon, Rutter & McKee (2012) sought to establish the relationship between obesity and socio-economic status, and the link between the widening socio-economic disparities, as far as overweight cases are concerned. They found out that childhood obesity prevalence correlates with the socio-economic state. The increasing disparities between the poor and the rich also correlate with the increasing overweight disparities. In this regard, environmental, as well as social and economic interventions are dire in curbing childhood obesity.
Reference
Knai, C., Lobstein, T., Darmon, N., Rutter, H., & McKee, M. (2012). Socio-economic Patterning of Childhood Overweight Status in Europe. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 9:1472-1489. Web.
The issue of obesity is rather prevalent in the modern world today. There are numerous reasons behind this problem, including aggressive food advertisements and the extensive campaign for fast food and other products that do not correlate with a healthy lifestyle. As more and more people are affected by both the short- and long-term outcomes of obesity, it is important to come up with several solutions that can be implemented at a local level. If the researcher is successful in validating the effectiveness of the proposed interventions, these will be implemented in neighboring areas, and the recommendations of the study will be authorized on a larger scale.
The rationale behind these proposals is the understanding of the importance of building a healthy community that is aware of the ways to take care of both their mental and physical health. It is necessary to take into account the issues that are characteristic of certain locations to develop a generalized intervention plan that will be in line with all the specific characteristics relating to the issues of obesity.
The researcher will outline several interventions that can be adopted, both on an individual level and through a combined approach within the framework of an already existing healthcare system. Throughout this paper, the various interventions will be described in detail, together with the process of their implementation and expected outcomes. The implications and possible limitations of each planned interventions will also be discussed. Finally, the researcher will synthesize the options that have been listed and consider in more depth the potential effectiveness of the proposed interventions.
Proposed Interventions
Several interventions will be reviewed within the framework of this paper. These include community efforts and the promotion of healthy lifestyles within any given setting. It is safe to say that a variety of different interventions are necessary for different settings, such as schools, early childhood care, and food services. To start with, we can pay closer attention to the improvements that can be made in the area of early child care and education.
Here, it is necessary to assess the available educational facilities to identify the impact of products that are consumed by children on their health. It can also be useful to address the issue of physical exercises and come up with a simple strategy to develop healthy habits in children (Widhalm and Prager 27).
Consequently, one of the interventions that are proposed within the framework of this paper is the introduction of salad bars in schools. This suggestion is based on the opinion that such private-public partnerships will connect numerous stakeholders on several different levels. The key intention of this initiative will be to promote salad bars in schools instead of fast food, and other similar products, that have been shown to have a negative influence on childrens health (Steelman and Westman 33). This intervention is expected to help children to develop general healthy eating habits. Subsequently, this may lead to improvements in their academic performance and have an overall impact on the quality of their lives.
Another policy to be reviewed within the framework of this paper is the creation of a healthy food environment (McCullough 90). Currently, there are quite a few initiatives that contribute significantly to the creation of a healthy community and healthy food environments. This approach revolves around the idea of placing the calorie content of food on menus (this is especially necessary for underserved areas).
This incentive is particularly relevant for supermarkets because they are commonly acknowledged as being responsible for implementing new nutrition standards. Here, we can also expand this initiative by adding the healthy hospital policy to the equation (Capodaglio et al. 74). The rationale behind this specific section of the intervention is the extensive reach of hospitals (patients, employees, and other visitors). The obesity prevention efforts that are discussed in this paper critically depend on the involvement of all of these actors.
Another intervention that can become successful within the given environment is the introduction of physical activity strategies that are based on specific community needs. The researcher identified several strategies that could be utilized to promote physical activity within the given area. One of the strategies that can be used presupposes the path of trials (meaning that the researcher is interested in addressing the issue of ill health behaviors) (Brennan et al. 109). The underlying concept of this intervention is the implementation of enhanced school-based physical education. The researcher also expects that an extensive social media campaign can help them to deliver the message. Special school facilities will have to be opened to support this initiative.
The Process of Implementation
To implement the proposed interventions successfully, the researcher will have to develop a structured plan and arrange the tasks in descending order (where the importance of the intervention to the community is the key criterion used to assess the value of the proposed intervention). The researcher will also have to contact local schools, workplaces, and other relevant institutions to discuss the value of the proposed interventions and the options that will be available to them throughout the research lifetime. Within the framework of this research, the investigator expects to make the following steps toward the implementation of the proposed interventions:
Contact the community and spread information regarding the benefits of a healthy lifestyle (colorful brochures with infographics may be useful here).
Contact several institutions within the area that have the most influence on the community and ask the administration of the locality to grant access to resources that may be critical for the implementation of the interventions.
Ensure that the full community is involved in initiatives (the sample has to include a cross-section of the local population young and old, jobless and employed, etc.).
Track changes that occur within the given environment to compare the outcomes (here, the researcher will make adjustments to the proposed interventions as necessary).
Conclusions
Obesity is one of the most prevalent issues impacting our communities today. As such, the current project will require a high level of concentration and flexibility from the researcher. It will be necessary to enlist the support of potential sponsors and find as many ways as possible to spread information and advice. The situation can be changed only if everyone who is involved in the initiative truly believes that something can be done. Therefore, one of the key objectives of the researcher here is to address obesity on both the local and state levels to emphasize the critical nature of this disease and its effect on our lifestyles. The researcher is keen on alerting the community to the detrimental effects of obesity and finding effective, and successful, ways to tackle these effects as efficiently as possible.
Works Cited
Brennan, Virginia et al. Obesity Interventions in Underserved Communities. JHU Press, 2014.
Capodaglio, Paolo et al. Disabling Obesity: From Determinants to Health Care Models. Springer, 2013.
McCullough, Megan. Reconstructing Obesity: The Meaning of Measures and the Measure of Meanings. Berghahn Books, 2013.
Steelman, Michael, and Eric Westman. Obesity: Evaluation and Treatment Essentials. CRC Press, 2016.
Widhalm, Kurt, and Gerhard Prager. Morbid Obesity in Adolescents. Springer, 2014.
Obesity has become one of the most prevalent chronic disorders in the 21st century. For instance, around two-thirds of the US adult population are overweight or obese (Barkin, Heerman, Warren & Rennhoff, 2010). Historically, people have had different views on the matter as, in some cultures or some epochs (for example, Renaissance), being overweight was regarded as normal and even desirable. However, contemporary researchers have proved that obesity has various adverse effects on peoples physical health and psychological wellbeing. This paper provides a brief description of the most significant physical and psychological consequences of this disorder.
First, it is necessary to define the term obesity and identify major reasons for its development. Obesity is a chronic condition that results in an accumulation of adipose (fat tissue), whether due to increased caloric intake and/or a decreased expenditure of calories (Karasu, 2012, p. 111). Karasu (2012, p. 111) also adds that the disorder can be regarded as a result of a physiological energy imbalance. Importantly, researchers views on the causes of the disorder differ.
For example, some researchers even think that obesity should not be seen as a disorder as it is rather a consequence of insufficient self-care and the lack of self-control. Others believe that obesity is a disorder predetermined by such factors as ethnicity, race and sex (Karasu, 2012). Some also stress that people have different responses to particular types of products as they cannot adapt to the new types of food. Dallman et al. (2003) state that obesity can be a result of psychological issues as people may become binge eaters when trying to cope with stress.
Some researchers claim that environment is one of the major factors contributing to the development of obesity as people may be unaware of the hazards associated with the food they consume, and add that stricter regulations on labelling should be introduced. In this paper, obesity is seen as a disorder that may be caused by a variety of reasons.
Whatever the reason for the development of the disease is, obesity has a considerable impact on peoples psychological and physical wellbeing. It is widely known that obesity leads to such health issues as high blood pressure, dyslipidamia and heart disorders (Chan, 2008). These health conditions are linked to excessive body weight and lack of physical activity. The imbalance of body weight also impairs insulin sensitivity, which leads to the development of diabetes (Kalavainen, Utriainen, Vanninen, Korppi & Nuutinen, 2012). Importantly, adults, as well as adolescents, are vulnerable to the development of the disorders mentioned above.
Cancer is another significant risk factors related to obesity. Obese people are at a higher risk of developing cancer, and women are especially prone to the development of breast cancer (Cardozo et al., 2013). One of the most serious effects on womens health is associated with the female reproductive system. Thus, the disorder significantly increases the risk of infertility, miscarriage, birth defects and stillbirth (Cardozo et al., 2013). The researchers note that females are often aware of these negative consequences, which contributes to the development of depression.
Furthermore, obesity is associated with the impairment of skeletal health. Forhan and Gill (2013) state that obese people are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than their peers with normal weight. Clearly, this is especially true for older populations. In children and adolescents, obesity often results in impaired bone development, which may have various negative effects in adulthood. Some researchers also note that obesity may have detrimental effects on cognitive functions. Thus, some studies have shown that obese people performed worse than their peers with normal weight (Forhan & Gill, 2013). However, more research is required to evaluate this correlation.
It is necessary to add that childhood and adolescent obesity is associated with a high premature mortality rate in adulthood. Reilly and Kelly (2011) implemented a detailed analysis of the existing research on the matter and concluded that there is a significant pool of evidence revealing the correlation between childhood obesity and a higher rate of premature mortality in adulthood. Another important finding related to different age groups is that obesity leads to the development of different disorders in adults and the elderly. Thus, while obesity in adults contributes to the development of hypertension, diabetes and cancer, obese elderly are more likely to develop osteoporosis and physical function impairments (Brown & Kuk, 2014).
It is necessary to note that the psychological consequences of obesity have acquired significant attention recently. It has been acknowledged that obese peoples psychological wellbeing is often impaired. Karasu (2012) state that depression, anxiety and body image concerns are typical psychological issues associated with obesity in adults. At that, the researcher also states that these conditions are rather typical for patients who present for medical or surgical evaluation (Karasu, 2012).
Conversely, Fabricatore and Wadden (2004) state that there is a strong correlation between depression and obesity in women, especially in those suffering from severe obesity. At the same time, the correlation between depressive conditions and obesity is less vivid in men. Stunkard, Faith and Allison (2003) state that the correlation is apparent as only a part of people suffering from depression address professionals. The researchers stress that obese people often feel depressed and may even develop suicidal ideas.
Notably, researchers focusing on the psychological effects of obesity often refer to public opinion concerning overweight and obese people. Fabricatore and Wadden (2004) note that obese people are often stigmatized and discriminated. More so, even healthcare professionals may display negative attitudes towards obese people. Wardle and Cooke (2005) stress that peer pressure and particular standards put obese children and adolescents (especially girls) at risk of developing depression and anxiety. Rojas and Storch (2010) also claim that standards of beauty lead to the development of depression in adolescents who are dissatisfied with their body.
The disorder may have a specifically detrimental impact on the psychological development of adolescents. Just as with adults, obese adolescents often are vulnerable to the development of depression and anxiety. However, these conditions often have more significant consequences for this population (Rojas & Storch, 2010). It has been acknowledged that girls are more prone to the development of depression (Wardle & Cooke, 2005). Body dissatisfaction is one of the most common psychological issues adolescents face. Depression and anxiety may lead to the development of suicidal ideas, dysfunctional behaviour, violence and so on. Peer victimization is another serious issue overweight and obese adolescents face.
Decreased self-esteem is a result of peer pressure, teasing or even bullying. Rojas and Storch (2010) emphasize that peer relationships are especially important in this period of peoples lives, and impaired relationships often lead to the development of a variety of psychological disorders in adulthood. Rojas and Storch (2010) state that obese adolescents have significantly lower self-esteem compared to their peers. Conversely, Wardle and Cooke (2005) argue that obese adolescents and children do not necessarily display lower self-esteem. At that, the researchers note that higher self-esteem is often evident in adolescents and children who are losing weight or participate in weight-related programs (Wardle & Cooke, 2005).
In conclusion, it is possible to note that obesity has various effects on peoples physical and psychological health. Thus, some of the most serious physical consequences are the development of cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, skeletal issues and cancer. The female reproductive system is severely affected by obesity. In children and adolescents, obesity may be associated with a higher rate of premature mortality in adulthood. As for psychological issues related to obesity, these are depression and anxiety.
The most vulnerable groups are females, children and adolescents. It is necessary to add that researchers have quite different views on the psychological impact of obesity. Some stress that there is a vivid link between obesity and depression, while others note that obese patients often display a similar degree of depression as patients suffering from other disorders. Clearly, more research is necessary to understand the particular effects of obesity on peoples psychological and physical wellbeing.
However, major areas to consider have been identified (diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, depression). It is also important to add that researchers tend to link the development of psychological disorders with public opinion on obesity. The existing view is very negative, which contributes to the development of depression and anxiety. Thus, it is important to make sure there are steps aimed at changing public opinion on the matter.
Reference List
Barkin, S.L., Heerman, W.J., Warren, M.D., Rennhoff, C. (2010). Millenials and the World of Work: The impact of obesity on health and productivity. Journal of Business Psychology, 25(1), 239-245.
Brown, R.E., & Kuk, J.L. (2014). Age-related differences in the consequences of obesity on cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, physical function, osteoporosis, cognitive function, and mortality risk in the elderly. Health Aging and Clinical Care in the Elderly, 6(1), 25-32.
Cardozo, E.R., Dune, T.J., Neff, L.M., Brocks, M.E., Ekpo, G.E., Barnes, R.B., & Marsh, E.E. (2013). Knowledge of obesity and its impact on reproductive health outcomes among urban women. Journal of Community Health, 38(1), 261-267.
Chan, C. (2008). Childhood obesity and adverse health effects in Hong Kong. Obesity Reviews, 9(1), 87-90.
Dallman, M.F., Pecoraro, N., Akana, S.F., La Fleur, S.E., Gomez, F., Houshyar, H.,& Manalo, S. (2003). Chronic stress and obesity: A new view of comfort food . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 100(20), 11696-11701.
Fabricatore, A.N., & Wadden, T.A. (2004). Psychological aspects of obesity. Clinics in Dermatology, 22(1), 332-337.
Forhan, M., Gill, S.V. (2013). Obesity, functional mobility and quality of life. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 27(1), 129-137.
Kalavainen, M., Utriainen, P., Vanninen, E., Korppi, M., & Nuutinen, O. (2012). Impact of childhood obesity treatment on body composition and metabolic profile. World Journal of Paediatrics, 8(1), 31-37.
Karasu, S.R. (2012). Of mind and matter: Psychological dimensions in obesity. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 66(2), 111-128.
Reilly, J.J., & Kelly, J. (2011). Long-term impact of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence on morbidity and premature mortality in adulthood: systematic review. International Journal of Obesity, 35(1), 891-898.
Rojas, A., & Storch, E.A. (2010). Psychological complications of obesity. Pediatric Cannals, 39(3), 174-180.
Wardle, J., & Cooke, L. (2005). The impact of obesity on psychological well-being. Best Practice and Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 9(3), 421-440.
Obesity is a condition seen in individuals who have excess body fats that have deposited and accumulated in the body. Women at a young age are at high risk due to exposure to poor diet in addition to their feministic body changes.
How common is obesity among teenage girls?
The prevalence of obesity among teen girls is on a high increase. It is evident mostly in developing countries due to poor dietary practice.
According to Sidik and Rampal (2009), the prevalence of obesity among women in developing countries is alarmingly high.
In research by Sidik and Rampal (2009), the prevalence of obesity among 94.2% of respondents who were women was found to be 16.7%.
Who is at most risk of becoming obese?
Anyone who is not keen on the diet consumed is at risk of becoming obese.
Based on Sidik and Rampals (2009) study, obesity is associated with ethnicity, marital status, age, education levels, and religion among others.
Most people, especially in developing countries regardless of age are at high risk of becoming obese unless personal dietary preventive measures are taken.
Causes obesity in women?
Obesity is a condition caused by an over-increase in human natural energy reserves that are always deposited in the fatty tissues in the body.
Obesity is also caused by poor health conditions, especially lack of exercise and overconsumption of too many calories (poor diet).
In women, one common cause of obesity is the retention of gestation weight, especially at childbearing age of around 25-40 years.
Signs and symptoms of obesity?
An abnormal increase in general body weight. It is medically determined by calculating the body mass index (BMI) (Chen, 2005).
Body disproportion and purple or white stretch marks around the abdomen area.
Changes in appearance, pain at the back, shortness of breath among many others are common symptoms in women Chen (2005).
Diagnosis processes of obesity?
Obesity is diagnosed medically by measuring the body mass index (BMI). According to Chen (2005), BMI is a medical system of measuring body fat quantities by use of the height and weight of the individual. People with a BMI of 30 and above are considered obese.
BMI
Classification
<18.5
Underweight
18.5-24.9
Normal weight
25.0-29.9
Overweight
e30.0
Obesity
A blood sample from the patient is used to reveal any obese related condition medically. Some of the tests include cholesterol, triglyceride, and FBS (fasting blood sugar) test (Chen, 2005).
Body physical examination. It includes; examining the abdomen, checking blood pressure, and heartbeat rate (Mayoclinic, 2012).
Treatment of obesity?
Weight loss through a healthy eating plan. The plan involves; consumption of low amounts of fats, salt, and regular physical exercises (Chen, 2005).
Use of drugs, for example, fenfluramine, phentermine, and orlistat. They are used to treat obesity in individuals who have failed to respond to dietary and physical exercise methods.
Surgery is another option doctors use to treat obesity, and the procedure involves gastric bypass (Chen, 2005).
Preventive measures of obesity?
Regular engagement in physical exercises helps in preventing weight gain due to a lot of calorie consumption.
Developing a healthy dietary menu containing little amounts of calories.
Regular weight checks at least once a week helps in quick detection of slight weight gain that is contrary to the recommended weight (Chen, 2005).
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is evident that obesity is more prone to people who dont exercise and those who expose themselves to a diet rich in calories and salt.
More than 30% of the adults in the US are overweight; that is, they have a body mass index of 25 to 29.9 kg/m2. Overweight grownups are at a heightened risk for the development of diabetes and high blood pressure, in addition to turning obese. Although extensive endeavors for the management of obesity have led to the significantly diffident and inconstant loss of weight, detection, and prevention of obesity amid overweight persons may be highly successful since such people are less probable of identifying themselves as overweight, do not have much weight to lose, and may deem managing weight a sensible objective.
Hindrances to the detection and prevention of obesity encompass failure to establish that patients have become overweight, time limitations, inadequate training, and restricted availability of electronic tools for diabetes (Hazlehurst et al., 2014). Electronic tools such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have the capacity of rising above hindrances to detection and prevention of obesity via computerized backing that reminds health professionals to counsel the patient and offer adequate resources that facilitate a controlled, evidence-based approach.
This study seeks to discuss the significance of electronic tools in the detection and prevention of obesity. The benefits of electronic tools for obesity lie in the excellent physician detection of overweight, improved counseling and objective-setting amid overweight individuals, and enhanced patient advancement toward the set target. Studies affirm that early diagnosis and behavior-anchored treatment of individuals with obesity or overweight results in facilitated medical results (Baer et al., 2015).
Nevertheless, there are some instances where the overweight is not recognized by health professionals and ends up developing into obesity. If electronic tools for obesity are aimed at the standardization of weight management coupled with awareness, their assistance in the identification, diagnosis, and counseling of obesity and overweight persons is improved.
The application of electronic tools for obesity may result in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of obesity-associated concerns at a population situation instead of just amidst a few individuals (Hazlehurst et al., 2014). In this regard, electronic tools for obesity may be executed by health professionals in the scope of medical backgrounds to improve the diagnosis and management of obesity. The use of electronic-based alarms and management tools enhances the detection of overweight, as well as the rate of counseling. Amid the patients for whom electronic tools for obesity have been employed, most demonstrate the long-term behavioral transformation and positive sentiments regarding the intervention.
As contemporary health care transformations place increasing emphasis on the progressive adoption and meaningful application of electronic tools for diabetes, there will be an improvement in the detection of overweight and counseling for weight management. On this note, using electronic tools for the detection and prevention of obesity may be a vital element for effecting change in practice.
Electronic tools for obesity are playing a crucial role in transforming the long-term information setting. They are turning out to be significantly popular and have been proved to be greatly effective in the advancement of knowledge and initiation of reforms in the health care sector. Medical decision backing tools in EHRs provide the potential for the improvement of diagnosis and management of obesity, overweight, and promotion of caregivers adoption of evidence-based commendations regarding obesity (Gartee, 2011).
Research shows that when the use of electronic tools is reinforced by other aspects, detection and prevention of obesity become more successful. Such aspects encompass willingness to change, integration of behavioral transformation approaches, and collaboratively setting objectives. The aspects may be easily adapted to the motivational interviewing advance that health professionals consider very significant for the facilitation of behavioral changes geared toward the prevention of obesity.
Though the application of electronic tools seems to be closely linked to incitement of medical action such as the performance of tests, avoidance of unhelpful medication and provision of medical guidance, the incorporation of counseling enhances effectiveness. Therefore, successful prevention and detection of obesity call for health professionals and researchers to make informed judgments concerning the best electronic tool for obesity, the level of physical exercises, decrease in sedentary action, suitable nutrition, and constructive psychosocial results. With increasing technological expertise and the chance to explore the application of electronic tools in obesity prevention and detection, there is a need for systematic evaluation of the interventions and their influence on body mass index (Baer et al., 2015).
The use of electronic tools in the prevention and detection of obesity holds much promise in the simplification of some facets of health care since they are usually flaunted as effective and economical approaches.
In conclusion, overweight grownups are at high risk for the development of problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Prevention and detection of obesity amid overweight individuals might be highly successful because such people are less likely to identify themselves as overweight, have a little weight to lose, and may consider managing weight a reasonable idea. The advantage of electronic tools for obesity is evident in the outstanding detection of overweight by the health professional, enhancement of counseling and setting of objectives amid overweight persons and improvement of patient progress toward the set target. Amid the individuals for whom electronic tools for obesity have been utilized, most express lasting behavioral change and positive reactions concerning the intervention.
References
Baer, H. J., Wee, C. C., DeVito, K., Orav, E. J., Frolkis, J. P., Williams, D. H., & Bates, D. W. (2015). Design of a cluster-randomized trial of electronic health record-based tools to address overweight and obesity in primary care. Clinical Trials, 12(4), 374-383.
Gartee, R. (2011). Electronic health records: Understanding and using computerized medical records (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Hazlehurst, B. L., Lawrence, J. M., Donahoo, W. T., Sherwood, N. E., Kurtz, S. E., Xu, S., & Steiner, J. F. (2014). Automating assessment of lifestyle counseling in electronic health records. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 46(5), 457-464.
Obesity is a major population health issue with vast health consequences for individuals and society, and not without reasoning. Various researchers delineate a discouraging picture and even more premonition future for public health. The predominance of this issue has increased two times among the grown-ups and minors during the past twenty years (Cunningham, Kramer, & Narayan, 2014). Moreover, over the same period, the obesity occurrence increased three times among adolescents (Ogden, 2014). As a result, more than half population in the United States is either overweight or obese. There is an occurrence of nearly forty thousand deaths and over 115 billion dollars in health care expenses due to the obesity issue annually. Nowadays, there is an increasing capability in defining the obesity problem; however, analyzing and establishing efficient methods towards impeding the worldwide issue of obesity is far more complex. There have been a few debates over the reasons for obesity of an individual; the problem of obesity tendency in society had been explored for the past decade. Sedentary lifestyles, calorie-dense foods, large portion sizes, and excessive television viewing are among the identified contributors (Bassett & Perl, 2004, 1477).
There have been various attempts to change obesity patterns, some involving law, as it becomes a grave threat to a population of the United States. For example, in 2013, the authorities of New York attempted to implement the Sugary Drinks Portion Cap Rule (Marcello, 2013). The essence of this regulation consisted of prohibiting the purchase of soft, sweetened beverages, the volume of which exceeded sixteen ounces, or half a liter. The reaction to this regulation was abrupt, as the issue of the partial ban was even not about the connection between the problem of obesity and the admission to the volume of the beverages. The central question that was raised by the proclamation of the Soda ban was whether the citys Board of Health (part of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) had the legal authority to restrict the serving size of such drinks (Mariner & Annas, 2013, 1764). On June 26, 2014, it was decided that by implementing the ban, the New York City Board of Health has outpaced its jurisdiction.
As for me, the strategy of prohibiting the large sweetened drinks does not make sense in the framework of public health protection. Not only would the prohibition not decrease the consumption of fast food and unhealthy diets, but such limitations would also have an impact on the families with lower incomes because of the taxes and the disability to buy a bottled drink or juice within their financial means. Moreover, several liters prohibited by the regulation are irrelevant, and theyre is not enough scientific evidence in support of the statements (Wang, 2013). Nonetheless, the implementation of the Soda Ban received a broad approval, as it was seen as an official effort of the authorities to improve the public health, despite the wrong means of the approach. This example depicts that health policies are often chased by the economy, not the improvement of public health.
References
Bassett, M., & Perl, S. (2004). Obesity: The public health challenge of our time. American Public Health Association, 94(9), 1477-1478.
Cunningham, S., Kramer, M., & Narayan, V. (2014). Incidence of childhood obesity in the United States. The New England Journal of Medicine, 370(1), 403-411.
Marcello, K. (2013). The New York City sugar-sweetened beverage portion cap rule: Lawfully regulating public enemy number one in the obesity epidemic. Connecticut Law Review, 46(2), 807-808.
Mariner, W. K., & Annas, G. J. (2013). Limiting sugary drinks to reduce obesity who decides? The New England Journal of Medicine, 368(1), 1763-1765.
Ogden, C. (2014). Prevalence of childhood and adult obesity in the United States, 2011-2012. The Journal of American Medical Association, 311(8), 806-814.
Wang, C. (2013). Caloric effect of a 16-ounce (473-mL) portion-size cap on sugar-sweetened beverages served in restaurants. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 92(8), 1-6.
The modern world is a rapidly developing place in all spheres of humanity and production of fast food and access to take-out combined with little exercise, have raised very many health concerns. Obesity is becoming a growing problem and United Arab Emirates has not been excluded from a number of countries where overweight population is increasing.
There are several issues and causes of obesity in UAE. The primary one is the culture and the particulars of dress code, as well as lifestyle. By some estimates, over 60 per cent of the population is overweight and this leads to many health related problems and risks. Diabetes and heart disease are becoming predominant, as extra weight puts strain on the heart, as well as the rest of the body.
The whole nation is affected, as increased health risks put pressure on the healthcare system and affect the economical wellbeing of the country. The individuals are suffering just as much because they are forced to lead limited lifestyle and also, face the danger of significant life shortening.
The long working hours, the availability of junk food and the relaxation time that is characterized by being at home and little activity, all factors that contribute to people becoming overweight. The fact that United Arab Emirates is experiencing an increase in the economic development is another reason why people are forced to lead unhealthy lifestyles. The increase in the pollution and industrialization, as well as the rise in technology and a lesser need to contribute physically, heighten the bodys inability to fight excess weight.
This sort of issue can be seen all over the world, as people are becoming more dependent on technology and the ease of avoiding activities. Previously, people had to walk longer distances, contribute to farming and other active work, whereas today, office employment, internet and ability to get easy access to food or even order it without leaving the house, made society very inactive.
The nutrition and the type of food that is consumed also play a great role. Someone might be busy with work and eat only once a day but a great amount of food. This becomes detrimental to health, as the body is hit with an extreme amount of food at one time. This makes the organism store a portion of proteins as fat, so that they can be processed at a later time. The picture would be very different if people exercised more and rationed their food, to be separated into three to five meals daily.
The cultural view that being overweight is the sign of good health is another predisposition that has been observed in the Arab Emirates. An old-fashioned view that women are healthier and will be able to provide better feeding to children has stayed rooted deep within traditions and peoples way of life.
The most alarming part of the problem is that there is a significant increase in child obesity. As parents become busier with their careers and developing businesses, children often eat foods that are high in cholesterol, greater amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Fast food has had an enormous affect on the social life of children and the cycle keeps being perpetuated. Children are at a much higher risk of obesity and heart strain, as their bodies are not as strong and their metabolism is much weaker, compared to adults. It is vital that changes are implemented immediately, as it is better to prevent problems than solve them.
The issue of obesity is one of the most urgent problems in the US since it has affected all the states without exception. According to statistics, every second adult citizen of the country and every sixth child suffers from being overweight. It is necessary to emphasize that the priority of addressing this particular issue lies in its magnitude. The prevalence of this condition has reached the level of the epidemic (Bellisari, 2016). Moreover, healthcare experts stress that over the next five years, it is expected that the percentage of the population suffering from obesity will increase further.
At present, the government has developed a number of strategies to combat obesity under the guidance of leading healthcare organizations. The measures to resolve this problem include raising prices of potentially harmful products, special communication policies, the use of information labels placed on products, and engagement of mass media and social networks to increase public awareness of the current problem and the ways to resolve it (Trust for Americas Health, 2017).
However, these measures do not bring the necessary results. A severe form of obesity (in which the body mass index reaches 40 points and above) occurs in almost 11% of Americans (Trust for Americas Health, 2017). In this regard, the interest and involvement of the country and state leaders are essential for making a drastic change in the setting.
The purpose of this memo is to ask for your personal leadership on this urgent issue. Health legislation has already been initiated, and it requires supervision from the side of active leaders who are not indifferent to the well-being of the American people. Your leadership on this problem will help in raising the awareness of citizens about the dangers of obesity. Notably, Alabama is the third state with the highest obesity rates ( The state of obesity in Alabama, n.d.).
Therefore, the supervision of leaders is a prerequisite for success in such a complex setting. Your participation in public events and occurrences that promote healthier practices will contribute greatly to raising the awareness of people regarding the issue (Bellisari, 2016). In addition, your social media accounts are quite popular; therefore, the use of social platforms can also help to attract the attention of the younger generations who are strongly affected by obesity as well.
In one of the debates, you have mentioned that health recommendations to combat obesity are not based on sufficient evidence ( Dietary guidelines, 2015). Your statement is strongly supported by the statistics, which indicate that a particular diet is prescribed for the majority of Americans who are overweight. However, few people succeed in resolving the problem. According to experts, 3% of patients can lose weight using the common practices while the rest of the patients should undergo a gastrectomy (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2014).
In addition to the fact that the existing strategies do not bring positive results, the annual cost of medical care associated with obesity is reaching 150 billion USD, which greatly affects the federal budget (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Your constructive critical approach to the current practices makes you, Mr. Rogers, the right person to advocate for the issue.
Thus, resolving the problem of obesity is the top priority of every state, and I ask for your leadership on this issue since you are a person with a critical approach to the current regulations and health recommendations.
References
Bellisari, A. (2016). The anthropology of obesity in the United States. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Adult obesity facts. Web.
Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., Kit, B. K., & Flegal, K. M. (2014). Prevalence of childhood and adult obesity in the United States, 2011-2012. JAMA, 311(8), 806-814.
The state of obesity in Alabama. (n.d.). Web.
Trust for Americas Health. (2017). The state of obesity: Better policies for a healthier America. Web.
Over the recent past, societies have experienced increased cases of lifestyles diseases such as diabetes type 2, cancer, and obesity. Apparently, several cases of lifestyle complications are outcomes of consuming junk and fast food. In effect, junk and fast food contain excess calories that are detrimental to the health of consumers, and as such, when they consume the foods, their vulnerability to lifestyle diseases and weight problems increase.
The rising cases of lifestyle diseases and weight problems compelled states and governments to institute policies that govern the quality of food offered by various food joints and restaurants. One of the regulations produced by governments like the United States is the rule that impel restaurants and other food joints to post the amount of calories per food or beverages that they offer. Therefore, the essay uses Reversal Theory and reasons such as reduced amount of junk food, improved quality of food, promotion of consumer health, and reduction of medical expenses to examine whether it is necessary for restaurants to put calories on their menu.
Reversal Theory
Overview
Reversal Theory is a psychological theory, which examines human behavior and motivation. The theory explains the various factors that motivate individuals and assesses their effectiveness in determining the scale of motivation and focus of individuals. According to Apter, Fontana, and Murgatroyd (2014), Relevance Theory explains that, while a factor may be motivating and interesting to some individuals at some point, it may be uninteresting and irritating sometimes.
To substantiate its argument, the theory utilizes four domains, which are means-ends, rules, transactions, and relationships. The first and second domains are useful in ascertaining the fact that people or organizations may have motivation that is goal oriented and ready to conform to any changes advanced by external forces. The third domain explains that after conforming, individuals or organizations master the skills and become experts in the subject field. Consequently, the fourth domain espouses considerations that an entity can accord to others or themselves.
Relevance
The theory is relevant because it examines the behavior and character of individuals. Notably, the relevance of the theory emanates from utilization of the domains. The recent policy that requires entities such as restaurants to put calories in their menus relates well with the domains presented by the theory. The relationship develops because the policy compelling restaurants to put calories on their food offerings dictates their initial motivation and goal orientation.
Apparently, the goal of every restaurant is to earn revenues, a factor that compounds the essence of the first and second domain of the theory. Consequently, factors such as compliance to the policy and improvement of expertise overtime to match the quality demands of consumers and government establish the relevance of the third and fourth domain of the Relevance Theory (Svebek & Apter 2014). As a result, the theory is very useful and practical in examination of the necessity that restaurants should put calories on their menus.
Reduces the Level of Junk Food and Improves the Quality of Food in Restaurants
Reasoning for the Claim
One of the reasons, which explain why it is necessary for restaurants to put calories on their menu, is reduction of junk food. Imperatively, the amount of junk food available in contemporary joints is on the rise, a factor that has led to an increase in the number of lifestyle diseases. Modern societies are dynamic and trendy, and thus, they usually rush to fast food joints that provide food, which are high in fats and unwanted calories.
By introducing a policy that requires restaurants to put calories on their food offerings, the state initiates a scenario where the amount of junk food reduces (Albert 2010). Since several hotels want to associate with quality, introduction of the policy means that they will have to conform to the demands of quality and minimize the amount of excess calories in their food. By conforming to the demands of quality and minimizing the amount of calories in their food, the level of junk food reduces.
Besides reducing the amount of junk food offered by restaurants, the policy also improves the quality of food. In the quest to abide by the requirements advanced by the policy, restaurants minimize the amount of calories in their food and strive to deliver foods that meet the required standards. It is paramount to explain that while some restaurants provide food that match quality requirements, others focus on revenues instead of quality.
The focus on revenues has led to production of fast foods that are very low in quality and detrimental to human health. According to Haber (2013), the policy of placing calories on restaurant menus plays a very important role in reducing the amount of unhealthy food and improving quality. Therefore, by introducing the policy, the government has played an instrumental role in regulating the quality of food that restaurants deliver to their clients.
Promotes the Health of Consumers
Reasoning for the Claim
Promotion of consumer health is another very important reason that substantiates the relevance of placing calories on menus. When restaurants place calories on their menus, health oriented consumers can get the chance to monitor the amount of calories that they take in every time they order and consume a given food or beverage. In addition, those individuals, who are under medication can focus and understand the kind of food that contain the required amount of calories as prescribed to them by medical practitioners.
Bagchi (2011) explains that the policy commences a step in the process of curbing lifestyle problems and minimizing weight issues in the United States. As such, the relevance of placing calories on menus is one that researchers cannot underscore. The fact that consumers have more liberty and knowledge about what they take implies that they can easily manage their health by consuming what contains the optimum amount of calories.
Consequently, the policy forces restaurants to improve the quality of food that they offer to their consumers. By improving the quality of food that they offer, restaurants boost the health of clients, who consume their food or beverages. In the assertion of Albert (2010), several hotels that have started complying with the regulation are those that have high quality food. Therefore, in the advent of necessitating the policy in various parts of countries like Britain and the United States, hotels will have to conform to the regulation by improving the quality of food and beverages. The aftermath of improved quality of food and beverages is a simultaneous enhancement of client health.
The policy eventually leads to the closure of those joints, which fail to comply or adopt the healthy requirements of food. Since the amount of calories determine the quality of food, putting them on the menu implies that consumers get the chance to see what the restaurants offer in relation to quality, and thus, make informed choices concerning what is healthy or unhealthy.
Reduces Medical Costs Incurred as a Result of Consuming Fast Foods
Reasoning for the Claim
The relevance of the policy in minimizing medical costs incurred by individuals, who suffer from lifestyle complications after consuming fast foods, emanates from its ability to improve the quality of food. Notably, the increasing cases of lifestyle diseases and weight problems, which characterize modern societies, are outcomes of high calorie food consumed by individuals. Since majority of individuals in trendy societies consume foods from fast food joints and restaurants, most of them take in excess calories.
Kazaks and Stern (2013) elucidate that excess calorie, which supersede the amount required by the body otherwise known as Basal Metabolic Level catalyzes vulnerability of an individual to lifestyle complications and weight problems. However, by introducing and making the regulation of placing calories on menus compulsory, governments ensure that individuals experience minimal problems associated with fast foods. By advocating for improved quality of food, the policy ensures that restaurants not only focus on the revenues, but also focus on the health state of their food offerings.
Conclusion
The policy that compels restaurants to put calories on their menus is one that is very useful in management of lifestyle diseases and weight problems. Significantly, the relevance of putting calories on the menus stems from the benefits that occasion after implementation of the policy. Improved quality of food, reduction of junk food, advanced health of consumers, and reduction of medical expenses are some of the notable reasons, which substantiate the essence of putting the amount of calories on the menus.
Besides, helping consumers make informed decisions concerning healthy and unhealthy food, the policy will also expand the scope of several low-end restaurants and food joints that focus on revenues and downplay the health of consumers. Therefore, it is necessary for restaurants to put calories on their menus.
Reference List
Albert, J 2010, Innovations in food labeling, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.
Apter, M, Fontana, D & Murgatroyd 2014, Reversal Theory: Applications and Development, Psychology Press, London.
Bagchi, D 2011, Global perspectives on childhood obesity: current status, consequences and prevention, Routledge, London.
Haber, D 2013, Health Promotion and Aging: Practical Applications for Health Professionals, Springer Publishing Company, New York.
Kazaks, A & Stern, J 2013, Nutrition and obesity: assessment, management, and prevention, Jones & Bartlett Learning, Burlington.
Svebek, S & Apter, M 2014, Stress and Health: A Reversal Theory Perspective, Taylor & Francis, London.
The rate of childhood obesity in the United States continues to grow, and in the long term, this trend can threaten the health of the entire nation, even though the dangers of this phenomenon may not be immediately noticeable. In this speech, I would like to discuss the relationship between childhood obesity and the sustainability of the country. This topic has long been of great interest to me, and I have examined various books, scholarly articles, and governmental websites that help readers better understand this question. Overall, I would like to focus on the economic, environmental, and health aspects of this issue because they can influence millions of people. It is possible to argue that this trend requires the close attention of parents, educators, and medical workers who should pay attention to the dietary habits of children. In this way, they can eliminate a great number of risks. These are the main arguments that can be put forward.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2014), approximately 17 percent of children in the United States suffer from obesity. This percentage is very large in other advanced countries as well (Arundel Street Consulting, 2011). Moreover, in the future, these people can develop such disorders as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure (Williams & Fruhbeck, 2009, p. 214). The effects of obesity can become particularly noticeable at the time when people reach the stage of adulthood. Additionally, much attention should be paid to the risks of asthma and osteoarthritis since these illnesses are also very dangerous (Williams & Fruhbeck, 2009).
This argument is particularly relevant if one speaks about people who have not been able to cope with overweight during childhood or adolescence. This is one of the points that can be made. It should be mentioned that the annual costs of treating obesity-related illnesses equal to more than $ 147 billion (Arundel Street Consulting, 2011, p. 41). In the future, the economic impact of the issue will only increase (Arundel Street Consulting, 2011, p. 41). Therefore, the burden carried by the healthcare system will become even more onerous due to increasing population growth. This is one of the reasons why this issue cannot be easily dismissed by policy-makers and medical workers. In particular, medical workers, such as nurses, should focus on the education of parents and children who should fully understand the dangers of overweight.
Another threat that should not be overlooked is the mortality of people suffering from obesity-related diseases. It is estimated that obesity may cause approximately 150.000 deaths on an annual basis (Williams & Fruhbeck, 2009). To a great extent, these deaths can be attributed to cardiovascular disease (Williams & Fruhbeck, 2009, p. 214). Certainly, obesity-related diseases do not directly affect children. However, the effects of these disorders can manifest themselves in the future, especially at the stage of adulthood. Therefore, in the long term, childhood obesity can influence thousands of families. This is one of the points that should be taken into account by parents who should not overlook the eating habits of children. This aspect of their behavior can profoundly influence their development in the future.
Additionally, I want to mention other risks related to this problem. In particular, overweight children tend to be bullied or stigmatized in schools, and many of them can encounter various psychological difficulties such as the complex of inferiority or anxiety (Hawdon, Ryan, & Lucht, 2014, p. 156). In the long-term, their social skills can be significantly impaired. This is one of the details that parents and educators should take into account in order to help children. They need to keep in mind that obesity does not harm the only physical health of a person; in many cases, it can have profound implications for the psychological state of a person, and the quality of his/her life can be significantly reduced.
Moreover, it is important to mention that the production of fast food, which is related to childhood obesity, results in significant environmental challenges. For example, one can speak about the pollution resulting from various plastic containers that are necessary for the storage of such products. Furthermore, fast food chains make excessive use of paper, and in the long-term, their activities can lead to deforestation (Smith, 2006). This is one of the risks that should be taken into account. Admittedly, fast-food production is not the most critical pollution factor; nevertheless, its impact should not be disregarded.
Hopefully, these examples demonstrate that childhood obesity can endanger the sustainability of society. In particular, much attention should be paid to the economic costs of healthcare, environmental pollution, and healthcare problems encountered by many children. In the long term, this trend can adversely affect the entire community. Overall, the effects of childhood obesity are more likely to manifest themselves when a person becomes older. In this case, it is critical to focus on the needs of individuals, families, and the environment. These are the main arguments that can be advanced.
Thank you for your attention.
Reference List
Arundel Street Consulting. (2011). Americas Health Rankings, 2013 Edition: A call to action for individuals and their communities. New York, NY: United Health Foundation.