Category: Obesity

Introduction

Obesity has been a medical problem and cosmetic concern which involves individuals having excessive fat due to consumption of more calories. Over the years the rate of obesity in America has tremendously increased. The disease is becoming widespread, with some states being more affected than others. Therefore, obesity is deemed a serious health concern related to reduced quality of life and poor health, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Obesity and being overweight go hand in hand. Health specialists and nutritionists classify individuals based on their body mass index to overweight, underweight, and healthy weight (Nogueira-de-Almeida & Mello, 2018). The measure of body fat and height of an individual is essential in determining the status and classification of an individual. The main cause of this health problem in the United States has not yet been fully examined, but speculations go that individuals consume too much food and conduct less physical activity and exercise.

On the other hand, dyslipidemia refers to the increase in triglycerides, plasma cholesterol, or both, contributing to the evolution of fat build-ups, cholesterol, and other materials inside and on the arterial walls. Obesity is a significant risk factor in dyslipidemia, such that it is responsible for the evolution of cardiovascular diseases (Vekic et al., 2019). The body of a patient with obesity tends to be ever overworked as it is required to regulate the entire body while performing the functions of a normal weight individual. At most times, obese individuals can experience high blood pressure as the body is trying to regulate the body. Body mass index, age, and triglycerides will be the major variables that affect the rate of obesity and, therefore, dyslipidemia in an individual.This paper will focus on answering the question on the relation of obesity and dyslipidemia,explaining the different variables that are determinant in the two conditions and the risk factors that tend to prevail as a result.

Discussion

Most of the individuals who are obese tend to be dyslipidemic. The frequency of obesity in the last few years has risen significantly worldwide, such that children have also been affected by the crisis (Feingold, 2020). Generally, the majority of deaths that are a result of high body mass index are mostly due to cardiovascular disease. Most obese individuals tend to show lipid abnormalities, including triglyceride, non-HDL-C levels, and Apo B. Obesity is known to impact the metabolism of lipids such that the effects of obesity depend on where the adipose tissue is located (Vekic et al., 2019). This means that an increased visceral adipose tissue and the intravenous adipose tissue in the upper trunkare related to high triglycerides and low levels of HDL-C. In the legs, when there is an increase in adipose tissue, the levels of triglycerides are low. Therefore, the shielding effect of the leg fat can be used as an explanation as to why most women and African Americans tend to have lower triglycerides.

The body mass index is considered linearly related to the amount of cholesterol and concentration of triglyceride in the body but has an opposite relationship with HDL cholesterol. Dyslipidemia is known to have a strong association with obesity, overweight, and the comorbid conditions of obesity (Nogueira-de-Almeida & Mello, 2018). The frequency of dyslipidemia is therefore dependent on age and gender. In male individuals aged 20 to 59, the occurrence of dyslipidemia is higher compared to that of women, while the conditions are known to have a drastic increase in females aged 59 years and above.

Varying abnormalities are known to cause dyslipidemia in obese individuals. The combination of the higher distribution of fatty acids to the liver is known to be a contributing factor to the abnormalities. The overproduction of very low- density lipoprotein in the liver is among the key abnormalities that contribute to the increase in serum triglyceride levels. The availability of triglycerides tends to affect the rate at which the VLDL particles are secreted in the liver, and it is determined by the degree of fatty acids present in the body for the triglycerides synthesis in the liver (Deeb et al., 2018). Fatty acids are important in the body such that they are used for the storage of energy in the body, but some sources that produce them, especially in the liver, tend to be altered in the case of obese individuals. In obese individuals and patients, a decrease in insulin activity as a result of insulin resistance causes an increased disintegration of triglycerides in the adipose tissue hence enhancing the fatty acids distribution to the liver.

With the changes in lifestyles and quality of life, obesity has also increased in children. According to Feingold, (2020), the rate of obesity in children is at 16% this quite a high number, considering that the United States has quite a high population. Obesity in childhood is considered a key precursor of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood, which is modifiable. 17% of United States youths that are obese tend to have lipoprotein cholesterol of low density, which is abnormal. Therefore, the intensity of obesity corresponds with the regularity of high cholesterol and high triglycerides (Zhang et al., 2019). Compared to dyslipidemia related to obesity, the relationship between lipoprotein cholesterol with a low density is considered less strong.

With the 16% of children in the United States that are obese and have cardiovascular risk factors, some challenges exist in identifying and treating conditions such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension in early childhood. Although it is a risk factor that is quite easy to identify, obesity is also the most challenging of the risk factors to improve. Healthcare providers do not offer adequate training while communicating the risk of unhealthy weight to patients and their families. According to statistics, based on sex, more women and young girls tend to be more obese compared to men and girls. In the United States, for instance, peoples lifestyles are a contributing factor to obesity as men tend to indulge in physical activity and exercise more than women.

Conclusion

Obesity is considered a pro-inflammatory state as a result of the macrophages that penetrate the adipose tissue. Adipokines have the function of regulating the metabolism of lipids, and in the case of obese individuals, the adiponectin levels which circulate are low. Resistin, which is directly known to correspond to the triglyceride levels of plasma, is high in obese individuals (Rathwa et al., 2019).According to kinetic studies, the elevation of lipid and lipoproteins in obesity can be attained through various mechanisms, including increased secretion with low catabolism of apo-1 and low secretion and a high catabolism apoB. Several pipeline therapies have also been named for correcting the atherogenic abnormalities which are in the metabolism of lipoproteins.

Reference List

Deeb, A., Attia, S., Mahmoud, S., Elhaj, G., &Elfatih, A. (2018). Dyslipidemia and fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children. Journal of obesity, 2018.

Feingold, K. R. (2020). Obesity and Dyslipidemia. South Dartmouth. Web.

Kuwabara, M., Kuwabara, R., Niwa, K., Hisatome, I., Smits, G., Roncal-Jimenez, C. A.,& & Jalal, D. I. (2018). Different risks for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia according to body mass index in Japanese and American subjects. Nutrients, 10(8), 1011.

Nogueira-de-Almeida, C. A., & Mello, E. D. D. (2018). Correlation of body mass index Z-scores with glucose and lipid profiles among overweight and obese children and adolescents. Jornal de pediatria, 94, 308-312.

Rathwa, N., Patel, R., Palit, S. P., Ramachandran, A. V., & Begum, R. (2019). Genetic variants of resistin and its plasma levels: Association with obesity and dyslipidemia related to type 2 diabetes susceptibility. Genomics, 111(4), 980-985.

Vekic, J., Zeljkovic, A., Stefanovic, A., Jelic-Ivanovic, Z., &Spasojevic-Kalimanovska, V. (2019). Obesity and dyslipidemia. Metabolism, 92, 71-81.

Zhang, T., Chen, J., Tang, X., Luo, Q., Xu, D., & Yu, B. (2019). Interaction between adipocytes and high-density lipoprotein: new insights into the mechanism of obesity-induced dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Lipids in Health and Disease, 18(1), 1-11.

A patient case study analysis is an outline of diagnosis and the ongoing treatment. The patient, in this case, will be called Mr. P, who is a 24-year old male, 6.0 feet tall, and weighs 280 pounds. As per the height and weight, he has a body mass index (BMI) of 38, which, according to clinical standards, indicates obesity. A normal BMI ranges from 24-29.9; anything above 30 is considered obese. Mr. P has been experiencing increased heart rate for quite a while and fears that his body fat might be the primary cause. According to the medical protocol, he needs to lower his BMI to achieve a normal heartbeat, improve his self-esteem, and acquire the desired body shape.

Obesity is one of the most common health concerns among the youth. In the United States, the rise of the condition among youngsters is associated with the decline in physical activity. Research shows that young people spend most of their time indoors engaged in the Internet (Heymsfield & Wadden, 2017). According to Sanyaolu et al. (2019), around 1.9 billion adult individuals globally are overweight. Also, over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 have the same condition. The disease is life-threatening; it results from excessive fat accumulation in the body that may impair well-being, increase the risk of cardiovascular ailment, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, among other illnesses.

Mr. Ps current pressing medical issue is the rise in his heartbeat, which has negatively impacted his usual daily activities. It weighs his body down because he cannot walk like he used to; he cannot lift heavy things. Additionally, he reveals that his weight has affected him psychologically. His health condition is accompanied by low self-esteem, poor body image, and inability to partake in various activities like his peers, for instance, sports. Further, his love life has been adversely impacted by the excessive eight, and his relationships always end based on his condition, which demoralizes him.

The Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE)

BEE is the amount of energy adequate to cover all movement and bodily activities essential for a living thing to survive for a day, given in kcal/day or kJ/day. The calculation will consider moderate stress level, and this is because Mr. Ps emotional status has not yet affected his everyday functioning. The BEE will also include light daily undertakings like walking and less engaging house chores. He can only do minor things, not anything that involves heavy lifting or high-energy use.

For men,

B.E.E. = 66.5 + (13.75 x kg) + (5.003 x cm)  (6.775 x age)

66.5 + (13.75 x 127) + (5.003 x 182.88)  (6.775 x 24)

66.5+1746.25+ 914.94-162.6= 2565.09

B.E.E= 2565 kcal/d

Comparison of Basic Energy Requirements (Calories) with Nutritional Intake

Mr. Ps condition is not severe, so he uses the normal feeding process, enteral feeding. It refers to food intake via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. To calculate his daily caloric requirement, it will consider the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), the number of power individuals requires in relaxing. BMR incorporates up to sixty to seventy percent of the energy consumed daily (Howell & Kones, 2017). One of the most precise approaches to approximating the BMR rate is through the Harris-Benedict formula. After getting the BMR, it will be multiplied with the level of activity an individual engages in; with Mr. P, it will be the sedentary category which indicates little or no exercises, which equals 1.2.

Adult male: 66 + (6.3 x body weight in lbs.) + (12.9 x height in inches)  (6.8 x age) = BMR

Daily caloric requirement = BMR x 1.2

66 + (6.3 x 280) + (12.9 x 72)  (6.8 x 24)

66 + (1764) + (928.8)  (163.2)

66 + 1764 + 928.8 -163.2= 2595.6

BMR=2596

Caloric requirement = 2596 x 1.2 =3115.2

The daily calorie needs for my client = 3115

Mr. Ps Current Daily Nutritional Intake and Calorie Value

Breakfast

• 1 glass of chocolate milk= 208
• 5 slices of bread 75 calories per slice =375
• 3 fried eggs=300

Lunch

• 1 place of rice = 272
• Cooked bean=200
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables= 118
• 500ml soda= 203
• Four oclock snack
• 1 cup of tea= 82
• 50g slice of cookie= 250

Dinner

• Pizza 4 slices = 1140
• 1 slice of chicken = 239
• 1 beer = 154

The total daily calorie consumption for my client is approximately 3541.

The Patients Nutritional Needs

Mr. P wants to reduce weight; changing his diet will be the primary treatment approach towards achieving his treatment goals. The main aim will be to reduce carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, which are the major contributors to energy. Therapy will then increase the intake of proteins, vegetables, fruits, and water. Fruits and vegetables contain low-calorie content, while proteins will help activate high metabolism levels for the system to shade accumulated body fat. According to the calculations above, Mr. P is taking more calories than his body requires. To decrease his accumulated fats, he needs to lower his calorie intake than what the body needs to ensure that the metabolic process burns extra body fat.

Effective treatment needs to incorporate appropriate nutrition and exercise, which are the best methods to weight loss within short periods. Nutritionists advise that lowering carbohydrates consumption by 1,000 calories daily, the equivalent of 2Ibs weekly, might be harmful and can cause adverse effects by interfering with digestion. Shading 2Ibs and higher has a probability of decreasing muscles, which lowers BMR. Denying the body of the nutrients it needs, which has severe detrimental impacts, and losing kilos this way is unsustainable (Howell & Kones, 2017). Also, while reducing calorie intake, it is vital to sustaining the rates of fiber consumption and other dietary requirements to stabilize the bodys necessities.

Research has confirmed that many people choose to reduce their calorie intake by 500 kcal per day to achieve weight loss. The famous worldly formula for healthy weight reduction is burning 3,500 calories to lose 1 pound or 0.45kgs in a week. Mr. Ps energy need per day is 3115 while he is taking approximately 3541. With the above formula, though the researchers argue it is dangerous for one to lose 1000 calories per day, it is not the case for Mr. P because he is taking extra food, and only reducing 1000 energy will help him achieve his therapeutic objectives (Howell & Kones, 2017). The treatment goal is to maintain a 2541 nutritional intake under the normal range of 2,800-3,000 for men in his age group.

The table in the above section shows Mr. Ps food daily intake, including high levels of carbohydrates, sugars, and fats intake. In this part, the eating timetable reduces starches, sugars, fats and increases protein, vegetables, fruits, and water intake to maintain 2541 calories daily. If the patient follows the program to the latter, he will lose 7000 Cal in one week, equivalent to 2 pounds. Though the recommended is 3500 per week, our main reason for 1000 is because Mr. P is currently taking more food than his body requires. Mr. P will try this formula for two weeks; if it affects his health, he will retrieve it to 500 Cal in a day.

Breakfast

• 1 glass of chocolate milk= 208
• 3 slices of bread 75 calories per slice = 225
• 3 fried eggs=300
• 1 cup of vegetables= 118

Lunch

• 1 place of rice = 272
• Cooked bean=200
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables= 118
• 1 banana and 1 apple = 225
• Four oclock snack
• Oatmeal porridge= 339

Dinner

• Vegetables = 118
• 1 slice of chicken = 239
• 2 apples= 190
• 2liters of water throughout the day

Total daily intake will be approximately 2552

Conclusion

Studies have shown that obesity is one of the health issues causing many physical and psychological pains. Through nutrition, many people have been able to improve their conditions and beat the disease. Calculating the BEE, BMR, and caloric needs and documenting daily food intake is the only way to monitor whether nutrition works for specific patients. Mr. P will also engage in exercise, walking for a start since he cannot do major exercise. Discipline is critical in using a diet to reduce body fats; the patient must avoid foods they like that are not necessary for the body.

References

Heymsfield, S. B., & Wadden, T. A. (2017). Mechanisms, pathophysiology, and management of obesity.New England Journal of Medicine, 376(3), 254-266, Web.

Howell, S., & Kones, R. (2017). Calories in, calories out and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 313:608612, Web.

Sanyaolu, A., Okorie, C., Qi, X., Locke, J., & Rehman, S. (2019). Childhood and adolescent obesity in the United States: A public health concern. Global Pediatric Health, 6, Web.

Introduction

Subject: Funded projects related to the role of exercise in combating obesity.

On June 10, 2022, we had a meeting where we discussed the possibility of developing a new intervention program for preventing and fighting obesity through physical exercise. Following your request, I am sending you the results of the search I performed on the Grants Explorer website. I included the screenshots of strategies I utilized and the summary of the funded projects related to this problem to provide the foundation for our future research to design a better plan for obese individuals. Lastly, I recommend including two approaches to project management: programmatic and policy, systems, and environment (PSE).

Rationale

The primary rationale of our project was to comprehend the existing methodologies implemented by the scientists in this field and identify the most effective approach.

Methodology

Obesity became a global pandemic several decades ago when the fast-food industry started to rise on the market. Therefore, exploration of the past and ongoing funded projects related to this issue was explored on the RWJF Grants Explorer website. Figure 1 represents the search criteria that were utilized to identify research that was done in this field. The keywords were exercise and obesity, and the period was selected from 1972 to 2022. Since the amount of money awarded was an insignificant factor, in this case, the default criterion of any amount was selected. It was essential to choose both active and closed projects to understand the overall long-term trend of research related to the role of exercise in this chronic condition that affects various aspects of human health. In the advanced search area, such items as disease prevention and health promotion, social determinants of health, childhood obesity, health leadership, and health systems were selected.

The advanced search restricted the number of projects to 33, which focused on various questions. Notably, many of the grant projects in the results section were associated with the pediatrics field because childhood obesity is a particularly significant issue in the United States. Funding for the studies ranged from less than $10,000 to about $24 million (Figure 2). Furthermore, Tables 1A-4A list grant projects studying the effect of exercise on obesity. Specifically, these projects focused on improving childrens and adolescents eating habits and physical training.

Statements of Findings

The two main approaches used in the selected projects were programmatic and PSE. The former implies grouping similar projects into one to save time and money and it is highlighted yellow in the table in Appendix A (Carroll and Woodward, 2020). For example, the 2004 project by Monadnock Family Services involved dance classes for people with mental illnesses and individuals with weight issues (Table 1A). The latter, which is highlighted in green, are the strategies implemented to increase the possibilities of healthier choices in a community (RHIhub, 2018). The project conducted by Young Audiences of New Jersey strived to help children be more involved in various physical activities by opening dance and music classes in schools (Table 1A). Morristown Memorial Health Foundation organized an adolescent training program to prevent obesity (Table 1A). The New Jersey KidFit program was funded to provide age-appropriate assistance and training to 10,000 children aged 5-13 (Table 1A). These four projects focused on introducing an intervention in the form of sports classes and activities.

The following four funded projects were more educational in nature. Saint Peters University Hospital organized the project for children of age 8-11 to educate them about healthy food choices and exercise they can do to maintain a healthy weight (Table 2A). Furthermore, the National Academies of Sciences project focused on printing and promoting the book about the causes, consequences, and prevention of childhood obesity (Table 2A). Willow School program strived to teach K-8 students about exercising and healthy eating to prevent obesity (Table 2A). Lastly, the project by American Heart Association introduced an educational program in schools across 13 states to teach students and staff about the importance of physical activity (Table 2A).

There were three nutritional projects striving to improve diet in schools and communities (Table 3A). These programs, conducted by Connecticut Childrens Medical Center, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, and City of Garfield Health Department, separately strived to improve meals in schools and various neighborhoods. Moreover, six mixed studies incorporating nutrition and exercise were found (Table 4A). These six projects goals were to provide training and practical solutions for schoolchildren, their families, and teachers about healthy eating and exercise.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The review of the past and currently funded projects related to the role of exercise in fighting the problem of obesity showed that most were combined studies. These projects involved groups of people with different issues or incorporated other strategies like improving nutrition. Thus, to make our intervention program effective and financially reasonable, we should consider combining physical training and dieting for entire families with this problem. In terms of the PSE approach, the grouping of projects similar to the one proposed in this memorandum can be utilized to combine some of these projects to make them more efficient and less costly.

References

Carroll, S., & Woodward, C. (2020). How programmatic project management improves outcomes for cost, risk, and business performance. Aurecon. Web.

RHIhub. (2018). Policy, systems, and environmental change.

Appendix A

Table 1A.Grant Projects Related to the Role of Exercise in Obesity

Table 2A. Educational Grant Projects

Table 3A.Grant Projects Related to the Role of Nutrition in Obesity

Table 4A. Projects of a Mixed Nature (Nutrition and Exercise)

An alarmingly high percentage of the Latin American community is obese  a figure that risks approaching half of the countrys entire Spanish population. In the context of how this problem affects children, the situation seems all the more worrisome. In Spanish-American social culture, researchers have observed a link between cultural inclusion and the ability to control your weight (Isasi et al., 2017). It is required to consider the social factors leading to the growth of this problem in order to propose strategies for overcoming it.

The problem of obesity among children in the Latin American community is not primarily related to the lack of attention of parents to the growing problem. The cultural difference, the generation gap that actually occurs in Hispanic families, can often lead to behaviors that cause obesity and cardiometabolic risks (LeCroy et al., 2020). The main factors behind the emergence of these risks is surprisingly the difference in the cultural level of education of parents and children. Difficulties in the life of an immigrant family, such as significant stress factors and the problem of language barriers, have a negative impact on communication between children and parents. Thus, a child without realizing it can be involved in food or physical behavior that entails not only obesity, but also a pre-diabetes state and a number of other dangerous diseases.

As a test study conducted among Hispanic children shows, a culturally adaptive model is required from within which healthy eating habits should be explained to Hispanic youth (Soltero et al., 2021). A healthy lifestyle and physical activity seem to be the main supportive factors in overcoming the problem of obesity. However, for the implementation of such a project, it is necessary to establish cultural adaptation of the Latin community and dialogue between Hispanic parents and their children. Thus, the primary strategy for solving the problem is social work with parents, the next stage will be a project to introduce healthy products into the diet of children. The final stage seems to be the promotion of physical activity, which, with adequate implementation, could successfully consolidate this combination of methods.

Reference

Isasi, C. R., et al. (2017). The association of parental/caregiver chronic stress with youth obesity: Findings from the study of Latino youth and the Hispanic community health study/Study of Latinos sociocultural ancillary study.Childhood Obesity, 13(4), 251-258.

LeCroy, M. N., et al. (2020). The Association of the parent-child acculturation gap with obesity and cardiometabolic risk in Hispanic/Latino youth: Results from the Hispanic community childrens health study/study of Latino youth (SOL Youth). Circulation 141.

Soltero, E. G., et al. (2021). Family-based obesity prevention interventions among hispanic children and families: A scoping review.Nutrients, 13(8), 2690.

A Brief Review of the Clinical Health Issue

Obesity is a major public health problem that is recognized as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Obesity and overweight are two of the most common disorders that cause additional medical conditions and lead to a variety of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, metabolic disorder, and coronary heart disease (Safaei et al., 2021). In 2030, the WHO predicts that 30 percent of deaths will be caused by lifestyle illnesses, which can be avoided by identifying and treating related risk factors and implementing behavioral engagement programs (Safaei et al., 2021). In order to decrease the malignant nature of overweight and obesity and the growing tendency of such diseases, more research and regulations are required.

Critical Forecasting and Boundary Spanning Factors

Adult individuals overweight and severe obesity rates grew from 1999 to 2000 to 2017-2018. The danger of the disease is not only in the rapid growth but the complications. Obesity-related issues, including cardiovascular disease and terminal kidney disease, will be found among those who are severely obese (CDC, 2022). As of now, there is no simple answer to how obesity can be managed and what initiatives must be taken. It is a complicated matter that necessitates a comprehensive solution.

What This Issue Looks Like Going Forward

In order to build a culture that nurtures healthy behaviors, policymakers, federal and municipal institutions, corporate, educational, and community activists, childcare, and healthcare experts must collaborate. As a result, it can be seen that obesity has a growing tendency, and this poses a threat to the nation and requires more attention both from scientists and the government, without which the danger of the disease will only increase.

Stakeholders

Among the stakeholders in the given plan are the patients and healthcare providers. With both patient and clinician efforts, it will be possible to see which measures provide the most beneficial results. The results of the trial will be the recommendations to the policymakers on approaches to reducing the growing tendency of obesity and overweight. Thus, the parties will be incentivized on both individual and broader scopes. For example, patients who participate in the trial must have the aforementioned medical conditions. For medical providers, the incentive will be the determination of the most efficient approaches to treating obesity and overweight.

Who are they?

Stakeholders typically include attending physicians, other hospital staff, and the patients; sometimes, pharmaceutical companies are included (these are, however, common cases of medical research). The country is the most important stakeholder, which ensures significant insurance premiums.

What do I need from them?

Direct stakeholders (physicians, staff, and patients) must carefully follow the rules during the trial. Without discipline, it will be impossible to get adequate results. Physicians must follow all predetermined standards and algorithms.

How will I convince them to help?

The organization of the trial will be entirely the responsibility of the scientists and will not affect either the physicians assisting in the research or the patients. All work during the test will be under strict control and fixation, both in electronic form and on paper. Patients will be able to see the result if they wish and receive it in their hands.

Strategic measures

Among the strategic measures of the trial will be the number of participants, their obesity-related health issues, Body Mass Index (BMI), and participation in clinical and non-clinical programs.

Measure 1

The Body Mass Index will be considered one of the fundamental measurements since it shows both the existing obesity and the risk and exposure. During the test, the mass index of the case will be measured two to three times.

Measure 2

Obesity-related health issues are an essential subject to study and a severe measurement that clinicians should approach responsibly. It includes hereditary cases of obesity, eating habits, and mental diseases associated with eating behavior. Possibly, later consideration should be given to adding the social aspects of obesity to these questions.

Managerial Issues

Management issues will first relate to personnel management during the test. The calculation of the results must be kept in electronic form and subsequently printed on paper. All results data must be encrypted and protected by reliable software. Patients must be confident in their and the results privacy. Additional costs should be provided for in case of emergencies. All hospital staff and physicians must voluntarily participate in the trial and be prepared for extra work.

Staff Concerns for the Proposal

As for the staff, the medical professional team will participate in the trial to gather the data and provide patient care. Among the issues that might arise might be the understaffed shifts to collect the data.

Budget

The costs (budget) will include the expenses for the usage of electronic records to monitor the changes in patients conditions.

The structure to fulfill the proposal

The trial structure will consist of the comparison of patients with obesity and obesity-related medical conditions. The comparison will focus on the improvements and efficiency levels in patients who use non-clinical and clinical programs.

Ethical Issues

The ethical issues involve the usage of the personal information of patients, which leads to the matter of confidentiality. In this case, patients who will participate in the trial will have to sign a form of agreement. Moreover, there is an ethical issue regarding the balance between the quality of patient care and efficiency. The focus will be on efficiency rather than quality, in the given situation.

References

CDC. (2022). Causes of obesity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.

Safaei, M., Sundararajan, E. A., Driss, M., Boulila, W., & Shapii, A. (2021). A systematic literature review on obesity: Understanding the causes & consequences of obesity and reviewing various machine learning approaches used to predict obesity. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 136, 1-17.

Quantitative Study

The systematic review under consideration concerns the articles examining the effect of exercise interventions on body composition and cardiometabolic risk in overweight and obese adolescents. The review suggests that structured physical activity in teenagers is positively correlated with reduced body mass index (BMI) and decreased body fat mass (Stoner et al., 2016). Stoner et al. (2016) note the preventative value of exercise intervention and its effect on systolic blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose regulation. However, the evidence on the impact of exercise on cardiometabolic risk factors remains limited. The review implies that BMI is not sufficient for measuring the effect of physical activity and that the problem of obesity should not be considered in isolation.

Qualitative Study

The systematic review pertaining to the topic of obesity in adolescents concerns the existing facilitators and barriers to discussing the weight of a child with parents. Bradbury et al. (2018) state that both facilitators and barriers correlate with the intrapersonal and interpersonal level factors, including staff and parental factors and professional-patient interactions. The review suggests that ethical issues may arise when discussing the weight of a child due to the normalization of overweight, different cultural perceptions of healthy weight, and the economic environment (Bradbury et al., 2018). It is implied that future interventions should focus on the intrapersonal and interpersonal level factors and that a new protocol for child weight management with clear responsibilities for the involved parties needs to be developed.

Impact on Recommendations

Quantitative Recommendations

The poster recommendation focused on encouraging schools to include a comprehensive resistance training or physical activity program to prevent the development of obesity in adolescents and reduce BMI. An additional suggestion is provided for family-based treatment programs as children can benefit from social support. However, the systematic review argues that obesity is a complex issue affected by the interaction of numerous systems and is determined by various environmental, social, and economic factors (Stoner et al., 2016). Thus, ethical issues may arise when promoting physical activity for students at school and home, as other factors are not accounted for. Furthermore, exercise interventions may be rendered ineffective if these factors are not considered.

Qualitative Recommendations

The poster recommendations suggest that school and community health programs provide different health services to children and involve parents in preventative child weight management. Bradbury et al. (2018) note that engaging parents or guardians in health management can be challenging and is accompanied by a variety of ethical issues. Therefore, additional intervention should be considered in order to facilitate a constructive dialogue between parents and health care professionals and address barriers that may arise from the trend of normalizing obesity and economic and cultural factors.

Recommendation Changes and Additions

Considering the information provided by the discussed systematic reviews, several additional recommendations need to be added to the poster, including the ethical concerns of exercise intervention programs for children and adolescents. Thus, it should be stated that obesity is a systemic problem, and physical activity is one of the factors affecting it. When designing an exercise program for children, their environmental, social, and economic factors should be considered. Failure to account for these factors would be unethical, as weight issues may arise from child neglect or abuse. Furthermore, the poster should address how challenging a conversation with parents may be for health care professionals and what ethical concerns are associated with it. Therefore, an additional recommendation should be given on how to approach cultural differences in the perception of a healthy weight and initiate the conversation on the economic situation of a family and their view on obesity.

References

Bradbury, D., Chisholm, A., Watson, P. M., Bundy, C., Bradbury, N., & Birtwistle, S. (2018). Barriers and facilitators to health care professionals discussing child weight with parents: A metasynthesis of qualitative studies.British Journal of Health Psychology, 23(3), 701722. Web.

Stoner, L., Rowlands, D., Morrison, A., Credeur, D., Hamlin, M., Gaffney, K., Lambrick, D., & Matheson, A. (2016). Efficacy of exercise intervention for weight loss in overweight and obese adolescents: Meta-analysis and implications.Sports Medicine, 46(11), 17371751. Web.

Research Question

What are the causes and effects of genetic inheritance in obesity? This research questions comes from a broad and fundamental tool in the history of research. There are numerous theories that have been drawn in relation to the sources and causes of obesity in early childhood and in adulthood (Sizer & Whitney, 2006). Different research practitioners from various institutions and academic background have related the causes of obesity with inheritance and issued varying conclusions and recommendations. This research question is related to the numerous health related issue that scholars indicates in their research findings and conclusions as diverse and complex. The conclusion of various research shows that obesity results from environmental and genetic factors just like many other common diseases.

Introduction

The percentage of the population worldwide that suffer from obesity as a result of genetically related factors are numerous and widely acknowledged. This percentage ratio ranges from 40% to approximately 70% depending with the area of research and time of conducting the research. This essay therefore analysis the different formations of obesity, the causes and in particular the significance of inheritance in the occurrence of obesity. The frequency of the obese patients in different heath facilities has increased due to the aspect of genetic inheritance (Wadden & Stunkard, 2012). Research indicates that the availability of different genetically modified foods in majority of the Westernized countries has been a pillar in the occurrence of obesity in most people. According to the research conducted by (WHO) World Health Organization, obesity has increased tremendously over the past decades in the developed countries because of a number of factors. Different research practitioners from various institutions and academic background have related the causes of obesity with inheritance and issued varying conclusions and recommendations (Farooqi, 2005). The conclusion of various research shows that obesity results from environmental and genetic factors just like many other common diseases. These categories of diseases affect the health and physical ability of patients in diverse and adverse aspects. Clarification on the results of occurrence of obesity should be critically analyzed to facilitate a firm foundation in the medication and diagnosis procedures of the health practitioners to their patients.

The importance of the analysis of obesity and its relation to genetic inheritance gives clarity in the field. In addition, the conduction of the research gives different baselines of research and the conclusions drawn by the different research practitioners on the topic. The views of different scholars on an individual topic give room for diverse research and understanding to the learners. Clarity in the different causes of obesity and realization of the adverse effects of different genetically modified food on the heath of people is attained in this essay (Farooqi & ORahilly, 2006). This shows that people are aware of the different sources of diseases and the ways and means of eradicating and limiting the disease occurrences. This essay therefore analysis the different formations of obesity, the causes and in particular the significance of inheritance in the occurrence of obesity. The frequency of the obese patients in different heath facilities has increased due to the aspect of genetic inheritance. There are numerous theories that have been drawn in relation to the sources and causes of obesity in early childhood and in adulthood.

Literature Review

Research indicates that there are different factors related to obesity and genetic inheritance. From the conclusion drawn by different research practitioners, the transfer of genes from parents to their children is a common feature. On the other hand, the transfer of diseases from parents to their children consists of similar and significant aspects. However, research indicates that there are other causes of obesity. Provision of genetically modified foods in the local markets leads to health hazards if the consumers fail to limit their eating habits. The genetically modified food results in increased cholesterol levels and imbalanced physical appearances. The realization of overweight parents can have similar effects on their children. However, there are cases where people become overweight resulting from eating disorder (Wadden & Stunkard, 2012).

According to research, obesity results from behavior and occurrence of genetic inheritance. The risk of obtaining obesity increases with the availability of obesity related genes. This demonstrates that the higher the obesity genes the higher the chances of obtaining obesity. The percentage increase in the level of obesity can currently be termed as epidemic. The rise in the number of patients suffering from the obesity epidemic has increased rapidly and a significant realization and facilitation of a solution. Obesity causes diverse results and implications to the patients, relatives and government because of the high cost of medication and care. These categories of diseases affect the health and physical ability of patients in diverse and adverse aspects. Obesity has increased tremendously over the past decades in the developed countries because of a number of factors. Research indicates that the increased level of occurrence of obesity in children has notably increased. There are various diseases related to obesity. Liver, alcoholic associated, pediatric occurrence and type 2 Diabetes are some of the diseases affiliated with children obesity. According to the research conducted by the scholars from World Health Organization (WHO), the availability of obesity in childhood can result to an adverse result like heart related diseases. This shows that the children suffering from obesity have high chances of getting heart diseases and related diseases.

To facilitate an understating on the rising levels of obese patients in the recent decades, an analysis of the original causes should be closely monitored. A broad analysis on the epidemic should be given diverse and somber thoughts. The research conducted by various health institutions and research practitioners give variations in the causes of obesity and provision of proper remedies (Speakman, 2004). Provision of genetically modified foods in the local markets leads to health hazards if the consumers fail to limit their eating habits. The genetically modified food results in increased cholesterol levels and imbalanced physical appearances. The realization of overweight parents can have similar effects on their children. The rise in the number of patients suffering from the obesity epidemic has increased rapidly and a significant realization and facilitation of a solution. Obesity causes diverse results and implications to the patients, relatives and government because of the high cost of medication and care. Childhood obesity and attainment of adolescent obesity depends on the availability of inherited genes from parents. The availability of obesity from both parents results in high probability levels of similar occurrences to their children. Polygenic results in the availability of inherited multiple and numerous genes with the facilitation of changing and preferable environmental condition. According to Speakman, the causes of obesity are usually linked to the polygenic occurrences. However, there are other cases that are usually associated with the occurrence of monogenic factors and aspects (Speakman, 2004, p. 2093S).

The alarming rise in levels of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been increasing rapidly in the 21^st century. Consequently, there are different people in the society who experience increased glucose in their bloodstream but have symptoms that are below the diabetes level. The World Health Organization has conducted detailed research analysis on the differences between the two aspects and the availability of individual remedies. Research concludes that the increase in the levels of T2D in the past decades results from the increased levels of the population. According to Bell, Walley and Froguel, the high levels of diabetes in the third world countries affect people between the ages of 45 to 64 years (Bell, Walley & Froguel, 2005, p. 221). On the other hand, the high levels of diabetes fall above the age of 65 years. The results of these statistics illustrate the diversity and differences between the population structures of developing countries and developed countries.

Research on occurrence of obesity with accordance to gender shows minimal disparities. The rise in the number of patients suffering from the obesity epidemic has increased rapidly and a significant realization and facilitation of a solution. Obesity causes diverse results and implications to the patients, relatives and government because of the high cost of medication and care. Obesity causes diverse results and implications to the patients, relatives and government because of the high cost of medication and care. Childhood obesity and attainment of adolescent obesity depends on the availability of inherited genes from parents. To facilitate an understating on the rising levels of obese patients in the recent decades, an analysis of the original causes should be closely monitored. A broad analysis on the epidemic should be given diverse and somber thoughts.

The role of genetic inheritance in diabetes has been arguably discussed by different individual and international research practitioners and health institutions. However, there are various loopholes and areas of concern that needs to be addressed and researched on in the facilitation of detailed and relevant diagnosis solutions. Improved efficiency in the facilitation of proper medical facilities and services is the key role of health practitioners. Consequently, the concerned personnel, research practitioners, health institutions and World Health Organization should provide basic learning and educative grounds to govern on the occurrence of the epidemic and ensure effectiveness in its medication (Goran & Sothern, 2005). Similarly, the advantages and disadvantages of advanced predictive analysis and testing should be maximized and minimized respectively to facilitate sequential and advanced results.

Conclusion

The research on obesity shows the possibilities of future rise in its occurrence. Consequently, detailed and advanced research on the possibilities of reducing the concurrencies of obesity and provision of remedies and predictive research methods should be implemented and enhanced. Advanced prevention of disease prevalence will automatically act as a remedy in the establishment of controlled and adoptable heath care. Obesity causes diverse results and implications to the patients, relatives and government because of the high cost of medication and care (Loos & Bouchard, 2008). Childhood obesity and attainment of adolescent obesity depends on the availability of inherited genes from parents. To facilitate an understating on the rising levels of obese patients in the recent decades, an analysis of the original causes should be closely monitored. The World Health Organization has conducted detailed research analysis on the differences between the two aspects and the availability of individual remedies (Whitaker & Dietz, 2008). Research concludes that the increase in the levels of T2D in the past decades results from the increased levels of the population. The genetically modified food results in increased cholesterol levels and imbalanced physical appearances. The realization of overweight parents can have similar effects on their children. The rise in the number of patients suffering from the obesity epidemic has increased rapidly and a significant realization and facilitation of a solution.

Strategic solutions and ways of limiting the occurrence and spread of obesity should be established in attaining adequate and preferable health. The frequency of the obese patients in different heath facilities has increased due to the aspect of genetic inheritance. Research indicates that the availability of different genetically modified foods in majority of the Westernized countries has been a pillar in the occurrence of obesity in most people. The conclusion of various research shows that obesity results from environmental and genetic factors just like many other common diseases. These categories of diseases affect the health and physical ability of patients in diverse and adverse aspects. From the above results, we can conclude that various epidemic diseases result from negligence and ignorance. The high levels of diabetes fall above the age of 65 years in developed countries. On the other hand, the ratio of diabetes falls between 45 years to 64 years age bracket (Barsh, Farooqi & ORahilly, 2010). The results of these statistics illustrate the diversity and differences between the population structures of developing countries and developed countries. The conclusion of various research shows that obesity results from environmental and genetic factors just like many other common diseases. The percentage of the population worldwide that suffer from obesity as a result of genetically related factors are numerous and widely acknowledged. In addition, improved efficiency in the facilitation of proper medical facilities and services is the key role of health practitioners.

References

Barsh, G. S., Farooqi, I. S., & ORahilly, S. (2010). Genetics of body-weight regulation. Nature, 404(6778), 644-651.

Bell, C. G., Walley, A. J., & Froguel, P. (2005). The genetics of human obesity. Nature Reviews Genetics, 6(3), 221-234.

Farooqi, I. S. (2005). Genetic and hereditary aspects of childhood obesity. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 19(3), 359-374.

Farooqi, I. S., & ORahilly, S. (2006). Genetics of obesity in humans. Endocrine reviews, 27(7), 710-718.

Goran, M. I., & Sothern, M. S. (2005). Handbook of Pediatric Obesity: Etiology, Pathophysiology and Prevention. NY: CRC Press.

Loos, R. J., & Bouchard, C. (2008). Obesityis it a genetic disorder? Journal of internal medicine, 254(5), 401-425.

Sizer, F., & Whitney, E. (2006). Nutrition Concepts and Controversies, MyPyramid Update. London: Cengage Learning.

Speakman, J. R. (2004). Obesity: the integrated roles of environment and genetics. The Journal of nutrition, 134(8), 2090S-2105S.

Wadden, T. A., & Stunkard, J. A. (2012). Handbook of Obesity Treatment. CA: Guilford Press.

Whitaker, R. C., & Dietz, W. H. (2008). Role of the prenatal environment in the development of obesity. The Journal of pediatrics, 132(5), 768-776.

Obesity has increased in prevalence and severity over the last few decades. In the US, an estimated 99 million people are obese, which constitutes about 42% of the total adult population (US Centres for Disease Control, 2020). Despite the high and rising prevalence of this health condition, the society has not acknowledged it as an epidemic, and blames the victim for overeating and failure to exercise. However, obesity is both a personal and social problem, and requires a concerted effort to reverse its current trend.

My research on obesity convinced me that preventing obesity goes beyond personal responsibility. Such efforts should include societal initiatives such as promotion of healthy living habits, educating the population on the dangers of obesity, and addressing the systemic constructs that drive people to this condition (Lee, 2016). I learned that placing responsibility on the victims exacerbates the problem, and leads to additional negative outcomes. In contrast, societal involvement in prevention and rehabilitation of obese residents could produce the much needed long-term solution to the condition.

My food journal revealed that I have a strong preference for snacks. These snacks have high-energy and high-sugar density, and a large proportion of saturated fats. In the absence of an intense exercise regimen, I am at risk of becoming obese. Consequently, I have decided to reduce the number and size of snacks taken per day. In addition, I have decided to increase my physical exercises to burn the extra calories. These measures will reduce my risk of developing obesity.

Obesity is a dangerous condition that predisposes individuals to other diseases. The principal responsibility for stemming the condition lies with the individual, but societal interventions are needed to achieve long-term solutions. Engaging in blame game puts the victim at risk and fails to address the systemic problems that result in obesity. These measures will reduce the prevalence of obesity across all age groups and ensure maintenance of healthy lifestyles.

References

Centers for Disease Control. (2020). National health and nutrition examination survey. US CDC Website. Web.

Lee, B. (2016). The one thing to do to stop the obesity epidemic. Forbes Magazine. Web.

America seems to be fighting a loosing battle against obesity. This is reflected in the lasts statistics indicating that despite the latest efforts by the government as well as nutritionist against obesity, the rate of obesity is increasing and currently it is at an all time high.

This is ironical bearing in mind the amount of information in the media encouraging people to adopt healthy eating habit in effect to contain the increase of obesity. Certain social group seems to be the most affected by this situation that has attained pandemic status in America.

They include lower income class American citizens due to their limited dietary options as well as women. Obesity is occasioned by a number of factors including unhealthy weight loss methods as well as media weight loss campaigns that seems to objectify women bodies as such leading to low self esteem. Media campaign on healthy eating is thus contributing to the increase of obesity in America.

Recent figures portray a young and increasingly obese American generation. It has now been reported that about 20% of young American are obsess and that the rate is increasing at an alarming rate. This is despite the concerted media campaigns that encourage people to adopt healthy eating habits.

To being with, healthy eating campaigns have sexualized women bodies thus turning them into objects. This mainly occurs through media adverts by corporations that do advertise healthy food. In these adverts, lithe, slender women are used to encourage people, especially women to eat healthy to achieve such status.

As such healthy eating campaigns use extreme feminine beauty as a product of healthy eating. Furthermore such weight loss TV programs as The Biggest Loser and Celebrity Fit Club, only add to the objectification of women bodies. As scientific research has revealed, such objectification and sexualization does have severe emotional consequences characterized by low self esteem.

There is a knowledge gap in America public about healthy and unhealthy eating habits. This gap is occasioned by the confusion created by the excessive media campaigns and advertising slogans by health food companies.

Many people with weight concerns, especially women develop a consciousness about their bodies as a result of these public healthy eating campaigns. As such they are more predisposed to adopting unhealthy eating habits such as eating too little food, inducing vomiting when they ea and use of diet pills.

At worse, people with this condition result to fasting. They thus become ashamed of their eating habits and as such may acquire uncontrolled eating habits. This means that at times they may experience moments of excessive eating followed by induced vomiting, or fasting.

What they do not know is that such weigh loss methods just expunge extra food from their bodies, but not extra calories. Calories thus accumulate in their bodies and as such, lead to weight gains as well as increased risk of lifestyle diseases. This increases their anxiety about their body weight leading to heightening of such unhealthy weight gain behaviors leading. This lead to a cycle of futile weight control efforts.

Media campaign intended to help in the control of obesity seem to inadvertently lead to an increase in obese rate rather than controlling it. This is because of the misinformation that results from these campaigns. If America is to control obesity it must urgently reevaluate the strategies it is using to fight obesity. Otherwise obesity is here to stay.

Introduction

In the evolution of mankind the process of acquiring food often entailed the exertion of physical energy and ensured the population always received adequate exercise.

As times progressed to modern society there have emerged societies where the population has access excessive amounts of food with relatively little or no exercise. The result of this imbalance is many Americans are becoming overweight or even obese with serious health implications. Reports from the US currently indicate that among the leading causes of death are attributed to unhealthy eating and lack of exercise (Schneider, 2011).

In medical practice an individual Body Mass Index or BMI is the result of the ratio of body weight divided by the square of height. When this index is greater than 30 an individual is considered obese (Schneider, 2011). BMI above the prescribed mark suggests weighing above recommended healthy weight and is likely to increase the risk of one falling victim to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, various types of cancers and numerous health conditions.

It was reported that in 2005 to 2006 this condition affected close to 70% of the adult population in America (Schneider, 2011). It is for this reason that it becomes in the interest of public health to address the condition.

On the other hand though the association between obesity and certain risky health conditions is easy to measure, their relationship is not based on a cause and effect relationship. This suggests that even in obese persons specific lifestyle changes can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to these conditions.

It is reported that dietary patterns and the amount of exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy body (Schneider, 2011). It is along these lines that this paper will present a discussion on the condition of obesity to help develop an intervention plan. It is hoped that such an intervention plan will be useful in reducing the risks associated with obesity among obese and overweight individuals.

Identification of suitable intervention and prevention strategies

Based on the data provided on the prevalence of obesity in American society, it is clear that some intervention is required to arrest the situation. In light of this there is a need to devise a treatment strategy that will help curb the increase and provide respite for those already affected.

Among the potentially effective methods include to intervene or prevent the condition include change of diet, increase in the amount of exercise and change of behavior campaigns, nutrition campaigns as well as fiscal food policies (Swinburn, Caterson, Seidell & James, 2004).These intervention strategies were selected based on their ability to create a large impact on the national population.

The suggested strategies are aimed at reducing the current trends with regards to obesity in all age groups within the American Society. For the adults the reduction of energy intake and an increase in the amount of exercise is effective in reducing body fat (Ross & Others, 2004).

However with regards to children and young adults, it is reported that most of the conventional treatments have failed to achieve significant and sustained results (Robinson, 1999). Campaigns targeting the altering viewing patterns by reducing time spent on TV and games and replacing these hours with other activities have been suggested as useful interventions for this age group (Robinson, 1999).

In addition to this, inclusion of information on nutrition at strategic points in schools and public places can be useful in altering behavior. For example introduction of point of decision prompts nutrition boards suggesting options to such as stairs and nutrition signposting can go along way in reducing obesity (Swinburn et al., 2004).

These strategies are believed may have the potential to effectively deal with the problem of obesity in American society. This is because among the causes of obesity is the increased intake of energy rich foods and relatively low energy expenditure (Finkelstein, Ruhm & Kosa, 2005). For this reason strategies that include increase in exercise and improved diet focus are likely to yield results by focusing on the key issues related to the problem.

However, strategies such as reducing hours spent on TV do not focus on either of the key causes but aim at breaking harmful behavior patterns. It has been reported that the change in pattern alone without inclusion of suitable alternative activity is unlikely to yield favorable results (Robinson, 1999). It is for this reason that these strategies are only suggested in collaboration with other strategies.

Recommendation and Priorities for the intervention/policy

Based on the findings on the possible results of various interventions this report recommends the implementation of fiscal food policy in collaboration with increased dietary awareness campaigns. This intervention was selected based on a number of considerations that found it most suited for the purpose.

It has been reported that socioeconomic status plays a significant role with regards to obesity. The socioeconomic status of an individual is measured by assessing level of income and educational level of the individual. Based on socioeconomic status it is more likely for individuals with lower status to become obese than those of higher status (Swinburn et al., 2004). Among the reasons behind this include the fact that lower status reduces choices available to the individual.

Based on this it is clear that if food prices were regulated to make fresh relatively expensive foods more affordable and processed foods more expensive a change is likely to be observed. It has been reported that the difference in prices of fresh produce in relation to processed foods is among the reasons for current eating trends (Finkelstein et al., 2005).

Also it has been reported that low socioeconomic status is the main driver behind obesity. This is evident by the fact that the majority of obese individuals come from ethnic minorities. Individuals in this social category are limited in terms of the options available when in comes to planning for food. In addition to that due to their low income they are limited in the degree of outdoor physical activity they can undertake (Finkelstein et al., 2005).

This position suggests that unless some remedial action is taken this category is bound to be stuck indoors with TV as their only option for entertainment. It may be assumed that this position is the cause of the prevalence of obesity among them in the first place. The individuals and communities in this category were granted priority in this recommendation owing to the fact that they are the group facing the greatest risk by virtue of obesity.

Implementation of the intervention and evaluation strategy

It is believed that this intervention can best be implemented by the government using the price policy instruments such as taxation to influence buying patterns. This scheme is likely to be successful as it is reported that food prices have marked influence on spending patterns.

This is illustrated by the fact that prices of sugars and sweets, fats and oils and carbonated drinks declined by 46%, 35% and 20% respectively during the period 1985-2000. In the same period fresh fruits and vegetable, fish and dairy produce prices rose by 118%, 77% and 56% respectively (Finkelstein et al., 2005). These trends imply consistency with the increase in consumption of foods made from processed sugars and fats in the same duration.

It has been reported that with a government directive imposing 17.5% value added tax could 900-1000 deaths in the UK could be averted (Swinburn et al., 2004). This is based n the reduced demand on the processed foods targeted by the taxation. However, due to the contentious nature of such legislation governments are often slow at their implementation. The main barriers being faced are the petitions that will be put in the way of such legislation by large multinational corporations.

However, it is possible to impose a smaller tax on high volume foods such as soft drinks as is currently applied in some areas of the US and Canada (Swinburn et al., 2004). In this case the proceeds from this can be used in promoting health initiatives. In either case it is expected that the consumption of these food groups will reduce and with them the problems associated with obesity.

Communication Strategy

The goal of any communication strategy is to convey the desired message. With regard to a public health campaign it is assumed that when the desired behavior is exhibited in the target population the strategy has been successful.

It has been suggested that before change takes place in individuals four stages are evident i.e. pre contemplation (no intention to change), contemplation (intent to change), preparation, action and maintenance (Noar, Benac & Harris, 2007). It has been noted that a well crafted campaign is required to attain this and it is expected that the material propagated be crafted in manner that can see the achievement of these ends.

The main components that have been identified for the dissemination of this information are TV, newsletters, pamphlets, etc. Given that this is a national agenda it is essential to get a wide coverage and these two media promise the widest coverage within the nation.

It has been suggested that for successful results it is crucial to reduce the duration between the intervention and the follow up (Noar, Benac & Harris, 2007). For this reason one of the greatest barriers faced in the communication is the access to the huge financial resources required to craft an appropriate message, prepare material and establish suitable intervals for the dissemination of the information.

References

Finkelstein, E. A., Ruhm, C. J. & Kosa, K. M. (2005). Economic Causes and Consequences of Obesity. The Annual Review on Public Health, 26, 239-257.

Noar, S. M., Benac, C. N. & Harris, M. S. (2007). Does Tailoring Matter? Meta Analytic Review of Tailored Print Health Behavior Change Interventions. Psychological Bulletin, 133(4), 673-693.

Robinson, T. N. (1999). Reducing Childrens Television Viewing to Prevent Obesity. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 282, 1551-1567.

Ross, R. & Others. (2004). Exercise Induced Reduction in Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Women: A Randomized Controlled Study. Obesity Research, 12(5), 789-798.

Swinburn, B. A., Caterson, I., Seidell, J. C. & James, W. P. T. (2004). Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Excess Weight Gain and Obesity. Public Health Nutrition, 7(1A), 123-146.