Obesity in Okaloosa County

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Table of Contents

The Groups
The Demographics and Agencies Relevant in the Management of Obesity
Rational for agencies mentioned
The Group at Risk
Engagement of the Majority Groups
How to include them in the coalition
Barriers to the participation for these groups
Conclusion
References

The Groups

In this study, the main focus group will be taken from major cities, which include Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville/Valparaiso, and Destin. These cities were chosen because most of the residents in Okaloosa County live here. The county has a population of over 185,000 people, according to the census conducted in 2010 (Lightfoot, Trenton & Vaughan, 2015).

The Demographics and Agencies Relevant in the Management of Obesity

In this county, the ratio of male to female is 50.2:49.8. The majority of the residents are Caucasians at 84% While African Americans form 9.2% of the total population (Cholcher & Ziegler, 2015). Other minority groups include Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Asians. According to recent statistics, obesity affects people of all races, sex, and age groups.

This means that people who fall in the above groups can become obese if they fail to manage their diets and engage in physical activities. The fight against obesity brings together various agencies, which include schools, healthcare centers, and even the organizational employers concerned about the health of their employees.

Rational for agencies mentioned

Obesity is majorly caused by a lack of proper activity and a poor diet. Schools are currently playing a major role in combating this disease. Programs have been developed to ensure that children engage actively in sports.

They are also educated on the dangers of obesity and how to fight it at an early stage. In healthcare centers, those who are already suffering from obesity get medical help. Firms have also developed programs to ensure that their employees engage in sports or other physical leisure activities.

The Group at Risk

The people who are at high risk of developing health complications that relate to obesity are those in the middle and advanced ages (Butterfoss & Kegler, 2005). According to Berry, Kaplan, Reid, and Albert (2009), after delivery, women are likely to gain weight, especially if they become less active than they were before conception.

At this age, women find it unnecessary to go to the gym or engage in sports. They concentrate on taking care of their families. They also rely on cars for most of their movements, putting them at the greatest risk of becoming obese.

Engagement of the Majority Groups

In order to find a lasting solution to the problem of obesity among the middle-aged and aging women, it is necessary to develop engagement programs that will help in awareness creation. Obesity does not just affect this group, but also other members of the society (Butterfoss & Kegler, 2005).

The engagement program should focus on reaching the target group with the right information and involving them in coming up with appropriate intervention measures. Instead of telling them what to do, the facilitators will allow them to give their own contributions on how they think the problem should be solved.

How to include them in the coalition

In order to include the focus group in the coalition, we will develop community-based programs because of the need to include everyone, including those who are not working. The program will be taken a right to their own neighborhoods.

Barriers to the participation for these groups

A number of factors may be barriers to the participation of the identified groups. They include tight work schedules, family issues, skepticism, and low morale. We will find ways of addressing each of these issues when they arise.

Conclusion

Obesity is a health problem that affects people without discriminating on the basis of age, race, sex, or any other demographical factors. However, middle-aged and aging women are more prone to disease. To fight this disease, this program seeks to engage the relevant stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of strategies relating to diet and physical exercise.

References

Berry, C., Kaplan, S., Reid, A. & Albert, S. (2009). Local acts: the viability of community partnerships initiated by community funders. Public Health Reports, 124(3), 590-593.

Butterfoss, F. & Kegler, M. (2005). Community Coalition Action Theory. New Jersey: John Wiley.

Cholcher, K. & Ziegler, C. (2015). Okaloosa County Community Health Improvement Plan. Okaloosa: Florida Department of Health.

Lightfoot, T., Trenton, S. & Vaughan, N. (2015). What Makes a Healthy Okaloosa County: An Assessment of Community Themes and Strengths? Okaloosa: Okaloosa County Health Department.

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