...Advocacy Program on Childhood Obesity Name: Institutional Affiliation: Date: Part 1: Childhood Obesity Statistics and studies on childhood obesity indicate that obesity disproportionately affects individuals from racial minority groups and that the prevalence of the condition is increasing among such populations. Childhood obesity is a significant health issue that has numerous consequences on the affected persons and their families. The increase in childhood obesity incidences among minority populations arises from economic, cultural, and political conditions that have had an impact on the environments in which children from such groups grow. According to Caprio, Daniels, Drewnowski, Kaufman, Palinkas, Rosenbloom, & Schwimmer (2008), minority populations such as Native Americans, Mexican Americans, and African Americans experience higher prevalence rates of childhood obesity than other ethnic groups. For instance, non-Hispanic whites had 14.1%, non-Hispanic blacks had 20.2%, and the Hispanics recorded 22.4% of childhood obesity (Ogden et al., 2014). The prevalence of childhood obesity also depends on other factors such as the literacy levels of the household heads and the gender and age of the children. Members of minority populations experience numerous challenges accessing affordable health care, healthy foods and live in neighborhood environments that predispose them to obesity. Although childhood obesity is caused by several factors, the...
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...Health Campaign Tracie Caffee HCS/535 Concepts of Population Health September 26, 2011 Jean Ha Health Campaign According to (Dolinsky, Siega-Riz, Perrin & Armstrong, 2011). Childhood obesity is one of the most challenging problems facing pediatricians today. The increasing incidence of childhood obesity raised concern in 1990, when it was claimed that obesity had reached epidemic proportions. It was estimated that 18 million children under the age of five, worldwide were classified as being overweight (Lawrence, 2005). Obesity occurs when there is an abnormal amount of fat (adipose tissue) accumulated around the body, caused when people eat in excess of their energy requirements (Lawrence, 2005). Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese. Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled (www.cdc.gov). Let’s Move! Is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, Michelle Obama dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Combining comprehensive strategies with common sense, Let’s Move! Is about putting children on the path for a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy...
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...CHILD OBESITY IN THE UNITED STATES THESIS: Childhood obesity is a public health crisis that is reaching epidemic levels, and society must attack the problem at its source through committed action by parents and through government policies aimed at promoting prevention. I. INTRODUCTION A. Obesity in children has escalated and so has the obesity in adolescents. B. Obesity in childhood leads to health problems throughout life. C. Solutions to this problems are continuously being created and implemented. II. DEMOGRAPHICS A. The past several decades have seen a dramatic increase in childhood obesity. B. A third of the children in the United States suffer from obesity and some being overweight. III. HEALTH CONCERNS OF OBESITY A. Child obesity can lead to a host of physical conditions and diseases. B. Along with physical problems also mental problems occurred. C. Obesity rates has led to the diagnosis in children of diseases and conditions that had previously considered to be featured only among adults. IV. PREVENTION A. Prevention of child obesity is important to prevent a national disaster occurring due to increased obese adults. B. Parents have a very direct role to play in determining children’s food choices....
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...presentation is Obese children and adolescent. This paper reviews the risks and consequences associated with childhood and adolescent obesity. Although no consensus definition of childhood obesity exists, the various measures encountered in the literature are moderately well correlated. The paper is organized in two parts. The first section reviews childhood obesity sequelae that occur during childhood. These short-term risks, for orthopedic, neurological, pulmonary, gasteroenterological, and endocrine conditions, although largely limited to severely overweight children, are becoming more common as the prevalence of severe overweight rises. The social burden of pediatric obesity, especially during middle childhood and adolescence, may have lasting effects on self-esteem, body image and economic mobility. The second section examines the intermediate consequences, such as the development of cardiovascular risk factors and persistence of obesity into adulthood. These mid-range effects of early obesity presage later adult disease and premature mortality. The high prevalence and dramatic secular trend toward increasing childhood obesity suggest that without aggressive approaches to prevention and treatment, the attendant health and social consequences will be both substantial and long-lasting. With the recently documented increases in prevalence, pediatric obesity now represents one of the most pressing nutritional problems facing children in the United States today. International...
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...Child Obesity Child obesity is a social epidemic presenting challenges to the Government, society and the American family today. It crosses a variety of ethnic, geographic, economic and social environments. Obesity is causing an increase strain on the healthcare system, contributing to the $150 billion annual cost of healthcare provided, which is a breakdown of almost 10 percent of the National medical budget. Obesity increases risks for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. (National center for the chronic disease prevention and health promotion, division of nutrition, physical activity and obesity, 2011, p. 1) “Approximately one in six children are obese in the United States today”. (National center for the chronic disease prevention and health promotion, division of nutrition, physical activity and obesity, 2011, p. 1) “80% of obese adolescents will be obese as adults”. ("Childhood Obesity Prevention," 2014, p. 2) According to a study released January 2014, only “1 in 4 teens are participating in one hour of moderate activity every day”. (Doheny, 2014, para. 1) “Obesity levels for American Indians and Alaska Natives are increasing. Obesity among children in these ethnic groups showed a rise of about a half percentage point each year from 2003 to 2008. For 2008, obesity was highest among American Indians and Alaska Natives, with 21.2 % being obese. Hispanics were second, with an obesity rate of 18.5%. Whites came in third, with 12.6%...
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...CLC Yellow Team Health Issue Analysis: Childhood Obesity Yellow Group Grand Canyon University: NUR- 508 August 20, 2014 Cultural Beliefs and Influences Relative to Childhood Obesity According to Opalinski, (2013), childhood obesity is increasing in all racial groups. Cultural beliefs play a unique contribution in relation to this chronic condition. Evidence shows that place of origin is one of the factors contributing to having kids who are not as healthy as people were just a few decades ago. Based on the literature, minority populations specifically Hispanics (Hispanic) and African American children are at higher risk compared to other ethnicities. Pulgaron et al., (2013), explains the relationship of Hispanic children and cultural factors affecting the rate of obesity among this population. The literature shows that Hispanic children who have grandparents helping in their caretaking had a negative impact on food choices and feeding habits due to the fact that in the Hispanic culture bigger means being healthier. The perception applied to the African American culture generally believes that a larger body size is equal to being healthy. Opalinski (2013) also reported that further investigation must be performed to better understand the relationship of cultural beliefs and childhood obesity. Religious/ Spiritual Beliefs In the United States a few studies were performed to investigate the association of religion and obesity. Based on the literature, social support...
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...Childhood Obesity Our nation has a rapidly increasing issue that requires immediate attention. “Results from the 2007-2008 NHANES, using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 16.9% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese” (CDC, 2010). If this trend continues at the current rate, nearly 34% of our nation’s children will be obese. Twenty-five million, or one-third of America’s children will soon be obese. With the large increase of obese children, it is clear that childhood obesity has become a nationwide epidemic. Preventative measures need to be taken by society, industry, and individuals in order to allow children to reach adulthood emotionally and physically healthy. Children are considered to be obese when their body mass index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile of gender-specific growth charts (Office of the Surgeon General, n.d.). BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness for most children and teens, however it does not measure body fat directly (OSG, n.d.). The United States Department of Health Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention is responsible for creating the growth charts. The charts are based on age and they are gender-specific. While the method for defining obesity is different for children than adults, the causes remain the same. Our society needs to support the prevention of childhood obesity. Government, industry, our nation’s schools, and parents should be at the forefront...
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...Childhood Obesity Statistics and Facts According to research, Childhood Obesity results in high percentage of Obesity at adult stage as much as 70 percent. What is worse is that this rate is on increase and almost doubled in the last three decades. Let us have a look at more intriguing Statistics and Facts about childhood Obesity Obesity is a major problem, not only in America, but also in most countries, both developed and developing. This is a major concern for the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) in America and the WHO (World Health Organization) because childhood obesity statistics show that obese children and especially those in the teenage years have a 70% chance of being obese as adults. What is worse is that percentage increases to 80% if either one or both of the parents are obese as well. This is a major concern because obesity is the cause of many major health concerns later in life. This does not only affect the person themselves, but those who love them and society in general as this causes health insurance to rise and eventually decreases the number of people who are fit to work, thus putting a strain on the economy. This article will present the results of research on obesity, and childhood obesity facts and obesity statistics. Childhood Obesity Statistics In 2004, there was a research report written about a study that lasted from 1999 to 2002 entitled "Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents: United States" conducted by...
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...explored in this paper is childhood obesity in the United States focusing on children aged between two through17. The surgeon general has labeled child obesity in America as an epidemic supported by statistics that in the last 30 years childhood obesity has tripled. The two primary factors identified by physicians and experts in creating childhood obesity, are first that children are not receiving enough exercise daily and not eating the right kinds of foods. The combination of sedentary lifestyle’s and fast-food diets have created a whole generation of children faced with serious adult health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol. In this paper the subject to describe child obesity and its general impact that changing demographics may have on the health care market. Also the paper will tackle many questions involving this issue such as why and how will changes in the demographics of this population affect health care. Identify two key health care-related challenges to this population, such as increases in health care costs, increases in prescription drug costs, or the need for in-home medical care. Describe how a chronic disease wellness program may affect the costs for this demographic, what do the demographics tell about the marketing needs or services needed for this population and how can the individual patient, the community, and society address these challenges. According to CIGNA (2011), “The commonness of obesity among children aged...
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...Childhood Obesity page 1 Childhood Obesity in Health Care SOC 101 Week Five Assignment April 1, 2013 Childhood Obesity page 2 Childhood Obesity is a serious health and societal issue. Rising at extreme rates, one may call it an epidemic. Childhood obesity increases incidences of mortality later in life, causes asthma and type II diabetes, which was only found in adults. With these ill effects, childhood obesity is an issue that should not be taken lightly. Over the last fifteen years, obesity in children has increased fifty percent. While the cause of this is equivocal, and heredity may play a role, there are some contributing factors. The media, parents/caregivers, and schools are major influences which are, to some extent, responsible for this astounding inclination of obesity among children. Though parents should not allow the television to become their babysitter, some often do. Children, who are the most profitable sector in the media, are dragged into the unmerciful pull of the media. There are countless television programs and stations for children of all ages. With this wide variety, children are able to spend hours watching television which requires no physical...
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...Childhood Obesity Name: Institution: Introduction Modifiable factors like sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity are to blame for the high rates of childhood obesity. Adding to this, other non-modifiable factors which occur in conjunction with the modifiable factors contribute to childhood obesity. This paper will analyze these two factors, with specific emphasis on the modifiable factors, and the appropriate prevention strategies that can be employed to reduce its prevalence in the population aged below 16 years old. Childhood obesity is a major public health problem that has reached epidemic proportions in both developed and developing countries. A significant amount of both financial and human resources have been allocated to analyze its causes, prevention strategies and management schedules. Knowing the causes of childhood obesity and the appropriate prevention strategies helps the public heath sector and any other relevant authority to re-evaluate and incorporate prevention strategies into its programmes. Understanding Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is a disease of caloric imbalance that occurs after excessive intake of calories above the required consumption levels resulting in excess body fat that negatively affects the child’s health and wellbeing. Diagnosis of obesity is based on two commonly used measurement methods. The first is Anthropometric measurements of which...
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...Childhood Obesity 1. Problem identification and overview 1. Problem identification The problem issue of childhood obesity is regarded in a very serious light by nursing and healthcare profession. It is considered to be “…the most common prevalent nutritional disorder of US children and adolescents, and one of the most common problems seen by pediatricians”( Childhood Overweight. NASO). However, it is also important to see this problem in the large problem of obesity in the country. The problem of obesity has become an increasingly serious concern for medical and healthcare authorities in recent years. The rate of obesity in developed countries like the United States has shown an alarming growth in the last decade and this has concomitant implications for healthcare professionals, including the nursing profession. The seriousness of the issue at stake is underlined by many experts in the field; for example, the claim that obesity is "... poised to become the nations leading health problem and No. 1 killer" and is "already the cause of 400,000 deaths a year...or 45 per hour..." (Hearne. S. et al, 2004) Central to the increase of general obesity is the severity of childhood obesity. There has been an alarming increase in obesity among younger children and adolescents and this has placed the emphasis on policy that focuses particular attention to this problematic area. Figure 1: The following table provides details about the increase in the prevalence...
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...Childhood Obesity Introduction One of the current health problems that attract a good deal of attention is childhood obesity. Indeed, the alarming increase in the number of children who become overweight leads to a need for effective health educations. This report will describe the magnitude of childhood obesity and suggest some health education as solutions. Literature review Some studies on childhood obesity and the role of health education in preventing such a health problem were conducted. Lanigan and Power (2008) indicated the growth in the incidence of this health issue and considered parents as health educators who help their children avoid obesity. By using a large body of evidence from an online survey held by the Washington University in 2006-2007, the researchers suggested various ways in which parents can achieve controlling their children’s obesity. Thanks to this article’s findings, the role of education in solving childhood obesity which is included in my research topic is strengthened. Hutchinson (2010) implied the effects of school-based education on reducing the number of overweight children. By examining the outcomes of Rachael Dixey’s and Janet Wordley’s study (2010) in a variety of school programs concerning childhood obesity, the authors showed that educating children about physical activities and nutrition at school help prevent childhood obesity. The article is helpful to my research topic because its reports improve the importance of health education...
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...each other is very informative. The Community Health Planning unit of the Ocean County Department of Health is the agency to contact knowing the division assesses current health conditions, obtains health statistics, and collects data regarding health indicators, resource for residents and community-based organizations, and identifies opportunities for improvement in health care. Identifying a community problem of childhood obesity that will adversely affect a toddler in the family that I am affiliated has heightened my interest to prevent the devastating outcomes associated with obesity (Ocean County Department of Health, 2012). Preventing lifelong disease process is a goal for the welfare of the community population. Addressing the issue of healthy food and physical activity in the daily schedule of preschool and school aged children is important. More than 40 million children under the age of five are overweight. More than 35 million children in developing countries are overweight, and eight million in developed countries. Overweight and obesity lead too many chronic disease processes. Diabetes, cancer, hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular...
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...in Childhood Obesity Abstract Many early life risk factors for childhood obesity are more prevalent among blacks and Hispanics than among whites and may explain the higher prevalence of obesity among racial/ethnic minority children. Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care is a national priority, and obesity is a prime target. During the last 30 years in the United States, the prevalence of obesity among children has dramatically increased, sparing no age group. Obesity in childhood is associated with adverse cardio-metabolic outcomes such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type II diabetes and with other long-term adverse outcomes, including both physical and psychosocial consequences. By the preschool years, racial/ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence are already present, suggesting that disparities in childhood obesity prevalence have their origins in the earliest stages of life. Several risk factors during pregnancy are associated with increased risk of offspring obesity, including excessive maternal gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, and smoking during pregnancy, antenatal depression, and biological stress. During infancy and early childhood, rapid infant weight gain, infant feeding practices, sleep duration, child’s diet, physical activity, and sedentary practices are associated with the development of obesity. Studies have found substantial racial/ethnic differences in many of these early life risk factors for childhood obesity...
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