Premium Essay

Health Obesity

In: Social Issues

Submitted By mtoikibe
Words 310
Pages 2
Introduction

The dramatic growth in obesity and overweight among Americans has become a health topic, which receives widespread of attention in the media. Providers believe that environmental and community factors contribute to unhealthy habits, which pose a major risk for chronic health conditions. The following are chronic health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, high cholesterol, asthma, and depression. These health consequences can lead to premature death and chronic health conditions, which reduces the quality of life. In the Atlanta area, obesity has increased over the past 10 years in which affects an individual life. Health care organizations have established health objectives to reduce the prevalence of obesity among individuals in America.
What is overweight and obesity?
According to National Heart and Lung Institute (2010) “the terms overweight and obesity refer to a person’s overall body weight and whether it’s too high” (What are overweight and obesity, para. 1). A person is overweight when he or she is above a weight because of muscle, bone, and fat. Obese occurs when individuals have extra body fat on them. Hospitals, community clinics, and public health care agencies utilize the body mass index (BMI) to measure overweight and obesity for adults, children, and teens. BMI is the ratio of a person’s weight to the square of his or her height (MediLexicon International Ltd, 2011). This is an assessment tool to chart trends such as overweight and obesity.
Individuals are more prone to develop obesity because of his or her sedentary lifestyle. Overweight or obese he or she are at risk diseases and conditions that affect their health.
The incidence of obesity depends on age, sex, race, genetic traits, and socioeconomic factors. More than half of Americans are overweight or obese and the percentages show that

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Health Risks of Obesity

...Health Risks of Obesity DeVry Composition ENGL135 Tuesday, September 30, 2014 Health Risks of Obesity One might conclude by watching several days of television that this land and country has become a battleground between the fast food business and the diet industry. Caught in the middle of this seemingly ongoing mayhem, are those who many times find themselves without an escape route. Even though the fast food industries, and others, attempt to sweep countless documented truths under the rug, the facts are many that obesity increases numerous health risks. The physical health risks of this illness are many, but there are also emotional and behavioral ones as well. A small number of those physical risks are heart disease, Type II diabetes, various cancers and hypertension. Because of obesity's many ill effects on our nation, and populace, a definitive position personally needs taken in an effort to reduce, if not completely eliminate it. Obesity is one of the major risk factors attributing to coronary heart disease. In fact, the American Heart Association has recently upgraded obesity from a contributing risk factor to a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, thereby acknowledging that obesity is a lifelong disease that is becoming a dangerous epidemic with high rates of morbidity and mortality. (Waine, pg. 2). Coronary heart disease is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, also know as atherosclerosis (Fig...

Words: 1396 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Obesity and Health

...HEALTH RISKS & COSTS The Effects Of Obesity, Smoking, And Drinking On Medical Problems And Costs Obesity outranks both smoking and drinking in its deleterious effects on health and health costs. by Roland Sturm ABSTRACT: This paper compares the effects of obesity, overweight, smoking, and problem drinking on health care use and health status based on national survey data. Obesity has roughly the same association with chronic health conditions as does twenty years’ aging; this greatly exceeds the associations of smoking or problem drinking. Utilization effects mirrors the health effects. Obesity is associated with a 36 percent increase in inpatient and outpatient spending and a 77 percent increase in medications, compared with a 21 percent increase in inpatient and outpatient spending and a 28 percent increase in medications for current smokers and smaller effects for problem drinkers. Nevertheless, the latter two groups have received more consistent attention in recent decades in clinical practice and public health policy. M a n y b e h a v i o r a l r i s k f a c t o r s , chief among them smoking, heavy drinking, and obesity, are known causes of chronic health conditions. Chronic health conditions, like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, in turn are primary drivers of health care spending, disability, and death. This paper compares the associations of smoking, problem drinking, and obesity with health care use and chronic conditions....

Words: 3786 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Health Advocacy on Childhood Obesity

...Health Advocacy on Childhood Obesity Janeane Horan Walden University August third, 2014 Introduction According to the Center of Disease Control 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 (CDC, 2012). Today’s nurses are faced with a growing trend in overweight and obese children and have the responsibility to be the patient advocate and help. Health promotion is one of the most important aspects of nursing, and no matter what setting a nurse is in; they have the power to provoke change. Childhood obesity will be discussed in detail throughout this paper. Public policy needs to address the arising concern that childhood obesity has on today’s society. Creating an advocacy program based on two effective childhood obesity programs; The Power Up Initiative and Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) can do just that. The potential community-based advocacy program in this paper will address what needs to be included in school and after school programs to promote health and prevention of obesity. The program will also need to have a specific plan on what and how to educate local pediatricians and nurses regarding childhood obesity. What is it and what is the cause? Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of fat in the body (Mckinney, E., James, S., Murray, S., Ashwill, J., 2009). Fat is accumulated in the body when there is a combination...

Words: 2631 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Health Promotion of Childhood Obesity

...Laurie Clark Health Prevention of Childhood Obesity June 23, 2015 Specific Purpose: To Inform Parents and children Primary Prevention of Childhood Obesity Introduction I. Obesity has doubled in American children the last three decades a. Increase in inactivity b. Increased in high fat, sugar, and processed foods c. Immediate and long term health effects. II. Increase in inactivity d. Children are watching more television associated with obesity i. 89% of children aged between four and five years spend more than two hours watching TV, Videos or DVDs every day (Kehl, 2006). ii. Food is heavily marketed on the television 1. The more likely they are to eat while watching television 2. The foods they consume are likely the foods advertised on television (YouTube 2015) e. Children walking and biking to school has decreased while car transport has increased iii. Result of changes in community composition iv. Concern for child safety III. Increased in high fat, sugar, and processed foods f. Foods Consumed decades ago were almost void of processed foods g. In today’s family less fruits and vegetables, increased processed, high calorie foods v. Increased cost of healthful foods vi. Decreased cost of junk food vii. Increased variety viii. Increased school vending machines and a la cart foods (YouTube 2015) ...

Words: 1832 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Obesity and Health Care Costs

...Obesity in the Workplace Suzette B. Johnson Southern New Hampshire University Discrimination Against the Obese in the Workplace In the United States, there has been a substantial increase in obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every American adult is now considered obese. Obese is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Obesity can contribute to diabetes, heart disease, stroke or certain kinds of cancer. What effect does obesity have in the workplace and how can we fight it? What is the Correlation between Obesity and Health Care Costs The CDC and the National Institute of Health (NIH) indicate that obesity contributes to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer, all of which are leading causes of preventable death. In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity were over $147 million. 6 to 10% of U.S. health care spending is contributed to obesity. The health costs are 30% higher than normal weight persons. Is Obesity a Protected Class When the Americans with Disabilities Act was first passed, the EEOC viewed severe or morbid obesity as impairment under the Act, but not general obesity itself. But, this has changed under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act. In 2013, the American Medical Association classified obesity as a medical disease. While this classification does not affect the ADA, it could be perceived that obesity is a protected class. How should obesity...

Words: 678 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Health Promotion Being Used to Reduce Morbid Obesity

...Different Levels of Health Promotion Being Used to Reduce Obesity in the U.S. Travis Johnecheck Grand Canyon University Health Promotion in Nursing NRS-429V-O106 Katie Lemke October 13, 2013 Different Levels of Health Promotion Being Used to Reduce Obesity in the U.S. (O’Donnell, 1987, p. 4) has defined health promotion as “the science and art of helping people change their lifestyle to move toward a state of optimal health.” It is very rare to find a person that states that they do not want to be healthy but a large portion of the population chooses lifestyles that causes preventable illness and disease. Obesity in the U.S. is an ever-increasing problem and has become the main focus of health programs working towards health promotion to slow down this modern-day epidemic. (Leavell & Clark, 1965) defined three levels of prevention: primary, secondary, and tertiary. These steps include health promotion and specific protection (primary prevention); early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and disability limitation (secondary prevention); and restoration and rehabilitation (tertiary prevention). Nurses are instrumental in the educational aspects of health promotion that are needed in the fight against obesity. According to the Healthy People website, obesity in adults has increased to a national rate of 35% in 2010. Many diseases are caused by chronic obesity such as: Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, and many more. Primary preventions are interventions...

Words: 1226 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Health Campaign on Obesity Part 2

...part 2 health campaign Stephanie hildeth hcs 535 September 20, 2013 sally kohls Health Campaign on Obesity Health Campaign Part 1 Summary In Part 1 of this paper, the issues of obesity and some of the initiatives implemented nationally ad locally was examined in the state of Texas. Due to the in depth concern of the growing effects on obesity, the initiatives of this paper focused on the impact of obesity for children on all levels of communities. Furthermore, the paper also pointed out the importance of addressing the importance of fight on obesity. This paper identified the statistics of this disease from data gathered from Healthy People 2020 showing that the obesity rate has increased by 57% amongst adults ages 20 and over from 22.8% to 35.7% between 1988-1994 and 2009-2010. Also during the same time frame, children and adolescents obesity rate climbed the charts for ages 2 to 19 by 69% from 10.0% to 16.9%. Health Campaign Part 1 also explored the prevalence to how in the state of Texas the range from 20.5% in Colorado to 34.7% in Louisiana in 2012. This identified that no states had a prevalence of obesity less than 20% (CDC, 2012). In the continuing efforts of addressing the pubic health issues, community organizations, the state and federal governments have implemented a serious role in taking steps to help with the concerning disease of obesity. Local communities and agencies have collectively come together to help with the fight on adult and childhood...

Words: 2037 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Obesity

...Project Title: Analyze the reasons for the increasing obesity epidemic in the developed world Introduction ‘Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health’ (World Health Organization, 2013). To accurately define obesity, one’s body mass index (BMI) is greater than or equal to 30 means he or she is obese (ibid). Obesity is increasingly spread all over the world and becomes a global health issue. According to WHO (2013), the population of the obese is twice larger than that three decades ago and more than 500 million adults are obese currently. Obesity can give a rise to the likelihood of getting other serious illness such as diabetes, cancer and CVD. Therefore, over 2.8 million lives are claimed by obesity directly or indirectly per year (ibid). Both developed and developing countries are experiencing this increasing obesity epidemic, but there are distinctions in the factors in these two kinds of areas. In comparison, the reasons in developed regions are more common problems and are more familiar to people living in urban areas. Investigation into the causes for the increasing obesity epidemic in developed countries gives the public a deeper understanding of obesity causes and helps governments make policies to tackle obesity crisis. Causes of this increasing trend are grouped into three categories in this essay, which are unhealthy food, excessive food consumption and lack of physical exercise. Unhealthy food Unhealthy food, food...

Words: 2832 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Application of Epidemiology to Obesity

...Application of Epidemiology to Obesity Your Name Dr. Donna Levesque Managerial Epidemiology – HSA 535 Strayer University Assignment 5 June 06, 2012 Abstract This report identifies, analyzes and explains the obesity problem in the United States compared to other countries. It outlines factors and reasoning as to why the obesity rate in the United States is higher than other countries. These report further address points of health care cost, political issues, and proposed policies and laws related to obesity concerns in the United States and in the State of North Carolina. Further strategic efforts toward the prevention of obesity with government support and individual dedication will considerably reduce health care cost, chronic diseases, and the high mortality rates associated with obesity and prolong the overall life expectancy of the country’s population. Key Words: Obesity, Cost, Policy, Rate, Cause Application of Epidemiology to Obesity Over the past decades the U. S. population has experienced a drastic change in their dietary habits and physical activity patterns. These changes have worsened over the years. Their consumption of nutritional food and drinks and their desire to participate in regular activity has declined dramatically. The results of this trend have caused a rise in the obesity rates, chronic disease cases, and health care costs. Sadly but true, the American people are dying at an alarming rate as the result of their...

Words: 2519 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Childhood Obesity

...Childhood Obesity – State of Oregon Legislation and Federal Legislation Ann Klinger DeVry University HSM410 Health Care Policy Professor Patricia Devin Week #7 February 23, 2013 Childhood Obesity – State of Oregon Legislation and Federal Legislation Summary On June 21, 2004 Senator Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Senator Bill Frist, introduced to the 108th Congress Senate Bill S.2551 entitled Childhood Obesity Reduction Act. This bill was to “combat childhood obesity for children in Oregon and throughout the nation, and urged that Congress take the lead in curbing the epidemic by passing the Childhood Obesity Reduction Act. The legislation, would establish a Congressional Council on Childhood Obesity to promote the following activities and to encourage every U.S. elementary and middle school to develop and implement a plan to reduce and prevent obesity, promote improved nutritional choices, and promote increased physical activity:” ("Wyden combats childhood," October 2004 Press Release). United States Senate bill S.2551 failed, but all 50 states and the Federal government are continuing to make efforts to reduce childhood obesity. My paper will review legislation the State of Oregon has implemented to reduce childhood obesity. I will provide an overview of Federal government legislation that has been implemented to reduce childhood obesity. Statistics report, “since 1980 obesity has more than doubled among children ages 2 to 5, and youths 6 to 11 rates have grown...

Words: 2924 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Pamphlet Presentation on Obesity

...modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity * Dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help you lose weight & prevent obesity * Prescription medications and weight-loss surgery are additional options for treating obesity. (MedicineNet.com, 2015) Making changes …. * Even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity * Dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help you lose weight & prevent obesity * Prescription medications and weight-loss surgery are additional options for treating obesity. (MedicineNet.com, 2015) Stacy Burks Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community & Public Health NRS-427V Professor Glenda Deahl July 15, 2015 Stacy Burks Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community & Public Health NRS-427V Professor Glenda Deahl July 15, 2015 Obesity & Health Obesity & Health BMI Below 18.5 | underweight | 18.5-24.9 | Normal | 25.0-29.9 | Overweight | 30.0-34.9 | Obese class 1 | 35.0-39.9 | Obese class 2 | 40.0 & higher | Extreme obesity class 3 | A sign of obesity is a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.0 BMI Below 18.5 | underweight | 18.5-24.9 | Normal | 25.0-29.9 | Overweight | 30.0-34.9 | Obese class 1 | 35.0-39.9 | Obese class 2 | 40.0 & higher | Extreme obesity class 3 | A sign of obesity is a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.0 ...

Words: 1308 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Childhood Obesity

...Child obesity has develop in to epidemic globally. It has been recognized that the prevention of childhood obesity is a priority. The main reason for defining those children who are obese and overweight with identifying those individuals as being affected will help to predict health risks and provide them healthy lifestyle modifications to prevent chronic disease. Adolescent obesity has quadrupled and childhood obesity doubled over the last thirty years. Overweight is having increase body weight with a specific height from bone, muscle, water, fat, or a mixture of those areas. Obesities definition is someone with excess body fat. Obesity and overweight are resulted from “caloric imbalance” which is lower calorie burned in a day then the calories eaten. At time these are affected by numerous behavioral, environmental and genetic factors. (American Obesity Association) Overweight children are at higher risk to have health issues for vascular illnesses, as increased blood pressure or high cholesterol. An example of five to seventeen years old seventy percent overweight children have at least one health risk element for vascular disease. Children and teens who are overweight are at a higher risk for joint and bone issues, social, psychological and sleep apnea issues like lower self-esteem. Some longstanding health issue in adolescents and children that are overweight will likely be overweight as they age and consequently at higher risk for adult complications with their health...

Words: 1692 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Obesity

...qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwer...

Words: 1489 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Effects Of Obesity On Children

..."Obesity is a health condition that affects both adults and children in the United states. More than 35% of US adults are obese, and more than 34% are overweight. Obesity affects 17% of all children and adolescents in the United States, which is three times the prevalence from just one generation ago. Nearly 32% of children and adolescents are either overweight or obese. (CDC 2012)" Prior to doing research about obesity and the effect that it has on both children and adults I knew a few facts. Obesity can put a person at high risk for Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart disease, and breathing problems. Out of the listed diseases I am most knowledgeable in the topic of Hypertension. Hypertension is when an individual has an abnormally...

Words: 824 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Addressing Behavioral Risk Factors

...Factors Damilola Ogunyanwo Walden University NURS-6050N-12, Week5 DB5, Policy & Advocacy for Population Health Dr. Ralyea, C December 19, 2015 Obesity by definition is an excess in body fat, while overweight is an excess in body weight from bones, muscles, fat and water. A tool called Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to calculate obesity and overweight in adults and children. Adult ages 20 and above who have a BMI of 18.5-24 is considered normal, while a BMI of 25-29.9 is overweight, BMI of 30 is obesity, and a BMI of over 40 is morbid obesity (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease) A child is obese/overweight if their BMI is at the 85th percentile, and above the 95th percentile is obese. It is difficult to tell if a child is obese or overweight because they grow at different rates. Unlike the adult, a child’s height and weight is compared to other children of the same age and same sex. According to the state of Obesity, Maryland ranked the 26th most obese/overweight state in the nation. The current obesity rate is 29.6%, which is up from 19% in 2000 and from 10.9% in 1990. (State of Obesity). Obesity/overweight is caused by an imbalance of energy because body weight remains the unchanged when the amount of calories consumed is equal to the number of calories used up by the body, genetic disposition, socio-economic and behavior determinants. Obesity/Overweight predisposes an individual to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, arthritis and certain...

Words: 766 - Pages: 4