...In America, 38% of all adults are considered obese. This is a significant amount of the total population. Among the many health problems Americans deal with, obesity is one of the most prominent. Therefore, there needs to be an increase in efforts to prevent this growing problem of obesity. Some of the main areas where improvement is needed include low-income families, health care plans, portion sizes, and overall eating habits of Americans. Food stamps are very commonly used in the United States. In fact, one out of every eight people in America use food stamps. This wide-spread use of food stamps is a main factor in the increase in obesity in the US. When families using food stamps go to the grocery store, they buy food that they can store for later because one shopping trip needs to last them the whole month. The families cannot buy fresh food such as fruits and vegetables because of this. They end up buying junk food and other unhealthy options. Also, if the family’s food supply gets low, parents end up starving themselves to provide a sufficient amount of food for their children. They then end up going shopping for groceries on an empty stomach. This prevents them from thinking rationally, and the parents end up buying food that will not be beneficial to the family (Vanderkam). There are many...
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...The Obesity Epidemic; How Environment, Behavior and Policy Can Make a Difference. Beth Spangler, RN Environment and behavior are both out of control and have led to an epidemic of obesity. In the U.S. we see in every city, fast food availability on most every corner, making it a simple choice for a quick meal. If we combine that with increased technology of TV, computers, video games, all of which contributes to a sedentary lifestyle that has become the norm. What we have is a recipe for overweight and obesity. Policies must be made to intercede and change the direction of America’s spiraling weight and health problems. We must find a way to inspire people to make behavior changes within the current environment that are sufficient to resist the push of environmental factors toward weight gain. This will require conscious effort on the part of most people to make behavior choices that counteract the environmental pressure. (Hill, J.C., 2003) Many cities across America are adapting new policies to address the problems of environment and behavior. Policies for more nutritional education and increased availability of fresh healthy foods in schools are increasing. More parks and recreation centers are being built, especially in low income areas where they are few or absent. One of the national policies put into effect in the last few years, as part of the Health Care Reform Act, states “establishments with 20 or more locations nationwide must post calories in a clear and...
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...Childhood Obesity David Sholl Western Governors University Task 3 Childhood Obesity Part A: Description of the Problem The primary focus of the literature review will be childhood obesity among American children between the ages of five and eighteen years. Most parents are not aware that their children have problems until they become overweight. For instance, in a survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011, about 49% of American parents believed that their children were of average size. However, after physical examinations, a team of physicians classified them as overweight. Central adiposity is one of the symptoms of childhood obesity. Children with excessive accumulation of fat around the abdominal area are either overweight or obese. Inability to cope with abrupt physical activities is another symptom. Numerous studies indicate that overweight children have diminished physical stamina because their bodies carry excess weight. Snoring is the other notable symptom of childhood obesity. As fat accumulates around the neck region, it obstructs the windpipe leading to snoring among children. Childhood obesity is now a pandemic in the U.S, and has become a national health crisis. One in every three children in America aged between two and eighteen years are considered overweight or obese. The life-threatening problems of obesity create a critical and compelling call for action that should not be ignored. According to numerous sources obesity is related...
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...AFFLUENCE AND OBESITY America's Affluence and Obesity Cassandra L Thomas American Intercontinental University Abstract The problem of obesity in America has risen to epidemic levels. Congress in 2002 charged the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to find ways to prevent this epidemic. The IOM appointed nineteen experts to handle this issue, experts in health, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and public health. It has been determined that it is not just up to Congress but also the individual. ("Preventing Childhood Obesity:" 2005). This paper will take a look at how the affluence of America plays a part in this epidemic. (I.O.M 2004). America's Affluence and Obesity America’s Affluence and Obesity Since the beginning of America, folks have lived off the land. Vegetables, fruits were grown on lands free from pesticides and fertilizers. Animals used for food were allowed to eat what the land offered. People grew vegetable gardens, and traded with each other. They made their own preserves, from fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods were in great abundance and there was very little waste. Then there came an educated generation that had no use or respect for the land. New Generation This new educated generation, felt they were much too educated to work the land, they went after the dollar, it became all about making money. Money to buy bigger houses, bigger cars, lusting the glamour, and glitter of Hollywood. The world became aware of what America was experiencing...
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...Running head: PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN 1 Preventing Obesity in Children Ashley Walker Professor Avalos English 102 28 August 2009 APA Sample Paper 6th Edition [Universities may ask for other information on this page, i.e. college name, etc. Always check your class syllabus for this information or see APA Publication Manual 6th Edition] Running head: PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN Abstract Obesity is a recent health epidemic that has dire consequences for America’s health, especially for its children. The causes contributing to this epidemic include sedentary life styles, caloric intake, and major changes in the eating patterns of American families. Among these changes in eating habits is the amount of food Americans consume, how often they consume those foods, and the types of foods themselves. 2 Top Margin 1 in. Header & Page # 1 in. Running head: PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN Preventing Obesity in Children Americans are the fattest people on the planet and continue to expand. According to a 3 survey of adult men and women in the United States during 1999-2000, published in JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 30.5% of Americans are obese, up from 22.9% ten years earlier, and nearly two-thirds (64.5%) are overweight (Flegal, Ogden, & Johnson, 2002). Excess weight isn’t just a matter of looks. Obesity magnifies the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments thus overtaking tobacco as the...
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...2015 Topic: Childhood Obesity INTRODUCTION I. Attention Getter: Hi, my name is Jill. I have been a pediatric nurse for almost 2 years now. According to the National Center for Health Statistics in 2011, childhood Obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. And in 2012, more than one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. II. Specific Purpose: I would I like to inform you all of childhood obesity and ways to get involved in preventing obesity in children. III. Thesis: Childhood obesity is a preventable disorder that could lead to other health effects, short-term and long-term. IV. Preview: I will discuss what obesity is, what health effects it could lead to, and how to prevent it. BODY TRANSITION: To start off, I will explain what obesity is. I. Main Point #1: Obesity is a disorder involving the excessive amount of body fat. A. There are 2 types of classification involving weight gain 1. The classification of being overweight refers to the excess of body weight. 2. And obesity is the excess of fat. 3. Childhood obesity occurs when a child is well above their age and height range which is determined by the body mass index. Children that are at risk for obesity may be ones that are genetically predisposed and have parents that are obese. 4. TRANSITION: Next, I will talk about what health effects that is caused by obesity. II. Main Point...
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...Collins, H. (March, 2011) “Obesity in Children And Teens”. Satter, E. (Jun 13, 2005) “Your Child Weight: Helping without Harming”. Obesity is a concerning problem in our world now especially in American Children. Being overweight and obese is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases in America for all ages. When people are obese they have more serious health problems, in addition to higher heath care costs. Poor eating habits and inactivity are the major factors that contribute to children being overweight and obese. Furthermore, one of the principal factors of our children’s health problems is nutrition (Good quality & Healthy food) which is fundamental in their growth. In today’s society children are eating oversized portions and too many unhealthy fat foods with high calories and cholesterol that lack proteins. In addition, lack of physical activity is another risky factor that leads to obesity in children. The author states that “Studies have shown that a child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult”. Obesity in the family is also a problem, building good eating habits at an early age is important in order to prevent diseases as a child and also as an adult. Nowadays there are so many cases of obesity in children that it is a serious concern, it has become too compelling to ignore. There are numerous health problems due to obesity. In addition, being overweight is not just a cosmetic problem;...
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...Overweight and Obesity in America Mary Watts ENG 122 English Composition II Instructor: Professor James Lange July 7, 2014 According to the National Institute of Health, obesity is defined as having an excess of body fat. Obesity is more prevalent when a person has a body mass index of 30 or more. Being obese differs from being overweight, in that being overweight can be caused from extra fat, muscle, bone, or water. It is well known in the United States that obesity is a dangerous epidemic. From 2011 to 2012, over 34% of Americans were obese (Flegal, 2014). The overweight and obesity problem has become a major health problem in the U. S. In America a lot of our health problems stem from being overweight and obese. They represent nearly all ages and socio‑economic groups of peoples. . Obesity and overweightness depends on how much energy you take in (the calories in When the body has an excess of unused calories, the body will store the calories as fat. Consuming more calories than burned can be the result of unhealthy diet and eating habits. An unhealthy diet lacks fruits and vegetables and is high in fat. Lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to excess calories. The American Heart Association recommends that people commit to increasing their heart rate through exercise or physical activity for thirty minutes per day, five times a week. Things such as walking, stair climbing, swimming, jogging, biking...
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...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...
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...Phoenix/HCS 465 Dr. Chad Moretz The website for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013) has included some interesting facts on the rise of childhood obesity and how it has doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Lowell (2004) has studied and shown how the fast food is major factor in childhood obesity in the United States. There is emphasize on the fact that fast food and snacks with high amount of fats and sugar are the major role of obesity among children. Prevention and treatment programs has the opportunity to influence the health of children and decrease the rise of obesity by providing effective tools in nutrition, education, and physical activities (Cohen, Hazell, Vanstone, Plourde, Rodd &Weiler, 2013). In lowering the rise of obesity in children the fast food industry should begin to take on a responsible attitude towards how the food is prepared, pricing of vegetables labeling of salt, fat sugars levels particular; portions sizes (reducing them), and how its market (Lowell, 2004). Fast food restaurants serve more processed foods, which consumes more fats, sugars, and carbohydrates. The fast food industry provides less fruits and non-starchy vegetables. The food industry felt it is a personal responsibility not the industry. However, the industry must review how the obesity in children is a factor and threat within the United States. The fast food industry can see to find a way to eliminate the increasing number by providing accurate...
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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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...Every year 300,000 Americans die from an obesity-related disease or disorder. Of course, this is not a surprise considering the unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity Americans are so accustomed to but what if there was a way to reduce the number of people dying from these avoidable diseases and disorders? How much money and food could the U.S government save if we just got rid of all the couch potatoes taking up most of the space in the United States? Obesity is very much a common problem in North America, specifically the United States. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Exam Survey (NHNES), “More than one in thirteen adults were considered to have extreme obesity.” With fast food places on every street corner and the rise in popularity of smartphones and social media preventing people from leading healthy lifestyles, there is no surprise that the number of basketball-shaped persons has increased. Obesity is not only common, but it is a serious and costly problem as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The estimated annual cost of obesity in the U.S was $147 billion in 2008 U.S dollars; the medical costs for people who have obesity were $1,429 [USD] higher than those of normal weight.” Serious measures must be put in place to reduce the number of people with...
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...are linked with obesity; a preventable, curable, and manageable disease that hundreds of thousands of people face all around the world. The only thing worse than having to face these health issues as an adult, is having to face them as a child. Childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic in America today. This issue is leading to an unhealthy future for individual kids, but also for society as a whole. As the population has become more obese we have seen a rise in all kinds of health issues. Childhood obesity has been on a steady rise over recent years and this could cause a health crisis in the future. There are several causes to childhood obesity that can be overcome leading to a healthy life. The major causes of childhood obesity are a limited amount of physical activity, family behaviors, and unhealthy food choices. A lack of physical activity is one of the main causes of obesity. This has been a growing problem among children in recent years. “Obesity is a disorder of energy balance. It can occur only when the number of calories being consumed exceeds the number of calories burned, and usually an excess of this kind has to last for months or years of obesity is to develop” (Reilly, 2007). A lack of physical activity has led to the consumption of more calories than are burned off in children. There are many causes for this shift. A study done in the United States validated the relationship between hours of television watched each day and childhood obesity. “The findings showed...
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...Obesity in Children and Adolescents Student’s Name University Affiliation Obesity in Children and Adolescents Overweight in children and adolescents is becoming a severe medical condition that needs to be addressed. Obesity is the state of becoming obese by comparing a body mass index (BMI). If an individual (BMI) is above thirty, he or she is regarded as obese (Armstrong et al. 2016). Obesity in children is a healthy malfunctioning that is progressing at a high rate especially in the US and other developed countries. Clinical recommendations are a crucial tool that focuses on screening guidance as well as counseling strategies to curb the obesity problem. This review concentrates on the physical examination findings that directly correlate with children and adolescents with obesity. These results are later used to come up with a better understanding of how parents can help to reduce the rate of obesity in children as well as in adolescents. The elements used to carry out this review findings include clinical and research specialization in early and late obesity to individuals less than 18 years. The author prioritized to use key physical findings collectively and later implemented literature search from the year 1975 to date from only two databases Cochrane and PubMed (Armstrong et al. 2016). The author has criticized other studies that were conducted before, and he said that they lacked strength in their evidence because their data was...
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...PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN Preventing Obesity in Children Kindra Henderson Kristen Scott English Comp. PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN Obesity is a recent health epidemic that has dire consequences for America’s health, especially for its children. The causes contributing to this epidemic include sedentary life styles, caloric intake, and major changes in the eating patterns of American families. Among these changes in eating habits is the amount of food Americans consume, how often they consume those foods, and the types of foods themselves. Preventing Obesity in Children: Americans are the fattest people on the planet and continue to expand. According to a survey of adult men and women in the United States during 1999-2000, published in JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 30.5% of Americans are obese, up from 22.9% ten years earlier, and nearly two-thirds (64.5%) are overweight (Flegal, Ogden, & Johnson, 2002). Excess weight isn’t just a matter of looks. Obesity magnifies the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments thus overtaking tobacco as the leading cause of chronic illness (Brownell & Horgen, 2004, p. 4). An especially disturbing aspect of this trend is that children are increasingly obese. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2002) reports that the percentage of obese children aged 6 to 11 almost quadrupled from 4% in 1974 to 15% in 2000, and the percentage of obese children...
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