Caring for Populations, Coursework Example

Abstract

The American lifestyle changes gradually from one decade to the next. Modern American society is becoming quite unhealthy through less exercise and more destructive eating habits. Currently, “63.1% of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese”. (Hendrick 2010) Obesity is a health issue that touches every community in America and is one of the most relevant issues in modern healthcare.

Caring for Populations: The Obese

Obesity is a highly prevalent issue facing America today. Unlike other health issues that only affect small percentages of the population, more than half of all Americans are overweight or obese. Therefore, obesity touches the lives of every ethnic group, gender, and social class. However, there are some groups that obesity affects more than others. A survey found that African Americans are currently the most likely ethnic group to be obese. People who struggled with obesity were also more likely to have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart conditions. (Hendrick 2010)

Possible Causes

What is causing the obesity epidemic? While researchers are still trying to determine the root causes of this issue, they have offered a number of reasonable theories. America’s corporate culture has contributed a great deal of business innovation. However, it has also created a great deal of health problems. Restaurant chains such as McDonald’s have only grown in popularity and availability due to their low-cost in an ailing economy where many people are struggling to afford basic needs. While a hamburger, fries, and a drink cost a mere $3 if purchased from the dollar menu; fresh fruits and vegetables have become quite expensive. With a significantly growing number of Americans living in poverty, it isn’t any wonder that the obesity epidemic is becoming more and more widespread. After all, the most fattening of foods are also the cheapest.

The economy isn’t the only factor that weighs into this growing issue. A lack of physical exercise is becoming the norm for many Americans. As technology continues to advance and become more available to the public, the need to physically perform tasks such as shopping, for instance, has diminished. Even food is now available for purchase over the Internet. Likewise, video games, flat screen televisions, iPods, and a culture that values skills of intellect more than physical endurance and skill are contributing to the issue.

Genetics can also be a factor when considering the causes of obesity. Some families are naturally inclined to have a slower metabolism. In the case of genetic disposition, losing weight can be an incredible challenge. Certain diseases such as hypothyroidism can also cause obesity.

Affected Populations

African Americans are considered to be the ethnic group most likely to be impacted by obesity but they are not alone. A large portion of the obese and overweight population lives near the poverty line. This is most likely due to the fact that fattening, sugary foods are far cheaper than healthier foods such as fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meats, and whole grains.

Also, children and teenagers are also having higher rates of weight problems than at any other time in history. Sedentary lifestyle and the increasing prevalence of processed foods in the modern diet are some of the suspected causes. A number of public schools have responded to the issue by enacting more comprehensive health programs as well as making gym class mandatory in some schools.

Possible Solutions

Obesity as a deeply troubling health concern because it not only affects the individual but it affects their loved-ones as well. Obesity is known to cause other illnesses. While losing weight and keeping it off can prove an incredibly difficult pursuit, those who are overweight should be advised to change their diet and include more exercise into their lives. Small dietary and lifestyle changes can help minimize the overall negative effects that obesity can have on the body. A diet that is low in fat and includes regular intake of fruits and vegetables is highly ideal. A physician can work with a patient to determine an exercise program that may work well for them.

As for the childhood obesity epidemic, one of the best tools we have is education. Better, more comprehensive health and nutrition programs should be offered to K-12 students so that they can understand how to make informed decisions about their nutrition and lifestyle habits early in life.

Conclusion

Obesity is a health concern that impacts more than half of the American population. It is not only responsible for heart disease and diabetes. It can make living a struggle by impacting joint functions, energy levels, mood, and other bodily functions. While there are a number of theories that point to the possible reasons why so many Americans struggle with obesity, the root causes are still widely unknown. Some ethnic groups are determined to be more susceptible to being overweight than others. Lifestyle changes including diet and exercise can significantly help those who are struggling with weight issues.

References

Hendrick, B. (2010, February 10). Percentage of Overweight, Obese Americans Swells. WebMD – Better information. Better health.. Retrieved July 23, 2010, from http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20100210/percentage-of-overweight-obese-americans-swells

When Being Overweight Is a Health Problem . (n.d.). KidsHealth – the Web’s most visited site about children’s health. Retrieved July 23, 2010, from http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/dieting/obesity.html