Prevalence of Childhood and Adult Obesity, Essay Example

Introduction

Childhood obesity is a serious health epidemic throughout the world that requires significant attention and focus from the healthcare community in order to promote prevention and successful outcomes. This process requires nurses, physicians, and nutritionists to examine the problem in sufficient detail and to determine the primary causes of the condition so that the problem may be addressed in a timely manner. It is important to identify the resources that are required to accomplish these objectives and to address the challenges of addressing childhood obesity in a manner that will improve outcomes for this population group. Therefore, the causes of childhood obesity must be addressed in detail and support long-term strategies to alleviate the condition over time.

Analysis

Childhood obesity is caused by a number of factors, including but not limited to sugary snacks, beverages, high fat and calorie foods, and limited physical activity, among other causes. This is a serious epidemic and impacts 17 percent of young people in the United States (Ogden et.al, 2014). In addition, the epidemic is more prevalent in some groups than in others, such as Hispanics and African-Americans (Ogden et.al, 2014). Therefore, many healthcare organizations target these groups in different communities because they may have a greater impact because of the severity of the epidemic (Ogden et.al, 2014). Medical experts must focus on strategies that will impact behaviors because these are likely to have the greatest influence on those who require behavioral changes in order to reduce weight and to improve long-term health and wellbeing (Ogden et.al, 2014).

It is important to identify specific strategies that will promote effectiveness and that will encourage individuals to be proactive in losing weight and improving their exercise habits in an effective manner. Weight coaching and exercise training are perhaps effective means of promoting weight loss; however, they must be approached cautiously so that children are not overwhelmed and become less motivated to take action in this manner (Thivel et.al, 2011; Tripp et.al, 2011). Coaching is likely to be effective; however, it requires a high level of patience and a greater understanding of the child’s perspective so that he or she is able to address nutrition and exercise on a gradual basis in order to prevent poor outcomes (Thivel et.al, 0211; Tripp et.al, 2011). These factors require an ongoing effort to understand the motivations behind poor eating, including familial circumstances; therefore, medical professionals must consider these actions and determine if there are sufficient opportunities to address the condition in an effective manner. Children should not be overwhelmed by these changes and they should be experienced in a gradual manner in order to prevent long-term challenges that may occur. In addition, children should be provided with the reasons why they require lifestyle changes so that they are able to recognize that these changes are positive reinforcements for their own health and wellbeing over time.

Conclusion

It is important for the medical profession to address childhood obesity so that they are able to recognize the value of this alternative and how it impacts their health and wellbeing. This process is instrumental in enabling children to have a greater quality of life and to be effective in making these lifestyle changes. It is important to recognize the value of this process and to be effective in communicating the required changes to children and to their parents so that there are sufficient opportunities to improve health through these alternatives. Most importantly, it is necessary to effectively adapt to change and to enable children to recognize how this change impacts their lives on a continuous basis.

References

Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., Kit, B. K., & Flegal, K. M. (2014). Prevalence of childhood and adult obesity in the United States, 2011-2012. JAMA, 311(8), 806-814.

Thivel, D., Isacco, L., Rousset, S., Boirie, Y., Morio, B., & Duché, P. (2011). Intensive exercise: A remedy for childhood obesity?. Physiology & behavior, 102(2), 132-136.

Tripp, S. B., Perry, J. T., Romney, S., & Blood-Siegfried, J. (2011). Providers as weight coaches: Using practice guides and motivational interview to treat obesity in the pediatric office. Journal of pediatric nursing, 26(5), 474-479.