Trends and Prevalence in Obesity Among Us Adults, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Childhood obesity and overweight have appeared as a peril to children’s as well as adults’ health (Aiello, 2004). They have reached epidemic proportions and are considered major public health problem globally. Presently, there is no methodically reviewed evidence to support a given approach to prevention or treatment of childhood obesity and overweight. Physical activities, parental roles, and medicine entailed in treatment/prevention have improved results (Jimmy, 2005). However, the most effective method among the mentioned has been debatable. The paper examines the more effective method that can be used in reduction/treatment of childhood obesity and overweight.

Research methodology

During this study, several sources were used to gather necessary information and data. Quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used. Both primary and secondary sources were used in gathering information. The secondary sources used were the medical records and former research that had been conducted on childhood obesity. The medical records and research used touched on overweight and obese prevention/treatment. The data and information were collected from various medical centers (45 medical centers). The primary data collection methods included questionnaire and interviews. The information and data that were obtained from these sources were critically analyzed and presented using percentage charts and this marched Carroll, 2009 presentation standards. The charts gave easy comparison of the efficiency of the treatment/prevention methods. Therefore, this context forms an important part in conducting further research on obese treatment and prevention.

For the ease and relevancy of the research, the following two hypotheses were used:

1. a) Diet and child behavior affects childhood obesity and overweight.
2. b) Change in diet has led to increase in obesity and overweight.

The relationships amid diet change and obesity were determined using the medical records. This was made possible by determining the number of obese children over the last ten years. Decrease or increase could hence be determined. The information that was obtained was used in examination and evaluation of the second hypothesis. It is true that diet has changed and continues to and medical researches reveal that calories, especially fat quantities have increased in modern foods (Aiello, 2004). The second hypothesis and medical records were vital in that effectiveness of medicine could be determined by the increase or decrease in obese children over the research years. The questionnaires were as well posted to these medical centers. Only the medical officers were sent the questionnaires. The questionnaire was simple and easy to fill. All the possible obese treatment methods were listed for easy identification. This reduced chances that a medical officer might forget/leave out any method uncommented. Brief explanation was required in every method and its effectiveness.

The interviews however, were administered to various families randomly selected. This was in answering the first hypothesis. To avoid research biasness, few obese children and non-obese families were sampled. Through the interview, the parental and children hobbies and activities were determined. Parents were interviewed and few children. The parental role in children obesity and overweight reduction was hence determined. Diets (mostly eaten foods) were identified through the interview and children interactions. The same information was collected from all the randomly sampled families.

The responses from questionnaires, interviews and medical records were critically analyzed and presented in note form and charts. All the unnecessary information and data (from medical records) were eliminated to reduce bulkiness of the answers (Jimmy, 2005). They will be critically analyzed and presented in charts with explanations. Only 39 filled questionnaires were posted back.

Research findings

According to the result and analysis, the following conclusions were obtained. Based on one of the research material used, the researcher said, parental roles in obesity prevention are significant. Carroll, 2009 says that the parents’ influences and control shapes the health behaviors and decisions of their children, more so their diet managements. This was confirmed by the interview and explanation from the questionnaires. We found that most obese children came from rich families where majority of their foods contained calories. Out of 39 posted questionnaires, 26 mentioned parental involvement in overweight and obesity reduction. 39% of the respondents (medical officers alone) recommended that parents should provide balanced diet with reasonable restrictions of calories, especially fat minimized dietary fat. Further 4.25% said “Modification of children behaviors is a vital element of obesity treatment interventions as the outcomes are great” though this was in various ways and languages. Among the activities and interventions that may result to treatment of obesity and overweight (according to 29.6% of medical officers) are; physical activities conducted at school, nutrition programs in institutions among others. Adaptation of exercise programs or becoming more active is important as it aids in the burning of fats, raise expenditure of energy, and maintain weight lost and they confirmed that it has additional health advantages. The research revealed that families where the children were not obese, the children were physically active. Jimmy, 2005 in his book ‘Associations amid Obesity and Overweight’ also addresses the same idea.

The strategies to deal with physical activities, diet, and change in behaviors should be included in treatment programs. Self-monitoring, controlled eating can be used in obesity reduction. The above are considered most effective and faster obesity reduction methods. Physical activities were also supported by numerous people. However, several scholars had pointed and as well as great number of medical officers said that the use of medicine is not good method. The reasons were medically backed-up and did not satisfy the research question and so could not be presented in this paper. The following chart was prepared based on the findings.

Conclusion

Based on the research result, it is evident that parental roles and physical activities determines, reduces childhood obesity and overweight. The parents therefore play very important role in ensuring that their children are not obese. The roles played by medical officers are less compared to parental roles (Carroll, 2009).

References

Aiello, B. (2004). Patients’ safety: Essentials for health care. Connecticut, USA: Engage Learning Center.

Carroll, D. (2009). Trends and Prevalence in obesity among US adults:  2005 research:JAMA, 303, 235-241.

Jimmy, W. (2005). Associations amid Obesity and Overweight: Children Activities And Obesity control; Pediatrics 103 (5): 1187–94.