Preventing Childhood Obesity - Essay Example

?Running head: Preventing Childhood Obesity Insert         Insert Grade Insert 17 January Outline Introduction Preventing childhood obesity The built environment Benefits of preventing childhood obesity Conclusion Childhood Obesity Introduction Children love to indulge in fast foods and mostly spend their time watching television or playing video games, as a result obesity in children has become a health problem, which needs to be prevented. Child obesity is therefore a health problem that needs prevention mainly because of the rise of obesity cases. Obesity is regarded as a health problem due to the health consequences accompanied by it, mostly heart diseases, blood pressure, and diabetes. According to CDC (2011), a population-based sample revealed that 70% of obese children develop cardiovascular diseases. When obesity is not prevented at childhood, it is likely to continue in adulthood. Birch & Ventura (2009, p.75) add that, decreasing sedentary behavior is among the interventions that can prevent childhood obesity. WHO (2012) estimated the number of obese children below the age of five years at 42million globally in 2010, 35million of this number being present in the developing countries. Therefore, childhood obesity is on the rise, and as a result, it requires prevention. Here, a change in lifestyle is necessary, which includes healthy diets, engaging in physical activities, among others. Nevertheless, both the parents and the schools can play a vital role in preventing childhood obesity. Parents can ensure healthy eating habits such as, encouraging greens, low fat food or drinks, and serving the children with reasonable portions of foods. In schools, the administration can also encourage mandatory physical activities (CDC, 2011). The problem of child obesity is a global health problem. Efforts and strategies are required in order to address this international problem. This essay will discuss the various mechanisms involved in childhood obesity; the role of parents and schools will be included as well as the advantages of curbing this health problem. Preventing childhood obesity Childhood obesity is a common and serious health problem. When a child is above the normal weight for his age and height, he/she is obese. The extra pounds gained are the key to health problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure among other health issues. A child can also suffer from depression and low self-esteem due to isolation. However, there are solutions to childhood obesity; preventing childhood obesity protects a child’s health at the present and in the future as well. Birch and Ventura (2009, p.75) explain that, the school-based interventions have limited success to prevention of obesity. A study conducted in 2005 on United States school-attending children proved that, schools provide contexts of physical behavior and eating behaviors that influence weight. When children enroll in a school, 20% of 2-5 years stand at a risk of being overweight; therefore, this is the prime opportunity to prevent obesity (Birch and Ventura, 2009, p.75). In this period, these children are still learning the eating habits - in school, they are exposed to many commercial foods. Children eating behaviors are influenced by their parents and care givers; caregivers organize the child’s menu, and as a result, the child learns what should be eaten and what poses as a risk. The parenting practices regarding food shape a child’s eating habit, and therefore, parents should advocate for healthy feeding habits. Parents have a role to play in preventing obesity. WHO (2012) advocates that parents should administer healthy foods and drinks, as well as encourage physical activities. Children’s behaviors are shaped by observing and adapting, therefore when parents promote healthy lifestyle their children are likely to adapt to that lifestyle. In addition, non-active time can be reduced, encouraging walking or cycling to school; family games are also a remedy. Harvard medical school (2003) emphasizes that, in a situation where both parents are working, they should plan ahead, placing fruits on the table; also, eliminating high-sugar snack is a vital step towards preventing obesity. WHO (2012) further adds that, schools can also contribute to the prevention of obesity by promoting healthy diets and physical activities. The children can also be provided with knowledge about healthy lifestyle. According to Wechsler, McKenna, Lee & Dietz (2004, p.5), most children are enrolled in schools annually. Indeed, school is a second home for the children as they spend most of their hours there. Therefore, the school can make a difference in the lives of these children, with the presence of well-designed school programs that promote healthy eating, physical activities, and reduce idle time spent watching television or playing video games. In addition, good health is associated with good academic performance; a school can aid in the prevention of childhood obesity via a coordinated school health program (CSHP). CSHP aims at improving the quality of students’ health and the people present in their environment. The school administration can appoint a school health coordinator, responsible for coordinating school health policies, resource, and activities. The school should also maintain a school health council (SHC), which comprises of healthcare providers, teachers, students, and social services professionals (Wechsler, McKenna, Lee, & Dietz, 2004, p.7). SHC guides the school health administrator, and as a result, assisting in promoting physical and health education. This type of council is evident in the United States, which is faced with high percentage of obese children. In addition, schools can develop nutrition and physical activity policies, where the children’s health is prioritized (Wechsler, McKenna, Lee & Dietz, 2004, p.8). There is need for a high quality health promotion program for a school; when staff morale is improved, teachers are able to promote students’ health as well. Implementing a health study course in health education will aid in addressing obesity; this can include educating students of importance of health eating and physical activities. In addition, students learn the skills required to adopt healthy eating habits. Implementing a course in physical education in schools is another solution; this physical program enhances skills in physical activity, and therefore meeting the needs of all students. Student can also learn self-management and movement skills, as well as learn skills that enable them overcome barriers to healthy behaviors. They are guaranteed of having an enjoyable experience throughout the course (Wechsler, McKenna, Lee & Dietz 2004 p8). Introducing quality school meal menus is another solution; indeed, ensuring a healthy menu for students reduces the chances of obesity among students. Food services personnel can also be trained on ensuring healthy diets in schools and improving meal programs. Ohinmaa, et al (2011, p.451) Insist that, child overweight is associated with low life expectancy; however, school-based programs may have the potential of preventing childhood obesity. This is possible via providing students with personal skills development through education, thus enabling students to develop skills on healthy food choices and nutrition. Decrease in diet quality is evident in obese children; therefore, the schools should be in a position of fostering healthy eating and active lifestyle. Needless to say, these programs require a lot of expenditure and commitment, and thus the school administration should try to improve physical activity and healthy eating as well through educating and molding students in to a productive generation. According to Dehghan, Danesh & Merchant (2005), Childhood overweight cases are epidemic today, especially in the developed countries; for instance, in the United States, 11% of children are obese. Overweight children develop both physical and psychological health issues, which include infertility, hypertension, and diabetes, while psychological disorders include depression. The choice of lifestyle and the surrounding environment influence obesity. Food has become more affordable and fast food is becoming even convenient, contributing to high calorie intake. Dehghan, Danesh & Merchant (2005) argue that much emphasis has been laid on diet change and exercises, and as a result, ignoring the increasing level of obesity. Needless to say, children are considered a priority in the society. Therefore, prevention of obesity should begin at the young stage. Neighborhood is one of the interventions, as it consists of footpaths, cycling paths, and open apace for recreation activities. Physical activities, for instance, sports can reduce obesity; in schools, teachers can communicate to the parents through report cards on the child’s weight problem. Television watching should be restricted, as well as eating while watching the television; this is because there is a probability of over-eating without noticing. Secondly, the television advertises a lot of fast-foods, and as a result children are tempted to consume such foods (Dehghan, Danesh & Merchant (2005). In addition, parents should reduce the intake of fast food in children. The food sector influences consumers purchasing behavior, and therefore, labeling of the nutrition standard of food is necessary, as it contributes to healthier consumers choices. Moreover, reducing sedentary behavior and fostering free physical activities can contribute to the prevention of obese cases. According to Mansfield & Doutre (2011, p.24), parents and caregivers of the obese children are mostly not concerned about their children’s weight problems; therefore, the children’s obese problem can be associated with the ignorance of their family. A Study carried out by the authors on consequences of obesity revealed that, these children suffered from bullying, especially nicknames symbolizing their weight; as a result, they hardly had any friends (Mansfield & Doutre 2011 p28). These children also suffer emotionally, which contributes to poor health; however, no explanation gives quality reasons for the prevalence in childhood obesity. According to Hopkins (2007, p.4), obesity contributes to economic costs such as health costs, absenteeism from work and school, and loss of productivity as well. A previous study revealed that only 23% of children meet the government requirement for physical activities. In addition, only a fifth of this population request for fruits and vegetables in school serving. Moreover, parents and caregivers should be the role models of children by adapting to healthy lifestyles. The children will automatically adopt this behavior. Limiting snacks is not the answer; however, moderating their intake is the key. Nevertheless, parents and teachers can avoid the use of candy as a reward tool. Several laws have been enacted concerning child obesity in the United States. It is however notable that several factors have contributed to the passing of childhood obesity prevention laws. Among the key individuals involved are the media, parents, physicians, and schools. It is rather evident that the issue of childhood obesity is a concern to the society; however, obesity stigmatization and anti-fats attitudes are among the major experiences obese children persevere. Body dissatisfaction is enough punishment for these children. Therefore, in order for the case of obese to cease, effective prevention measures must be implemented. The built environment Rahman, Cushing & Jackson (2011, p.51) emphasize that, the built environment has the main solutions to childhood obese. In addition, the prevention programs should improve environmental programs that pose as risks to children, which lead to physical inactivity, poor diets, and sedentary behavior among others. As a result, the built environment should be modified in order for the children to improve on physical activities and access to healthy foods. Individuals who have better access to supermarkets, but convenience stores are limited in their area, will be in a position to access healthier diets, hence minimizing the levels of obesity. A child spends over 6 hours in school, and therefore, is entitled to at least snacks and lunch meal. Rahman, Cushing & Jackson (2011, p.51) argues that, school provides several options on diets, and as a result, these many options may present an opportunity for unhealthy diets; therefore, only few children opt for healthy diets. In addition, children with limited access to fast food restaurants near their school or home have a low level of obese. The communities that have low social economic status have limited recreational facilities, and grocery shops with healthy and affordable food options. However, those communities that have access to gardens promote physical activities when the community is involved in gardening activities (Rahman, Cushing & Jackson, 2011, p.52). In addition, communities that lack safe walking paths, contribute to unhealthy behaviors, for instance, lack of walking or cycling exercises. Such communities rely on driving from one place to another, and as a result, a lot of time is spent in cars rather than walking, thus inhibiting fitness and fostering of healthy weight. Lack of physical activities in the lives of human beings is a remedy for weight gain, therefore, the presence of sidewalks, green gardens, safe accessible destinations, and transportation influences health outcomes. School-related transportation has increased over the years; today, approximately 42% of children use school buses as a means of transportation (Rahman, Cushing & Jackson, 2011, p.53). As a result, there is a notable decline in the active transportation, which involves either walking or cycling to school; this has resulted to increase in childhood obesity. Below is a figure that indicates various mode of transportation used by children to get to school. Needless to say, it is rather evident that walking is the least preferred method. (Rahman, Cushing & Jackson, 2011, p.53). Collaboration in the society will enhance healthy living, and therefore reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. It is essential for the society to understand that physical activities are essential for their children; being in denial cannot help a child, but it lowers the possibility of spending many years with the child due to the health problems associated with obesity. Discipline at home and in schools is relevant; however, a child has to be advised on why healthy eating is important for him/her. Moreover, forceful discipline may lead to a child thinking that healthy eating is a punishment. Watching the television and playing video games is not a crime, however, regulated and monitored screen time is important in preventing the risk of obesity. Billions are associated with obesity epidemic mainly in health cost, lost jobs as a result of illness, or disability, and pre-mature deaths. This can however be prevented by adapting a healthy lifestyle, at home and in school. Benefits of preventing childhood obesity Walker, Gately, & Hill (2003) conducted a research on the change of body image, self-esteem, and worries in obese adolescents attending a residential camp. The result indicated that obese children had low degrees of self worth, while weight loss was associated with higher psychological improvement. These residents’ camps involve the combination of healthy diets, modification of behavior and physical activities. Body dissatisfaction among the obese group decreased significantly as well as low self-esteem. It is rather evident that having normal weight enables an individual to blend well in the society. However, prevention is better that cure, and high expenses is involved in weight reduction or treatment involved. According to O’Dea (2004), it is important to plan for a prevention program and have effective knowledge of the prevention mechanisms. Prescribing control programs and advising on healthy diets are among the roles of a pediatrician. These professionals should be aware of a child’s health status, and therefore, weight control might be a solution to obesity among children. In addition, to achieve better results, the obese children should not be pressurized; pressure from the society causes the affected to result to slimming pills or unhealthy slimming diets. Another benefit of preventing childhood obesity is that, life expectancy for such children will be increased because of improved health. The rise of fatal diseases associated with obese health problem will reduce, guaranteeing a child a normal and healthy life. Nevertheless, children will not be subjected to bullying and isolation in schools, which is evident among obese children. Needless to say, obesity yields to health expenses, which arise because of health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure among other cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion Obesity is a common health disorder. Childhood obesity contributes to physical and psychological health problems. These health complications may include cardiovascular and digestive problems. Needless to say, un-managed obese cases are evident in adulthood as well. High intake of calories, reduced physical activities and unhealthy eating habits are the main factors that contribute to obese cases. However, both the school and parents can work together towards the prevention of childhood obesity. Schools can introduce healthy meal programs, while parent ensure that their children adopt healthy eating lifestyles. In addition, obesity can lead to short life expectancy because of early deaths. Nevertheless, denial of parents of the obese children only leads to continuous weight gain. Therefore, strategies that are more effective are required in fighting this epidemic. The good news is that, childhood obesity is preventable; however, it requires the collaboration of parents, teachers, society, and the government. Annotated Bibliography Birch, L. & Ventura, A K. (2009). Preventing childhood obesity: what works? International Journal of Obesity, 33, 74–81. This source discusses on the necessary interventions that would contribute towards prevention of childhood obesity. CDC. (2011). Centers for disease control and prevention. Adolescents and school health. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm. This source discusses the child obesity facts, health impacts and the role of schools and parents in preventing childhood obesity. Dehghan, M., Danesh, N., & Merchant, A. (2005). Childhood obesity, prevalence, and prevention. Nutrition Journal, 4:24. Retrieved from http://www.nutritionj.com/content/4/1/24 This nutrition journal article, discusses of child obesity and the prevention strategies necessary for the prevention of the child obesity epidemic. Hopkins, J. (2007). Perspectives on Childhood Obesity Prevention: Recommendations from Public Health Research and Practice. Retrieved from http://www.jhsph.edu/bin/e/x/childhoodobesity.pdf This article includes the views of different professionals on child obesity prevalence and the measures of prevention applicable. Mansfield, D. & Doutre, G. (2011). Food for thought: Children’s views on the psychological aspects of childhood obesity. Educational & Child Psychology JOURNAL, Vol. 28, Issue 4, p23-36. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=d39ab062-9dc6-4e9f-bee8-a43b66dfd47c%40sessionmgr11&vid=11&hid=123 This journal focuses on the views of children concerning obesity and the consequences suffered. O’Dea, J. (2004). Prevention of child obesity: ‘First, do no harm’. Retrieved from http://her.oxfordjournals.org/content/20/2/259.full This journal focuses on the prevention programs in obesity cases. It emphasizes on the duty of medical practitioners in alerting parents on the overall fitness of their children. Rahman, T., Cushing, R., & Jackson, R. (2011). Contributions of Built Environment to Childhood Obesity. Mount Sinai Journal Of Medicine, Vol. 78 Issue 1, p49-57. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=d39ab062-9dc6-4e9f-bee8-a43b66dfd47c%40sessionmgr11&vid=6&hid=123 This journal article discusses the consequences the built environment has on childhood obesity and how it can be improved to prevent childhood obesity. Ohinmaa, A. et al. (2011). Costs of Implementing and Maintaining Comprehensive School Health: The Case of the Annapolis Valley Health Promoting Schools Program. Canadian journal of public health, 102(6); 451-454. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=5&did=2585558601&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1329463049&clientId=29440 This article discusses on the importance of engaging schools in the prevention of childhood obese; it touches on a child’s lifestyle and his performance in schools and the right programs for curbing obese in schools. The Harvard medical school. (2003). preventing childhood obesity. Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update1103d.shtml This article discusses on the parents role in preventing obesity, for instance planning ahead. Walker, L. Gately, P. & Hill, A. (2003). Children's weight-loss camps: psychological benefit or jeopardy? International Journal of Obesity, 27, 748–754. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v27/n6/full/0802290a.html. This journal article emphasize on the effect of weight loss among obese children; high self esteem emerging first compared to when the child was obese. Wechsler, H., McKenna, M., Lee, S., & Dietz, W. (2004). The role of schools in preventing childhood obesity. The state education standard. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/pdf/roleofschools_obesity.pdf This article emphasizes on the roles of schools in curbing childhood obesity, it also acknowledges that this process is expensive and requires co-operation and commitment. WHO. (2012). Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health: The role of parents. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/childhood_parents/en/index.html This source encourages parents to adopt a healthy lifestyle, as a result their children will practice the same behavior. Read More