Obesity of Children in US - Assignment Example

English 09 April Research Proposal for a Research Paper on Obesity in Children in US Introduction: Obesity has remained a serious public health problem in the US in recent years. Despite persistent initiatives on the part of parents, government, not-for-profit organizations and school authorities, the problem continues unabated. (a) Background: Obesity rates in children in the US have increased by over 100% during the last three decades for “preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years” while in the case of children in the age group of 6-11 years, “it has more than tripled” (Childhood Obesity in the United States: Facts and Figures 1). This has become a major healthcare concern in the country, and the government and other agencies are actively considering preventive measures to eradicate this menace. But, despite the concerted efforts initiated by various authorities, the country is yet to gain any reasonable mileage in countering this problem. (b) Significance of the Study: The young children of today are the future of the country. In order to develop proper skills and become responsible citizens, children need to be healthy and active. However, as can be discerned from the data stated above, a major portion of them ails from obesity, which is a threat not only to the children themselves, but to the nation as a whole. Estimates indicate that “obesity associated hospital costs for children between the ages of 6 and 17 more than tripled, from $35 million to $127 million” within a 20 year period from 1979 to 1999 (Childhood Obesity: Most Experts Identified Physical Activity and the Use of Best Practices as Key to Successful Programs 1). Hence, the matter deserves immediate attention of healthcare authorities and other agencies to take more effective measures check this problem. Though considerable researches have been conducted in relation to this problem, there still remains scope for further research to evolve ways and means to prevent obesity in children. (c) Statement of the Problem: Despite the concerted efforts on the part of healthcare authorities, government, local agencies, schools, parents and non-profit organizations, effective controlling of obesity still remains a farfetched dream. Though avoidance of obesity-risk-prone-food and increased physical activities are being practiced, these are not found to be fully effective in curbing the trend of increasing obesity. As such, there is a need for further investigation into different aspects of the issue and evolve some innovative methods to counter this problem. 2. Conception and Definitions: Conception: This paper will consist of a detailed examination of the current problem of obesity in the US, the measures presently in practice and the extent of effectiveness of each of the measures. Besides, it will also attempt to delineate the practical difficulties in implementing any of the current policies or practices as well as explore new ways and means which can help reduce the rate of obesity in children. Definitions: i) Obesity: In so far as it relates to this study, obesity is defined as “body mass indexes (BMIs) equal to or greater than the 95th percentile of the age-and-gender-specific BMI charts developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)” (Childhood Obesity in the United States: Facts and Figures 1). ii) Children: For the purpose of this study, the term ‘children’ would comprise all those who fall in the age category between “2 and 18 years” (Childhood Obesity in the United States: Facts and Figures 1). 3. Literature Review: Evidence elicited through various investigations amply vouches for the fact that obesity is a major threat to the health of children in the US. Unites States Govt. Accountability Office, Washington (2005), finds that during the past three decades obesity in children has increased in the country. This has forced the policy makers in healthcare sector to “rank childhood obesity as a critical public health threat” (Childhood Obesity: Most Experts Identified Physical Activity and the Use of Best Practices as Key to Successful Programs 1). Similarly, the American Heart Association, while recognizing that prevention is a better option, contends that “overweight and obesity are already a problem” (Stoler par. 5). They further suggest parental involvement in encouraging children to develop healthy eating habits and active engagement in physical activities. Besides, they also feel that technology like computers and smart phone will also be beneficial in “self-monitoring and goal setting for children and parents” (Stoler par. 4). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also have taken a serious note of the issue and embarked on various measures, to curb the trend of increasing obesity by coordinating “the obesity initiatives and activities in accordance with the AAP obesity strategic priorities” (American Academy of Pediatrics Obesity Initiatives 1). Also, the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR) finds that if the country fails to check the trend of escalating instances of obesity, it is in the “danger of raising the first generation of American children who will live sicker and die younger than the generations before them” (Childhood Obesity in the United States 1). Thus, the review of existing research evidence firmly indicates that the American society is confronted with a serious threat, which needs immediate attention. This researcher, during the process of research, proposes to conduct an exhaustive study of the existing literature and will try to identify any areas that may have remained unexplored during earlier investigations. Efforts will also be made to evaluate the current policies and practices for the prevention of obesity and the extent of their implementation. Besides, it will also be the endeavor of this researcher to identify new preventive measures or systems and recommend their implementation in the appropriate areas. 4. Methodology: The nature of the study demands both qualitative and quantitative approaches to elicit appropriate data and other information on the topic. Therefore, the researcher will use mixed methodology. If possible, primary data collection will be done through conducting interviews with healthcare professionals, local authorities etc. Besides, the researcher will compile secondary data from sources like books, journals, web sites etc. I intend to interview professionals in healthcare and local authorities because they will be able to provide first hand information about the problem, preventive measures to check it as well as their implementation. 5. Conclusion: The researcher has already compiled some literature on the topic and finds that there is a plethora of scholarly articles available on the subject. The main problem that I anticipate is whether professionals in healthcare and officials in various agencies will be willing to share factual information. However, I intend to use this opportunity for the best benefit of the stakeholders by giving a serious approach to this study and try to contribute my sincere efforts for this cause. Works Cited Obesity Initiatives, Fall 2008. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2008. Web. 07 April 2012. Childhood Obesity: Most Experts Identified Physical Activity and the Use of Best Practices as Key to Successful Programs. United States Government Accountability Office (GAO). Washington. 2005. Web. 09 April 2012. Childhood Obesity in the United States. NCCOR. n.d. Web. 08 April 2012. Childhood Obesity in the United States: Facts and Figures. Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. 2004. Web. 09 April 2012. Stoler, Felicia. AHA: Childhood Obesity Needs to Focus on the Family Unit. FoxNews.com. 2012. Web. 09 April 2012. < http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/24/aha-childhood-obesity-needs-to-focus-on-family-unit/> Read More