Childhood Obesity: Susceptibility, Cause, and Management - Research Paper Example

? Running Head: Health Sciences and Medicine Primary School-Aged Boys (6-12 years) Insert Insert Grade Insert 05 May Introduction The study’s target group is the primary school boys aged 6-12 years. At this stage, both boys and girls are expected to be physically active which is beneficial to their health and wellbeing. With the assistance of past research studies, this paper will discuss the level of physical activity at home and school and address the factors that hinder or promote the physical activity in both girls and boys. It will also discuss the health risks associated with physical inactivity and the corresponding benefits of adequate physical activity in childhood and adulthood. The paper will correlate the environmental, social, and individual factors with physical activity in the primary school boys and will theoretically explain the physical activity trends and characteristics in the target group. Physical activity prevalence in the target group The physical activity of children peaks at 6-12 years when children are in grade six and starts to decline as they progress to higher grades (Ellen et al, 2008). In this group boys have higher physical activity compared to girls, but they both have higher physical activity levels than other older age groups including adults. 9-13 year olds In the United States, 61% of this age group do not participate in any organized physical activity outside school hours with 23% failing to participate in any activity in 2002, while in Australia the physical activity of 9-13 year olds range from walking and cycling to and from school and form physical education lessons between 1985-2001 explained by increases use of electronic games, TV watching and computers (Salmon et al, 2005). Puberty Physical activity decreases with increasing puberty stage especially in girls probably due to influences of biological, physical, and psychological development (Riddoch et al., 2007). According to research done by Yahya et al (2000), the level of physical activity in most children does not meet the 60 min of MVPA recommended daily. Only 5.1% of the target group achieves the recommended daily level of physical activity compared to 0.4 % of girls of the same age, indicating a serious problem as the physical activity of children is supposed to peak at this age. The level of physical activity for both sexes is higher during weekdays, with boys being more active at 11:00-1400h (Riddoch et al., 2007). Physical activity in both boys and girls aged 9-12 years corresponds to the daily routines with peak activity recorded during weekdays when commuting to and from school and during lunch breaks. There are no peak physical activities in weekends indicating the lack of vigorous activity during weekends in home settings (Goldfield et al., 2008). Physical activities decrease during winter with a difference of 108 counts /min probably due to inaccessibility of physical facilities and unsuitability of any physical activity due to extreme weather conditions and environment (Riddoch et al., 2007). The use of accelerometers showed lower physical activity levels in obese and overweight children with difference response relationships between boys and girls indicating a serious limitation of the use of accelerometers correlate activity level with energy expenditure (Riddoch et al., 2007). Existing studies evaluate the level of intensity in physical activity of the target group based on the medical benefits associated with frequent intense activities lasting an average of 10 minutes, which is rare in children. The significance of the low levels of physical intensity in the target groups is unknown, and this should be quantified to make these studies relevant. Health risks from physical inactivity Insufficient physical activity in all ages and especially in children pose a myriad of health complications. Obesity and Overweight Physical inactivity in children significantly increases the risk factors for obesity and overweight (Dietz, 1983). Physical activity and aerobic fitness are directly related to the risk factors for cardiovascular ailments and other chronic illnesses present that are evident in childhood (Gortmaker et al., 1999). Low physical activity is associated with high body fat in young children of both sexes (Yahya et al., 2000). Parental fears of road accidents bullying, abduction and freak accidents restrict unsupervised out of school physical activity leading to the increase of environments that favor sedentary pursuits (Fox, 2004). Excess weight gain and obesity are mostly common in lower income families especially in industrialized countries mostly due to the consumption of high energy diets coupled with unsafe streets, parks, and play areas. Benefits of Regular Physical Activity Regular physical activity enables adequate weight control and protection from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic ailments (ACSM, 1998). In a study conducted by Epstein et al. (2000), which included the addition of physical activity and reduction of sedentary activities to reduce weight in obese children, it was found that reducing sedentary activities and increasing physical activity succeeded in promoting weight loss and aerobic fitness. Obesity treatment and weight reduction studies can fail if the researchers do not include sedentary activities in school and home. They should also include family interventions in their approach. There is a general agreement in this field that reduction of sedentary activities and increased physical activity are successful in reducing weight issues, and has beneficial health effects. Correlation between Health and Physical Activity The high prevalence of obesity and overweight children can be correlated physical inactivity in children. Intervention in these cases often involves the promotion of physical activity at the expense of leisure activities like TV watching. In a study by Goldfield et al. (2008), to examine the gender influences during obesity and overweight treatment intervention, physical activity was rewarded by TV viewing time. It was found that treatment intervention was more successful and beneficial to boys. Boys increased their physical activity levels and time spent in MVPA. The study found no gender differences in the amount of time spent watching TV, but there was a 63% and 79 % reduction in TV viewing respectively for both girls and boys. Obese boys increased their physical activity than girls; probably because their motivation to watch TV was more powerful than that of obese girls. The conclusions of the study were consistent with other studies that found obese boys displayed greater adherence to physical activity programs than obese girls in family based obesity treatments involving manipulative reward access tools (Goldfield et al., 2008). The limitation of this study is that the net effects of hormonal and psychological influences were not considered in the study, which probably could have explained the difference in physical activity levels as negativity bars children from physical activity. In another study by Haug et al. (2010), the physical school environment has been found to have a large influence on the level of physical activity during recess and lunch breaks. Students from secondary schools with a higher number of outdoor sporting facilities were three times more likely to participate in daily physical activities as compared to students in schools with fewer facilities. Parental fears of road accidents, bullying, abduction, and freak accidents make them restrict unsupervised-out- of- school physical activity in children leading to increased sedentary pursuits (Fox, 2004). Excess weight gain and obesity are mostly common in lower income families especially in industrialized countries mostly due to the consumption of high energy diets coupled with unsafe streets, parks, and play areas. These children are forced (by circumstances and situations) to develop sedentary lifestyles, which are carried into adulthood and are a prelude to ill health. In research on the physical environment effect in primary school level by Haug et al. (2010), there was no noteworthy connection between the (physical) activity levels and the number of physical facilities. Young boys and girls have high physical activity across all schools independent of the level of facilities. The study concluded that both young boys and girls participated in general physical activity and were not specific as to preferences in activities. However, the study showed a significant reduction of physical activity after 12 years in both boys and girls. The barriers and varying levels of physical activity in adolescent boys and girls are due to lack of support and motivation in school environments. The gendering roles and expectations of the society led to boys being more active in physical activity than girls who used their free time for socializing. Competition for facilities is a considerable deterrent for girls’ participation in physical activities as are mostly occupied by boys. The study also found that shared facilities barred girls from participating in physical activity as it hindered the accessibility and freedom of physical activities. According to another study by Hume et al. (2004), the perceptions of children to their home and neighborhood environment have significant relationships with their participation in different physical activity. According to research the environment within the home school and neighborhood have a large role and influence in the children’s lives because they offer security, warmth, and safety. The presence of varied physical and sedentary opportunities influenced the children’s physical activity levels. The social interactions by children also play a significant role in the children’s physical activity. Children predominantly take part in physical activities with friends in social locations. According to the same study, food locations influenced a large percentage of the children; 70% to partake in various levels of physical activity, which was more prevalent in girls than in boys. The major weakness of the study was limited sample size, which reduced the statistical credibility of the data. Cognitive mapping objectively gives children the chance to portray their environment as perceived and portray environments that have considerable significances to them. Therefore, there could have been various omissions in the level of physical activity depending on the children. The children were not interviewed and hence the relationship and connections to the areas they drew could not be correctly interpreted. The children could also have had greater awareness of locations, destinations, and opportunities for physical activity and sedentary behaviors because of the research design and methodology. Social Cognitive Theory The social cognitive theory explains the boys’ physical activity patterns. In social cognitive theory the behavior of a person comes with the environmental interaction. The environment, which includes the social, physical, cultural, and economical, influences the person’s actions and behavior (Redding et al., 2000). The constructs most influential to young boys will be: Environment The physical environment will determine whether the boys engage in physical activity or lead sedentary lifestyles. Security concerns and lack of supportive environments have been shown to decrease the level of physical activity as the inverse is also true. The parents have the largest influence on young boys’ lives and without their approval and support the boys would not take up physical activities. Expectations Children participate in activities that bring them joy, and if the physical activities make them happy they will undertake them at any given time. They will also undertake physical activity because it is beneficial to them. Dynamic Determinism If the environment is conducive for physical activity, the young boys will take up physical activity especially when it leads to higher levels of socialization and happiness. If the parents regularly undertake physical activity for health benefits, the children will also take part in physical activity and vice versa. Reinforcements The allocation of lunch breaks, recess, and supervised physical activities will lead to more physical activity because the young boys comprehend that they are to participate in physical activities. Summary and Conclusions The increasing cases of obesity and weight problems among children and adults in developed economies pose a serious public health concern that should be urgently addressed by all. Many children participate in physical activities, but sadly majority does not achieve the levels of MVPA recommended, and this is especially prevalent in girls. There needs to have a comprehensive policy and guideline in education facilities and institutions to mitigate potential health problems in children. This will help manage and treat the unfortunate children with proven treatment plans. Education facilities and institutions need to increase the length and frequency of recess and breaks for physical activity while at the same time increasing the facilities available for physical activity. These facilities should consider both girls and boys; as it was found that girls are disadvantaged when they share facilities with boys due to gender differences and competition. The parents, and school administrations need to develop strategies to motivate and support physical activities in their children by providing support and encouragement at all times. Introduction of mandatory and supervised physical exercise especially in young children can be immensely helpful. Sedentary activities at home should be strictly regulated. Future research need to be carried out to elucidate the discrepancies in various researches done. This will also help strengthen the proven effective treatments for weight and obesity management. References ACSM. (1998) The Recommended Quantity and Quality of Exercise for Developing and Maintaining Cardio Respiratory and Muscular Fitness and Flexibility in Healthy Adults, Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 30: 975-991. Dietz, W. R. (1983) Childhood Obesity: Susceptibility, Cause, and Management. J. Pediatr. 61: 813-819. Ellen et al. (2008) The characteristics of the outdoor school environment Associated with Physical Activity. Health Education Research,Vol.25 no.2 2010.Pages 248–256 Epstein et al. (2000) Decreasing Sedentary Behaviors in Treating Pediatric Obesity. Arch. Pediatr. Adolesc. Med. 154: 220-226. Fox, K. R. (2004) Tackling Obesity in Children through Physical Activity; A perspective from the United Kingdom. Quest 56:28–40. Goldfield et al. (2008) Gender Differences in Response to a Physical Activity Intervention in Overweight and Obese Children. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2008, 5, 592-606 Gortmaker et al. (1999) Impact of a School-Based Interdisciplinary Intervention on Diet and Physical Activity among Urban Primary School children. Arch. Pediatr.Adolesc. Med. 153: 975-983 Haug et al. (2010) The Characteristics of the Outdoor School Environment Associated with Physical Activity. Health Education Research, Vol. 25, No. 2. (2010), pp. 248-256 Hume et al. (2004) Children’s Perceptions of Their Home and Neighborhood Environments, and Their Association with Objectively Measured Physical Activity: A Qualitative And Quantitative Study, Vol.20 no.1 2005Pages 1–13 Redding et al. (2000) Health Behavior Models: The International Electronic Journal of Health Education, 2000; 3 (Special Issue): 180-193 Riddoch et al. (2007). Objective Measurement of Levels and Patterns of Physical Activity. Arch Dis Child 2007; 92:963-969 Salmon et al. (2005) Association of Family Environment with Children’s Television Viewing and with Low Level of Physical Activity. Obesity Research vol. 13 no. 11 Yahya et al. (2006) Body Fatness and Physical Activity Levels of Young Children: Annals Of Human Biology, January–February 2007; 34(1): 1–12 Read More