A Public Health Concern - Essay Example

Healthy People and Issues on Obesity: A Public Health Concern This paper aims to discuss the relevant issues surrounding obesity, as a national agenda specifically identified in Healthy People 2010. It plans to determine the agencies (both local and state) tasked with addressing and managing this issue. In addition, the community and targeted population that the identified objective addresses would be determined. The possible barriers in promoting and addressing obesity on the target population would be reviewed. Finally, the treatment recommended for monitoring and addressing obesity would be examined and analyzed. Healthy People 2010 and Issues on Obesity: A Public Health Concern Obesity in childhood, teenage and adults is considered an epidemic in the United States. The advancement in technology created rapid changes in the eating habits of individuals globally. However, as countries become more developed in terms of economic status, the greater the availability and affordability of innumerable choices of food that an individual can indulge in. The issue of addressing obesity has been specifically identified as a national agenda in Healthy People 2010. Obesity is defined as a chronic condition of excess fat accumulation in the body. (Medicine.Net, 2009, 1). Medically, obesity can be defined in relation to the body mass index (BMI). The body mass index “determines whether a person’s weight is appropriate for height by dividing the weight in kilograms by the height in meters squared.” (Delaune & Ladner, 2006, 1394) Using this index, obesity is then defined as a BMI of 30 and above. (Medicine.Net. 2009, 1) The primary causes of obesity are overeating and lack of physical activity. When a person takes in calories much more than what one burns, that persons gains weight. Excess energy is therefore stored as fat. If that person has no initiative at all to engage in any physical activity which would help him or her burn those excess calories, then, obesity sets in. Aside from overeating and lack physical activity, there are enormous factors which contribute to an individual’s being vulnerable to obesity. These are: genetics, composition of the diet, frequency of eating, slow metabolism, lack of exercise or physical activity, medications, psychological factors, and even certain diseases. With different researches undertaken to explore on the factors contributing to obesity, it is revealed in MedicineNet that ethnicity, childhood weight and hormones all have an effect in being obese. As a person gains weight and either consciously or unconsciously neglect any measures to prevent the continuous weight increase, that person increases his or her risk of contracting other chronic illnesses. Among the more prominent diseases associated with obesity are: cardiovascular problems which could lead to heart attack, insulin resistance which could lead to diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis, gout, gallstones and even sleep apnea. Local and State Agencies involved in Addressing Obesity The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are the primary agencies involved in monitoring obesity in America. The following agencies keep track of indicators and demographic factors from local communities and populations, as a whole: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Weight Control Information Network, The Hormone Foundation, The American Obesity Association, and The International Obesity Taskforce, among others. Inquiries regarding overweight and obesity are directed primarily in these agencies for further referrals to local health agencies, as required. Identified Population The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) monitors obesity trends among various states in America and compiled findings over the past 20 years. According to their official website, “during the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2008, only one state (Colorado) had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-two states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; six of these states (Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia ) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%.” (CDCP, 2009, par. 2) The CDCP has assigned a specific division, the “Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) (that) currently funds 25 states to address the problems of obesity and other chronic diseases through statewide efforts coordinated with multiple partners.” (CDCP, Overweight and Obesity, 2009, par.1) The DNPAO has pinpointed behavioral targets within which they monitor the progress of identified groups and populations. The behavioral targets or barriers that prevent the promotion of measures to specifically address obesity include: decreasing the frequency of viewing television; identifying high energy dense food and decreasing consumption for these; minimizing the consumption of sugar laden drinks; increasing intake for high fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits; and encouraging physical fitness and activities. Treatment People who are obese should not view their condition as hopeless. There is no short term treatment for this illness. Obesity can be addressed using a combination of measures over a long time period. Having identified the barriers for promoting health in identified population, local and state agencies must focus on these. Decreasing the frequency in viewing television must be relayed to the children through their health and physical education subjects with the assistance of their instructors. Parents must help in overcoming this barrier. The value of physical activities must be re-emphasized including the benefits of maintaining a balanced diet. By promoting the benefits of engaging in regular exercise and physical activities plus increasing awareness in the foods one takes, the target population would be guided in promotion of wellness and good health. According to MedicineNet, “the goal in dealing with obesity is to achieve and maintain a ‘healthier weight’”. Having identified the primary causes of obesity, a lifestyle change in eating patterns and physical activity should be the starting point for the treatment. Being more conscious of what one eats and the frequency of eating is important. The secret of avoiding excess weight is decreasing the number of calories taken and increasing physical activity appropriate for one’s age and health condition. Other alternative methods such as medication, herbal products, meal substitutes, over-the-counter weight loss products are not considered effective treatments without prior professional advice. Surgery is still another alternative method for treating obesity. However, aside from the costs associated with this method, the risks associated with surgery should not be disregarded. There are a lot of complications resulting from a surgical procedure which might complicate the matter rather than address Conclusion Being a chronic condition, the treatment for obesity would involve a long time commitment to change one’s lifestyle in food preference and exercise. The Healthy People 2010 provide the framework to advise and direct the public on relevant information about preventing and addressing this illness. There are numerous local and state agencies within the country that gives authoritative data, facts, and statistics; as well as goals, projected outcomes, and recommendations to assist the public afflicted with obesity. Likewise, professionals, both in local and state agencies, are ready to assist individuals in ensuring that an effective successful long term weight loss is achieved. However, despite the number of alternative treatments and sources of public health campaigns advertised and made easily available, it is still the individual’s determination to lead a happy, healthy life that is first and most important step in the treatment for obesity. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP). (2009). Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved 11 March 2010. < http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/stateprograms/index.html> ----------------------------. (2009). Funded States. Retrieved 11 March 2010. < http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/stateprograms/fundedstates.html> Delaine, S. & Lander, P. (2006). Fundamentals of Nursing: Standards & Practice. Delmar Learning. USA. Obesity (Weight Loss). MedicineNet.com. Retrieved 11 March 2010. < http://www.medicinenet.com/obesity_weight_loss/article.htm> US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). 2010. About us. Retrieved 11 March 2010. < http://www.hhs.gov/about/> Read More