Prevention of Childhood Obesity - Research Paper Example

Prevention of Childhood Obesity Efren Monarrez of Cincinnati Obesity among children is one of the biggest health problems that iscurrently affecting countries all over the world. The increasing rates of obesity have been blamed on a number of factors; some which have been proven and others which have yet to be conclusively determined as causes of this health crisis. Obesity has been determined to be among the biggest causes of diverse chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and because of this, it has become essential for governments and individuals to take steps to ensure that obesity is prevented. The ability to effectively prevent obesity, even if the government is involved, relies on individual decisions and determination to stop this condition from manifesting itself on children through ensuring that their children live better lifestyles. The purpose of this study is to suggest preventive means which can be implemented to ensure that the problem of obesity is significantly reduced in the society. Introduction Childhood obesity has come to develop as a result of lifestyle changes that have taken place over the years because of the increasing use of technology by children to the total exclusion of any meaningful physical activities. Moreover, the eating habits of children in the current generation is significantly different from that of previous generations because in many instances, one will find that children have come to prefer unhealthy diets which do nothing constructive for their bodies other than increase their weight. Childhood obesity has become not only a health problem but also a socio-cultural one and this is the reason why it has to be taken seriously if it is to be brought under control. Literature Review Pratt, Stevens, and Daniels (2008) state that the condition known as childhood obesity is a condition which increases the risk of children developing medical conditions such as diabetes and heart diseases. They state that a number of factors contribute to a child becoming obese and these include genetics, lifestyle habits, or a combination of both. This condition is an increasing problem all over the world that that has come to affect an estimated seventeen percent of all children in the United States, alone, a development which shows that the rates have tripled over only a generation. D’Auria (2011) states that childhood obesity can have a harmful effect on the body of a child in various ways and among these is the possibility that those children who are obese have an increased risk of developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both of which are factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, especially in adulthood. Moreover, children who are obese have an increased risk of having impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, as well as the possibility of having diabetes. Bruss, Dannison, and Morris (2003) state that children who are obese have a tendency of having breathing problems which might further develop into asthma as they grow older. They further state that socially and culturally, these obese children are likely to have problems such as being discriminated against especially when one considers the fact that the culture in which they live is never kind to individuals who are overweight. Magnusson, Sjoberg, Kiellegren, and Lissner (2011) state that obese children might also be affected at a psychological level such as developing low self esteem which is likely to continue into their adulthood. Furthermore, they state that obese children have a high likelihood of becoming obese adults and this is has come to be associated with several serious health conditions which include heart disease and various types of cancer. There are many ways through which childhood obesity can be prevented and according to Ells, Campbell, Lidstone, Kelly, Lang, and Summerbell (2005) children have to be encouraged to develop healthy lifestyle habits such as eating healthy and participating in physical activities which have the positive effect of lowering the likelihood of their becoming obese. Moreover, Ells, Campbell et al (2005) state that schools have a significant part to play to help children who are already obese by building a safe and reassuring atmosphere for them with practices that encourage healthy prompting behaviours. They are also of the belief that schools have a role to play in the development of curricula which are aimed at ensuring that students gain knowledge about and to exercise healthy eating and physical exercise behaviours. A part of the resolution of the problem of obesity in childhood, according to Magnusson, Sjoberg, Kiellegren, and Lissner (2011), would be the reintroduction of compulsory physical activities in all schools. Such a move would enable children to get the exercise which they normally do not have in their homes because of the availability of such technology as visual media which tend to engross the mind rather than the body. Purpose This research will be carried out because of the increasing rates of childhood obesity which have grown to alarming rates. The main objective of the research is to find out the origins of the problem of obesity in childhood and once these have been discovered, work on finding conclusive solutions to the problems so that this condition can be dealt with once and for all. There is the recognition that a large body of literature has been written concerning the subject of childhood obesity and most of these have also come up with recommendations on how to prevent it. This paper also aims at the development of more information concerning the prevention of childhood obesity so that it can add to knowledge concerning this condition that might be of help in dealing with it. In this way, this research is aimed at being of help to the public as it struggles to take preventative measures against childhood obesity. Method The case study design will be used in carrying out the research and it will involve having an extensive, descriptive and holistic analysis approach that will not attempt to predict a specific phenomenon. This case study will rely heavily on primary sources and at a less degree the secondary sources while at the same time adopting the use of interviews in order to get recommendations on the prevention of childhood obesity from individuals. The most recent literature concerning obesity as well as preventative measures against it will be studied. Moreover, the target population will be some 30 parents and children who will be picked from specific locations so that a more general opinion can be formed concerning the issue. The cluster sampling method will be used where the population will be divided into smaller groups then some of the clusters will be selected as the sample where the cluster members chosen will be interviewed so that their opinions concerning the prevention of obesity can be determined.  This design is suitable based on its potential to select groups rather than individual members because it is not possible to construct sampling frame. Interviews will be used in collecting data in the cluster sampling method and this will be done for the purpose of capturing meaning beyond words. Lastly, the study will use questionnaires for the purpose of collecting a lot of information over a short period of time based on the fact that the population will be large and the time stipulated for the research is short. This method will ensure that as much information as possible to back up the interviews mentioned above is collected so that the research analysis and conclusions can be credible. The aim of using the abovementioned methods is to ensure that the research covers as many people and sources as possible so that more credible conclusions on the subject matter can be developed and used as a basis for further research. References Bruss, M.B, Dannison, L., & Morris, J. (2003). Prevention of childhood obesity: Sociocultural and familial factors. Journal of American Dietetic Association, 103(8), 1042 – 1045. D’Auria, J. (2011). Weighing In: Prevention of Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Journal of Pediatric Health Care 25(6), 26 – 30. Ells, L.J., Campbell, K., Lidstone, J., Kelly, S., Lang, R., & Summerbell, C. (2005). Prevention of childhood obesity. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 19(3), 441 – 454. Magnusson, M.B., Sjoberg, A., Kiellegren, K.I. & Lissner, L. (2011). Childhood obesity and prevention in different socio-economic contexts. Preventive Medicine 53, 402 – 407. Pratt, C.A., Stevens, J., & Daniels, S. (2008). Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment Recommendations for Future Research. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 35(3), 249 – 253. Read More