Solutions to Obesity Problem - Essay Example

INTRODUCTION Obesity in childhood, teenage and adults is considered an epidemic in the United s, especially in Oklahoma. In 2007, A staggering 65% of Oklahoma adults are overweight or obese and 15% of high schools students are considered overweight. (CDC 2008) According to Knapp in his article, “Oklahoma City has been named one of the most unfit cities in the nation according to "Self" magazine. This announcement, coming on the heels of a similar grading by "Mens Health" magazine, is one that should not be ignored. Oklahoma City faces serious health challenges ahead if a widespread effort is not made to improve the situation.” (par. 1) The advancement in technology created rapid changes in the eating habits of individuals in this particular state, in the nation and all over the world. 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. It is the objective of this essay to determine all relevant factors affecting obesity in Oklahoma. Age, lifestyle, culture, religion and external environmental factors all contribute to one’s vulnerability to obesity. Given that this definite problem exists, this paper hopes to present possible treatment for this chronic illness. OBESITY AS A CHRONIC PROBLEM Obesity is defined as a chronic condition of excess fat accumulation in the body. (MedicineNet). 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 and Ladner 2006) Using this index, obesity is then defined as a BMI of 30 and above. (Medicine.Net) CAUSES OF OBESITY 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. OTHER FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OBESITY 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. TYPES OF OBESITY There are two (2) types of obesity: android and gynoid. Hashmi differentiates the two by the concentration of excess fat in the body. For adroid, excess fat appears in the upper portion of the abdomen. Gynoid, on the other hand, excess fat is located in the lower part of the body. There is a third type where excess fat is accumulated in almost all parts of the body. HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY 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. STATISTICS OF OBESITY IN OKLAHOMA According to CDC (2008 p. 2), the following statistics relating to nutrition, physical activity and overweight/obesity are identified: “In 2007, 65% of adults in Oklahoma were overweight or obese and 15% of high schools students were overweight, based on self-reported height and weight. 84% of high school students and 84% of adults in Oklahoma consumed fewer than 5 fruits and vegetables per day. 60% of Oklahoma high school students did not attend physical education classes. 55% of adults in Oklahoma were not engaged in moderate or vigorous physical activity.” These lifestyle aggravated the status of health in terms of Oklahoma residents being overweight and obese. Nutrition or awareness of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables have not been emphasized. The root cause could be not inclusion of health education in physical education classes. To make matters worse, high school students were not required to attend physical education as mandated in other states. This caused students and adults to lack the required regular physical activity to maintain a normal weight. Statistics also reveal that the “recommended physical activity is defined as reported moderate-intensity activities in a usual week (i.e., brisk walking, bicycling, vacuuming, gardening, or anything else that causes small increases in breathing or heart rate) for at least 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week; or vigorous-intensity activities in a usual week (i.e., running, aerobics, heavy yard work, or anything else that causes large increases in breathing or heart rate) for at least 20 minutes per day, at least 3 days per week or both. This can be accomplished through lifestyle activities (i.e., household, transportation, or leisure-time activities).” (CDC 2008). In the case of the state of Oklahoma, only 45.8% of the population adhered to the recommended physical activity, 40.3% was classified as rendering insufficient (as doing more than 10 minutes total per week of moderate or vigorous-intensity lifestyle activities (i.e., household, transportation, or leisure-time activity), but less than the recommended level of activity), 13.9% as inactive (less than 10 minutes total per week of moderate or vigorous-intensity lifestyle activities) and 29.3% of the population as having no leisure time physical activity. (CDC 2008) TREATMENT AND SOLUTION 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. 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 it. Finally, the report from CDC (2008) pertinent to obesity in Oklahoma averred that “access to high-quality and affordable prevention measures (including screening and appropriate follow-up) are essential steps in saving lives, reducing disability and lowering costs for medical care.” (p.1) 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. There are professionals who could assist an individual in ensuring that an effective successful long term weight loss is achieved. However, despite the number of alternative treatments advertised and made easily available, the truth of the matter is, it is one’s determination to lead a happy, healthy life that is the priority. Works Cited CDC (2008). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Retrieved on April 18, 2009 from CDC (2008). U.S. Physical Activity Statistics. Retrieved on April 18, 2009 from Delaine, S. & Lander, P. (2006). Fundamentals of Nursing:Standards & Practice. Delmar Learning. Singapore. Hashmi, D. Types of Obesity. Hashmi.Com. Retrieved on April 18, 2009 from Knapp, A. (2009). Oklahoma City - One of the Most Unfit Cities in the Nation. About.com. Retrieved on April 18, 2009 from Obesity (Weight Loss). MedicineNet.com. Retrieved on April 18, 2009 from < http://www.medicinenet.com/obesity_weight_loss/article.htm> Read More