NURS 6700 week 5 Childhood Obesity
Human activities cause environmental hazards that portend enormous ramifications for society, health, and the economy (Friis & Sellers, 2014, p.548). In addition, genetics also have an influence on the development of diseases as it is passed down from one family member to another. Both environmental and genetic factors are related to the etiology of childhood obesity. NURS 6700 week 5 Childhood Obesity
Environmental & Genetic Factors
The interactions of genetics and environmental factors combined together play a role in the development of childhood obesity. Studies have linked the epidemic to conditions including, but not limited to, the following: increasing portion sizes, increasing consumption of fast food and soft drinks, lack of funding for nutrition and physical activity programs, availability of soda and junk food on school campuses including preschools and after-school programs, poor physical activity infrastructures in schools and communities, limited compliance with physical education requirements in many schools, limited access to healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods, and advertising of junk food to children and their families (Samuels, 2004). To have a positive impact on the environment that affects excessive eating and physical inactivity, changes are needed in the state policies to eliminate junk food advertising and sale in schools; and incorporate more gym time in schools. Additionally, neighborhoods can make a difference to by finding ways to reduce crime in the area. By doing so, people will be safely able to go out for a job or run and increase their physical activity.
Genetics also play a role in the development of childhood obesity. Studies of resemblances and differences among family members, twins, and adoptees offer indirect scientific evidence that a sizable portion of the variation in weight among adults is due to genetic factors (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). The studies have identified genes that cause obesity to increase hunger and food intake.
The significance of Childhood Obesity
Within the United States, childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in 2011, the highest obesity rate reached 20.1% or more in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina; the lowest rate between 0-5% was in Oregon and New Jersey (2014). Obesity as a child increases the chance of becoming obese as an adult and the development of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, or cancers. These chronic illnesses can cost society significantly in health expenses and place one at high risk for mortality and morbidity. One study estimated that approximately 9% of all medical costs in 2008 were obesity-related and amounted to $147 billion, compared with $78.5 billion 10 years before (CDC, 2011). NURS 6700 week 5 Childhood Obesity
Health Disparities
The direct relationship with environmental factors to health disparities is related to the culture, family, and socioeconomic status (SES). The family culture of food choices, eating habits, and perception of health may result in obesity. For instance, in the United States eating dinner latest at 6 pm is normal, whereas in Indian culture eating late closer to 9 pm is customary. Genetics may also contribute to health disparities. Research has found that parents’ body mass index (BMI) is predictive of children’s BMI and that children model their parents’/caregivers’ unhealthy eating behaviors (Wippold & Tucker, 2016).
The increasing percentage of youth that have been experiencing nutritional issues particularly obesity is being discussed by many. Hence, the causes and effects seem to be unknown to some. However, there are various solutions which can help to mitigate these challenges.NURS 6700 week 5 Childhood Obesity
One contributor is the lack of parental guidance, considering their busy schedule as a result of their tight working shift. Nevertheless, they cannot provide enough time to educate their children about proper nutrition. Thus, many children have been eating meals from fast food restaurants because of the preoccupied schedule of their parents. Consequently, they do not have time to prepare foods for their children, Thereby, buying cooked or instant meals outside is their best option.
The effect of obesity in children is vital. Self-esteem and confidence of the your are usually affected. Overweight children have experienced being bullied by other kids. Consequently, depression is more often experienced by obese children. Further, aside from the emotional effect, there are more serious health related issues afflicted with obesity such as heart disease and juvenile diabetes.
The argument with regard to child nutritional problems, particularly being overweight, can be managed. Firstly, parents should closely monitor their children, and time to cook nutritious meals for their family. Finally, school’s nutritional regime must be implemented and teachers should educate their students about healthy eating habits consistently.
In conclusion, it is apparent that children are vulnerable in the nutritional aspect amid the lack of guidance and support. However, although this complication is inevitable, there are still solutions which can be implemented, and with stringent monitoring and reinforcement, this difficulty should no longer be a problem in the near future.NURS 6700 week 5 Childhood Obesity
Childhood Obesity has now reached a critical level. The main reason for the growing number of obese children is inactivity. With obesity in children being related to many health issues, it is important that we not only stop the rise in childhood obesity, but reverse it. With their health at risk, it is imperative that we assure our children are in good physical shape and at healthy weight levels. The stakes are quite high, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Being overweight during childhood and adolescence increases the risk of developing high cholesterol, hypertension, respiratory ailments, orthopedic problems, depression and type 2 diabetes…,type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically in children and adolescence,”. Our children are getting fat because they spend more time in front of video screens, either watching television or playing video games than they do participating in physical activities. Although technology is improving lives in many areas, it is having a negative effect on the physical welfare of our youth.
Television did not always play such a major role in family life. It was not a daily activity it was something done on occasion. Before television was in the forefront of daily family life and technology gave us video games that are almost lifelike, children played outside. They played baseball, football and flashlight tag. They built tree forts and rode bikes. These were not organized events, just the way they played, everyday. “A study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, found that our youth now spend an average of five hours a day–40 percent of their awake hours–in front of electronic devices. NURS 6700 week 5 Childhood Obesity