The objective conditions of the problem
Obesity is a health risk that occurs when weight reaches a dangerous level. It is not a lifestyle disorder but rather a risk factor for other diseases, and it can affect individuals regardless of age or gender. Evaluating body mass weight is how obesity is determined in adults.
According to Foster et al. (n. p), the prevalence of obesity and overweight in the United States has been steadily increasing over time, with around two-thirds of people affected. In 1980, research showed that 6% of adult men were obese and 8% of women were overweight. However, subsequent studies conducted after 2002 revealed a significant rise in these percentages. The proportion of obese men had increased to 43%, while 34% of women were found to be overweight (National Institute for Clinical Evidence p.2). Factors such as economics, ethnicity, and age play a role in
...influencing obesity.
Obesity affects individuals of various ages, with the elderly being the most impacted group. Over time, the prevalence of obesity increases. Research suggests that low-income individuals, particularly women, are more susceptible to this condition. Furthermore, children, especially girls, are also at risk for obesity. It is important to acknowledge that different cultures have distinct eating habits and beliefs regarding certain foods.
Consumption of specific foods by different ethnic groups is influenced by social and economic factors. In the UK, South Asians and Africans often opt for fast food because they lack knowledge of healthier Western meals. This is partly a result of their demanding low-income jobs, which leave them with limited time to prepare food.
Research conducted by the National Institute for Clinical Evidence shows that black African wome
in the UK have the largest waist circumference, while Bangladeshi women have the highest waist-to-hip ratios. These groups may be more susceptible to obesity due to stigma and isolation from white individuals. On the other hand, Chinese men and women tend to have lower rates of obesity.
Effects of obesity
Obesity impacts people of all ages, from adults to children. It occurs when the body ingests too many calories in a day. In adults, this condition is associated with increased rates of diseases that raise the risk of illness and death. Obesity can also contribute to other health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Similarly, obese children face similar health problems as well as asthma and psychosocial dysfunction. The most worrisome aspect of this disorder is its persistence as the child ages.
Obesity has multiple consequences, including a considerable economic burden on treatment. Medical care facilities employ various strategies to address obesity that can be costly. Moreover, patients may require financial resources to follow a specific diet and achieve desired outcomes. Additionally, doctors may suggest physical activity or exercise as part of the treatment, resulting in added expenses. Furthermore, obesity can cause psychological distress for patients and potentially lead to weight stigma and social isolation due to the fear of mockery by others.
The main priority is to decrease the prevalence of obesity because it is linked to high rates of morbidity and mortality (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention p.13).
Subjective concerns regarding the issue
Obesity is perceived differently by different individuals, but there is a natural bias against those who deviate from the cultural norm of having a slim figure. This cultural perception
results in stigma. Society generally views obesity as more of a lifestyle issue rather than a disease, believing that it can be prevented or avoided through healthy choices in diet and lifestyle. Consequently, prejudice towards obese individuals exists in society (Foster et al.).
(n. p) claim that doctors have a pessimistic outlook on this condition and are reluctant to offer treatment. This is primarily due to their belief regarding the cause of the ailment, often attributing fault to the individuals afflicted or their parents, particularly if it involves a child. Their recommended approach for addressing the disorder is through shedding weight.
Physicians and society often have a negative perception of obesity, which can distress patients unnecessarily. This unfavorable attitude from healthcare professionals can be demoralizing for those affected. They believe that engaging in regular exercise and adopting a healthy diet is the most effective way to treat obesity.
Suggested Approach to Addressing the Issue
To effectively address obesity, it is crucial to identify its underlying cause.
The doctors' viewpoint on obesity being a behavioral problem can be discouraging for those seeking medical assistance. A study conducted in the UK discovered that the main reason behind obesity is insufficient physical activity, with additional factors connected to psychological issues. Consequently, it is recommended that parents modify their children's diet and embrace a different lifestyle if they are affected by obesity. The lifestyles of these two families differ, and due to difficulties faced in life, children from low-income households face a greater likelihood of developing obesity.
Integrating fitness classes into the school curriculum is crucial in tackling childhood obesity. It is also important to allocate time for discussing health matters and educating children
about the consequences of lifestyle choices and dietary habits. Parents, on the other hand, play a significant role in promoting a healthy lifestyle for their children outside of school. However, it should be noted that children from ethnic minority groups, such as black African, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Chinese communities, face a higher risk of obesity compared to white children. This increased vulnerability may be due to factors like poverty and limited education resulting from higher unemployment rates within these minority groups (National Obesity Observatory p.).
According to the National Institute for National Excellence (p. 10), parents should educate their children about obesity and integrate healthy living habits into their daily routines. This not only helps children learn how to prevent obesity but also enables parents to be role models by maintaining a healthy body themselves.
Early detection of obesity-related disorders in children is essential, making it crucial to screen them for such diseases. Additionally, both parents and children benefit from consuming meals at home instead of dining out. Home-cooked food generally offers healthier options with lower fat levels and higher nutrient content compared to external sources. To discourage children from eating outside, parents should limit the amount of money they provide.
It is important for individuals to avoid establishments that sell unhealthy food, but occasional dining out is not detrimental as long as it does not become a regular occurrence. To address obesity on a national level, it is essential to implement awareness campaigns (Nestle & Michael p. 19).
Media advertising is a convenient way to reach a large audience and can be used for the exercise. The government should allocate funds to support campaigns that aim to make
the nation healthier. Cafeteria owners have an important role in these initiatives and should offer nutritious food, even if it means increasing prices. Unhealthy junk food being readily available encourages frequent consumption of unhealthy meals. Therefore, if cafeterias provide both healthy options and higher-priced items, it will result in fewer cases of obesity. Furthermore, introducing plant-based choices at home and restaurants will also greatly help reduce obesity rates in the country. Additionally, displaying the calorie content for each meal in cafeterias will enable customers to better manage their diet and alleviate concerns about dining out.
It is more effective for every individual to take personal responsibility for leading a healthy lifestyle rather than being coerced into doing so.
Work Cited
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity. 2013. Internet Source. Accessed April 21st 2016.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/ - National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Scope. 2004. Web.
Accessed April 21st 2016. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg43/documents/final-scope-obesity2 Foster, Gary D., Thomas A. Wadden, Angela P. Makris, Duncan Davidson, Rebecca Swain
Allison, and Amy Kessler conducted a study titled "Primary Care Physicians Attitudes About Obesity and Its Treatment" published in Obesity Research in 2003 Oct, volume 11, issue 10, pages 1168-77. Another study on this topic was conducted by Marion Nestle and Michael F. Jacobson.
Halting the Obesity Epidemic: A Public Health Rep. 2000 Jan-Feb; 115(1): 12–24. Scharoun-Lee, M., J. S.
In a 2009 study published in the Journal of Epidemiol Community Health, Kaufman, B. M. Popkin, and P. Gordon-Larsen investigated how obesity, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are related during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The authors made reference to the National Obesity Observatory.
The NHS provides an internet source on obesity and ethnicity
in 2011.The website "https://www.noo.org.uk/uploads/doc/vid_9444_Obesity_and_ethnicity_270111.pdf" was accessed on April 21, 2016.
