Application Of Digital Technology For Obesity ✓ Solved
Application Of Digital Technology Of Obesity
Notably, obesity as the contextual topic of choice is a global health issue. Even with it being a global health issue, the application and use of digital technology to obesity can be beneficial in different ways. These benefits will collectively revolve and target reduction and if possible eradication of obesity as a global health issue. Such benefits will include.
First, digital technology will be beneficial to obesity as a global health issue because they will result in the reduction of health costs. With obesity being a health issue and medical condition, such hence accounts that obese patients will undergo a series of treatment and management. The management and treatment of obesity for obese patients will involve the presence of medications, bariatric surgery as well as lifestyle changes such as dietary and physical exercise (Wyatt, 2013). Such hence accounts that, for obese patients to receive the treatment and management of their condition, they must incur costs such as medication cost, surgical cost as well as transport cost to the healthcare facility.
However, and remarkably, digital technology will reduce all the above health costs. For instance, in agreement with Fogel & Kvedar (2016), an obese patient from their home can access medical service using consumer-grade technology such as mobile devices as well as wearable sensors that are in conjunction with medical services. Such is possible through digital technology since it has brought into existence of digital therapeutics. These digital therapeutics are specifically technology-based solutions which have a clinical impact on diseases when compared to the drug-solutions (Fogel & Kvedar, 2016). Through such above mentioned, and based on the digital therapeutics concept and feature, digital technology will hence help in reducing the health cost of obesity to the obese patient related to their treatment and management.
Besides, digital technology is beneficial to obesity since it offers a platform for the effective management of the obese patients. Such will be achieved through various ways. For instance, and to start with, digital technology helps increase patient engagement in self-care (Lupton, 2013). Besides, digital technology also helps close communication gaps that would otherwise be witnessed in the case where the patient and the healthcare personnel lack an open and free communication platform. Further to mention, digital technology also helps identify as well as tailor services in accordance with the patients' needs which initiates the presence of person-centered healthcare services.
Arguably, the above-mentioned will collectively help digital technology in improving the health outcomes for the obese patient (Lupton, 2013). Such hence facilitate the presence of a high-performing healthcare system which hence acts as a platform for effective management of the obese patients. In conclusion, even with the above-mentioned benefits to global health issues, digital technology has certain drawbacks to obesity. These drawbacks will hinder the eradication or reduction of obesity as a global health issue. A major drawback is that digital technology is a primary contributing factor to the presence of obesity.
In agreement with Butler-Wall (2015), more often, digital technology has been a platform that has limited more individuals such as children in engaging in physical activity. More often, because of digital technology, a large portion of children spend a solid part of their time sitting when engaging in digital technology activities such as playing games, which hence denies them the opportunity to engage in physical activity. These children are at high risk of being obese in the future (Butler-Wall, 2015). Besides, digital technology will offer a large content of information. Arguably, some of the content is incorrect, and in the case where an obese patient embraces such in the management, there is the likelihood that the patient’s condition will deteriorate (Butler-Wall, 2015).
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Obesity has become a pressing global health challenge, necessitating innovative solutions to manage and mitigate its impact. The advent of digital technology offers promising avenues to enhance the treatment, management, and prevention of obesity. This paper explores how digital technology can be utilized effectively to combat obesity, addressing both its benefits and associated challenges.
The Potential of Digital Technology in Reducing Healthcare Costs
One of the most significant advantages of digital technology in obesity management is its potential to reduce healthcare costs. Traditionally, obesity treatment involves costly interventions such as medications, surgical procedures like bariatric surgery, and ongoing lifestyle counseling. These interventions incur substantial expenses for patients and healthcare systems alike. According to Wyatt (2013), digital therapeutics—technology-based solutions with clinical benefits—can significantly lower these costs by enabling remote monitoring and management of obesity.
Fogel and Kvedar (2016) highlight that mobile devices, wearable sensors, and telehealth platforms allow obese individuals to access medical care without frequent visits to healthcare facilities. This accessibility not only reduces transportation and facility costs but also facilitates continuous health monitoring, which can lead to early interventions and better management outcomes. Digital therapeutics, such as mobile health apps and remote coaching programs, support behavior change and medication adherence, further decreasing reliance on in-person care and associated expenses.
Enhancing Patient Engagement and Personalized Care
Digital technology fosters increased patient engagement in self-care, which is crucial for obesity management. As Lupton (2013) states, digital platforms empower patients to monitor their health metrics actively, set personalized goals, and access tailored health information. Wearable devices can track physical activity, caloric intake, and sleep patterns, providing real-time feedback that motivates continuous effort.
Moreover, digital platforms facilitate improved communication between patients and healthcare providers, closing gaps that often hinder effective treatment. Secure messaging, video consultations, and patient portals create a person-centered approach, allowing healthcare providers to tailor interventions based on individual needs and preferences. Such personalized care enhances adherence and improves health outcomes (Lupton, 2013).
Limitations and Challenges of Digital Technology in Obesity Management
Despite the benefits, digital technology also presents notable challenges. Butler-Wall (2015) argues that digital technology can inadvertently contribute to obesity, especially among children. Increased screen time, gaming, and online entertainment reduce physical activity levels, exacerbating obesity risks. This sedentariness is a significant counterproductive aspect of digital tools if not managed appropriately.
Additionally, the dissemination of health information via digital platforms can sometimes be inaccurate or misleading. As Butler-Wall (2015) notes, patients relying on incorrect information may experience deterioration in their health or adopt ineffective strategies. Therefore, ensuring the credibility and accuracy of digital health content is essential for effective obesity management.
Conclusion
Digital technology offers transformative potential in managing and preventing obesity through cost reduction, enhanced patient engagement, and personalized care. However, its deployment must be carefully managed to mitigate drawbacks such as promoting sedentary behaviors among children and the spread of misinformation. Future strategies should focus on integrating digital tools into holistic obesity treatment programs, emphasizing both technological innovation and careful oversight.
References
- Butler-Wall, K. (2015). Risky measures: Digital technologies and the governance of child obesity. WSQ: Women's Studies Quarterly, 43(1).
- Fogel, A., & Kvedar, J. (2016). Simple digital technologies can reduce the health care costs. Harvard Business School Publishing.
- Lupton, D. (2013). The digitally engaged patient: Self-monitoring and self-care in the digital health era. Social Theory & Health, 11(3), 1-17.
- Wyatt, H. R. (2013). Update on treatment strategies for obesity. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 98(4), 1342–1350.
- World Health Organization. (2020). Obesity and overweight. WHO Reports.
- Kalkhoran, S., & Sussman, N. M. (2017). Digital health interventions for obesity and weight management. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(6), e267.
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