Obesity And Overweight - Marquita Brown

6 OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT Obesity and overweight Marquita Brown November 26, 2019

Obesity and overweight are pressing health issues affecting a significant portion of the population in the United States. This research explores the prevalence of obesity among different age groups, the contributing factors, and potential interventions to mitigate this epidemic. The scope encompasses statistical trends, associated health risks, socioeconomic influences, and evidence-based strategies for prevention and management.

The incidence of obesity has risen alarmingly since the 1980s, with current estimates indicating that approximately 75% of men and 60% of women in the U.S. are affected. Furthermore, nearly 30% of children under 20 years old are either overweight or obese, a drastic increase from 19% three decades ago. These statistics underscore the urgent necessity to understand the root causes, which include sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, socioeconomic disparities, and genetic predispositions. Addressing this multifaceted health crisis requires comprehensive interventions that promote healthier behaviors, improve access to nutritious foods, and foster environments conducive to physical activity.

Discussion of research

Research on obesity and overweight primarily relies on peer-reviewed studies and current data sources. Recent scholarly articles were identified through Google Scholar by using pertinent keywords such as "obesity," "overweight," and "interventions." To ensure relevance and recent developments, only articles published within the last three years were selected. These sources are credible, as they appear in reputable journals and peer-reviewed publications. Their recent publication dates imply that the information is current, and the focus aligns closely with the contemporary challenges faced in combating obesity.

For example, Bidder-Canfield et al. (2017) examine the relationship between maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, breastfeeding, and childhood overweight. Their findings suggest that excessive gestational weight gain is significantly associated with childhood obesity, emphasizing the importance of maternal health during pregnancy. Bleich et al. (2018) provide a systematic review of interventions aimed at preventing childhood obesity globally, highlighting school-based programs and dietary improvements as effective strategies. Bullock et al. (2017) focus on obesity prevalence among American Indian and Alaska Native children, revealing higher rates compared to the general U.S. population. Martin et al. (2018) evaluate behavioral interventions that improve cognition and academic achievement among children with obesity, emphasizing lifestyle modifications such as increased physical activity and diet management.

Analysis of selected sources

Bidder-Canfield et al. (2017) conducted a comprehensive study on the impacts of maternal health factors on childhood overweight, finding that managing maternal weight gain can reduce obesity risk in offspring. Their work underscores prenatal and perinatal health as critical intervention points, advocating for targeted prenatal programs addressing weight management and diabetes control. Bleich et al. (2018) systematically reviewed multiple intervention models, concluding that multi-component programs incorporating school policies, community engagement, and individual behavioral strategies are most effective in curbing childhood obesity. The importance of tailored interventions that consider cultural and socioeconomic factors was also noted, highlighting the need for policy adaptations to diverse populations.

Bullock et al. (2017) revealed disparities in obesity prevalence among indigenous American children, with higher rates in boys than girls. Their findings point to the significance of culturally sensitive interventions and community-based approaches to reduce health disparities. Martin et al. (2018) presented evidence that lifestyle interventions—including increased physical activity, dietary improvements, and behavioral therapy—can enhance cognitive function and school performance. These insights suggest that integrating health education into school curricula and promoting active lifestyles can effectively address obesity while simultaneously improving educational outcomes.

Implications for intervention strategies

Effective strategies to combat obesity must be multifaceted and culturally sensitive. School-based programs that incorporate nutrition education and physical activity are vital, as they target children during formative years. Community engagement and policy changes, such as improving access to healthy foods and creating safe recreational areas, are essential for sustainable impact. Prenatal care initiatives should emphasize maternal weight management and screening for gestational diabetes, which are linked to childhood obesity. Additionally, behavioral interventions that promote lifestyle modifications are critical in both clinical and community settings to support long-term weight management and health behaviors.

In conclusion, addressing obesity and overweight requires a comprehensive approach that combines individual, community, and policy-level actions. The integration of current evidence from peer-reviewed research provides a solid foundation for designing effective interventions. Policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and communities must collaborate to implement culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions that can curb this epidemic and promote healthier populations.

References

  • Bidder-Canfield, Z., Martinez, M. P., Wang, X., Yu, W., Bautista, M. P., Brookey, J., & Xiang, A. H. (2017). Maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, breastfeeding and childhood overweight at age 2 years. Pediatric Obesity, 12(2), 123-130.
  • Bleich, S. N., Vercammen, K. A., Zatz, L. Y., Frelier, J. M., Ebbeling, C. B., & Peeters, A. (2018). Interventions to prevent global childhood overweight and obesity: a systematic review. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 6(4), 232-242.
  • Bullock, A., Sheff, K., Moore, K., & Manson, S. (2017). Obesity and overweight in American Indian and Alaska Native children, 2006–2015. American Journal of Public Health, 107(9), 1450-1456.
  • Martin, A., Booth, J. N., Laird, Y., Sproule, J., Reilly, J. J., & Saunders, D. H. (2018). Physical activity, diet and other behavioural interventions for improving cognition and school achievement in children and adolescents with obesity or overweight. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 1.
  • Finkelstein, E. A., Trogdon, J. G., Cohen, J. W., et al. (2009). Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: payer-and service-specific estimates. Health Affairs, 28(5), w822-w831.
  • Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., Fryar, C. D., & Flegal, K. M. (2015). Prevalence of obesity among adults and youth: United States, 2013–2014. NCHS Data Brief, No. 219.
  • Janssen, I., Katzmarzyk, P. T., & Ross, R. (2004). Waist circumference and not body mass index explains obesity-related health risk. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 79(3), 379-384.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
  • Luque, F. L., & O’Neill, M. A. (2017). The impact of childhood obesity on academic achievement: implications for policy. Childhood Obesity, 13(4), 232-238.

Related Assignments