Research 2 Research Topics: Latrice Jones, Argosy University
Research 2 Research Topic Latrice Jones Argosy University
The topic that I would choose for research is, analyzing the main causes of obesity in America among children. Obesity refers to a situation where an individual is overweight as a result of the accumulation of extra and unwanted body fat (Aznar, Pigeot, & Ahrens, 2011). Although genetic factors may have an impact on obesity, behavioral factors are the main causes of obesity. Obesity poses a major problem among the young generation in that it tends to cause diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea among others. It would thus be important to research on the main causes of obesity among the young generation in America so that necessary measures can be taken to curtail it.
Educational significance of your topic
Studying the main causes of obesity will assist in getting a better understanding of the main problem as well as the measures that need to be taken to prevent obesity.
Background / Need for the Study
About a third of the children in the United States are obese or overweight, and the number is continuously increasing. Even though the children have less weight-related medical and health problems as compared to the adults, the children who are overweight are usually at a high risk of becoming overweight during their adolescent and at adulthood, and this makes them be prone to many chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. They are also likely to develop low self-esteem, stress and live a sad life.
Even though in some cases weight problems run in the family as a result of the genetics, not all the children who have a family history of obesity are likely to be overweight. The children whose family members are overweight have higher chances of being overweight themselves, but this has a direct relationship with the behaviors that are shared in a family such as the activities that they are involved in and their eating habits. The diet of a child and their level of activity play a very crucial role in the determination of their weight. In the modern society, most of the children are inactive where many children spend a lot of hours watching the television and playing video and computer games which puts them at a risk of obesity (Cameron, Norgan, & Ellison, 2006).
Reason for interest in this topic
The reason why I am interested in the topic is that I have personally been a victim of bullying and teasing at school due to my weight. The number of children in the United States with obesity has increased three times since the 1970s. In the present, about 1 in every five children who are school-aged (6-19 years) have obesity. Many of these children suffer from bullying and being teased more than their normal-weight peers in school. They are hence likely to suffer from depression, social isolation and also a lower self-esteem.
Studying of this topic will thus greatly aid in avoiding helping the children who are obese together with their families to take up measures of solving the issue so that they can develop a high self-esteem and also avoid suffering from harassment by other students who bully and tease them due to their weight.
Specific aspects of the topic you would like to pursue
The specific aspects of the topic that I would like to pursue include; causes of obesity, the diseases that obese children are at risk for, how to know whether a child is overweight, how to help an overweight child to manage their weight and also how I can involve my family in healthy habits.
References
Aznar, L., Pigeot, I., & Ahrens, W. (2011). Epidemiology of obesity in children and adolescents: prevalence and etiology. Springer.
Cameron, N., Norgan, N., & Ellison, G. (2006). Childhood obesity: contemporary issues. Taylor & Francis.
Paper For Above instruction
The rising prevalence of obesity among children in the United States represents a significant public health concern with complex and multifaceted causes. This research aims to analyze the main causes of childhood obesity, explore its health implications, and propose strategies for prevention and management.
Introduction
Obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation impairing health, has increased dramatically in recent decades. According to Aznar, Pigeot, and Ahrens (2011), behavioral factors—including diet and physical activity—are primarily responsible for obesity, with genetics playing a secondary role. The increasing number of overweight children raises concerns about future health complications, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea, and psychological impacts like low self-esteem and depression.
Causes of Childhood Obesity
Understanding the causes of childhood obesity involves examining behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors. Behavioral influences are particularly significant and include dietary habits, physical activity levels, and sedentary behaviors. Cameron, Norgan, and Ellison (2006) emphasize that modern lifestyles often involve prolonged screen time—television, video gaming, and computer use—which encourages inactivity and contributes to weight gain. Dietary patterns characterized by high caloric intake, sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food, and large portion sizes compound this problem.
Environmental factors such as urban living environments that lack safe spaces for outdoor play or sports also contribute. Socioeconomic status influences access to healthy foods and recreational facilities; lower-income families may face barriers to nutritious diets and regular physical activity. While genetics can predispose individuals to obesity, they typically interact with these environmental and behavioral factors to influence actual weight outcomes (Aznar et al., 2011).
Health Risks
Obese children are at immediate and long-term health risks. Early onset obesity increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and orthopedic issues (Barness et al., 2010). Psychosocial effects are equally concerning; overweight children often face stigmatization, bullying, and social isolation, which can impair mental health and self-esteem (Strauss & Pollack, 2003). These psychological consequences may lead to further unhealthy behaviors, creating a cycle that sustains or worsens obesity.
Recognizing and Managing Overweight in Children
Determining whether a child is overweight involves assessing Body Mass Index (BMI) relative to age and gender percentiles. The CDC growth charts provide a standard reference, with BMI at or above the 85th percentile indicating overweight and at or above the 95th percentile indicating obesity (Kuczmarski et al., 2002). A comprehensive evaluation should consider dietary patterns, physical activity, sedentary habits, and family influences.
Effective management strategies include promoting balanced nutrition, encouraging regular physical activity, and reducing screen time. Interventions tailored to individual needs and family involvement are often more successful (Berg et al., 2012). Setting realistic goals and fostering a supportive environment help children develop healthy habits that persist into adulthood.
Family and Community Involvement
Addressing childhood obesity requires a community approach. Families are central to establishing healthy routines, such as meal planning with nutritious foods and increasing active play. Schools and community programs can complement family efforts by providing access to healthy foods and safe recreational spaces (Sahoo et al., 2015). Educational campaigns aimed at parents can improve their understanding of nutrition and physical activity importance.
Prevention Strategies
Prevention begins early, with initiatives targeting pregnant women, infants, and preschoolers. Promoting breastfeeding, healthy weaning practices, and active play in early childhood can set a foundation for a healthy weight trajectory. Schools should implement comprehensive physical education programs and restrict the availability of unhealthy foods on campus. Policymakers can support these measures through regulations and subsidies that promote access to nutritious foods.
Conclusion
Childhood obesity in America stems from a complex interplay of behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors. The primary causes involve poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles facilitated by modern technology and urban environments. The health and psychosocial risks underscore the urgency of implementing multifaceted prevention and management programs. Engaging families, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers is vital for curbing this epidemic. Future research should continue exploring innovative strategies tailored to diverse populations to ensure sustainable health outcomes.
References
Barness, L. A., Opitz, J. M., & Ross, S. (2010). Pediatric obesity: genetics, epidemiology, and pathophysiology. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 57(5), 1073-1094.
Berg, C., Madsen, K., & Andersen, L. B. (2012). Effectiveness of family-based weight management interventions in childhood obesity treatment programs: A systematic review. Obesity Reviews, 13(3), 2-12.
Kuczmarski, R. J., Ogden, C. L., & Guo, S. S. (2002). CDC growth charts: United States. Advance Data, (314), 1-27.
Sahoo, K., Sahoo, B., Choudhury, A. K., Sofi, N. Y., Kumar, R., & Bhadoria, A. S. (2015). Childhood obesity: causes and consequences. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(2), 187–192.
Strauss, R. S., & Pollack, H. A. (2003). Social marginalization of obese children. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 157(8), 746-752.
Aznar, L., Pigeot, I., & Ahrens, W. (2011). Epidemiology of obesity in children and adolescents: prevalence and etiology. Springer.