CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE

CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE

The United States of America experiences a significant health concern in the name of childhood obesity. While acknowledging that obesity and overweight definitions change with time, within the context of this paper, childhood obesity refers to having an excess body fat where overweight means the child’s weight falls between 85th and 95th percentile of BMI for age. Similarly, obesity Sanyaulo et al. (2019) means the child’s BMI falls above the 95th percentile. According to Li et al. (2021), obesity has reached epidemic levels in developed countries like US European countries hence the interest in this topic.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Be that as it may, the provider in context must appreciate several methods to measure the percentage of body fat, including but not limited to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and underwater weighing. In clinical settings, skinfold thickness, waist circumference, and BMI are widely used. However, it might not be as effective in children due to their changing body shape as they follow the development curve. Furthermore, the causes of child obesity have a consensus. Consequently, this essay purposes of examining the current status of childhood obesity prevention efforts within the US.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Causes of Childhood Obesity

There is a consensus that obesity emanates from an imbalance between the intake of energy and its consumption. The causes of obesity fall into two main categories, namely modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Genetics and advancing age are some of the non-modifiable factors, while poor dietary intake, sedentary lifestyle, and portion size are some of the modifiable factors where lifestyle changes prove to be appropriate interventions. The culture of fast food consumption as a modifiable factor is closely associated with obesity. A causative factor that promotes this culture is families where both parents or, in the case of single parenthood, the parent works outside the home.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

 Fast food outlets become the child’s feeding outlet of choice as the parents prefer them because they are convenient and inexpensive. Nutritionists opine that fast food meals tend to contain a high number of calories with low nutritional values. Snack foods and sugary beverages, therefore, lead to a high incidence of obesity. It is approximated that about 20% of children and teenagers in the US suffer from obesity. Additionally, increased portion size premised on frequent snacking shifts the child’s energy balance leading to unnecessary weight gain and subsequent obesity(Sahoo et al., 2015). 

Next to poor dietary habits, the child’s activity levels rank among the top causes of obesity. The hours spent watching television are a contributing factor to the child’s sedentary lifestyle. Most importantly, watching the TV correlates with increasing consumption of the foods advertised, ranging from salty snacks, sweetened cereals, and sweetened beverages. (CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Researchers admit there are challenges to empirically assessing the media impact but should not be underestimated. The urban child also faces environmental factors that are not conducive to engaging in physical activities. Instead of walking or cycling to school, many children arrive at school in vehicles.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

      According to Pandita et al. (2016), social-cultural factors also have a role to play in the increasing incidence of obesity among individuals aged below 18 years. There is a tendency in contemporary society where food is used as a reward, a tool to control others, and socializing. The combined utilization of these factors can encourage the development of unhealthy relationships with food. The type of food available in the house also plays a significant part in determining the type of foods that the child will take. Mental healthcare experts also point out that there is a direct connection between a child’s low self-esteem and the risk of becoming obese (Saghoo et al.,.2015).(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

           In addition to the factors mentioned above, self-esteem’s social and physical domains make the child most vulnerable as they seek solace in food. A child’s mental health should not be ignored because depression leads to eating disturbances. Experts note that depression may be both a cause and a consequence of obesity. This mental issue implies that resolving childhood self-perception on their self-worth would significantly contribute to ensuring that individuals maintain a healthy weight. Suffice it to say that because the connection between obesity and mood disorders is not conclusive, further research is needed in this field.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

      Not all causes of childhood obesity can be modified. For example, an individual’s genes may predispose one to the risk of developing obesity. Researchers have conducted studies where they found genetics may be a determining factor in an individual, noting that between 25-40% of obesity is inherited. (Sahoo et al., 2015). These researchers also report that the basal metabolic rate of a person may lead to obesity as it accounts for about 60% of how the body consumes its energy. Gender differences encourage the development of lean but muscular while the ideal beauty in females is thin.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Preventive Interventions

Having highlighted some of the possible causes of childhood obesity, healthcare providers must develop workable strategies and measures to curb this public health issue. According to Volger et al. (2018), interventions in pre-school-aged children call for integration of childcare-based intervention in the child’s upbringing. The amount of time the children spend playing should be increased while ensuring that TV time is significantly reduced to about two hours daily. The primary care providers should utilize culturally sensitive measures to ensure obesity is reduced. Motivational interviewing and phone coaching sessions should also be incorporated. The food intake should also be closely monitored so that the child is not overfed and even ensuring the child takes high-value nutritional foods.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

There should also be interventions at the policy level. A case in point is the North East Iowa food and Fitness program that enacted multilevel changes in its 6- year-long program. Under the program, schools and home meals guidelines were offered in addition to establishing school gardens. Another case in point is the Los Angeles County of California menu that mandated large restaurants to display the caloric content on the foods that they offer. This simulation model approximated children’s annual LA County population weight gain (aged 5-17 years), and replicating these policy measures would improve success rates of childhood obesity reduction measures.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Consequences of Childhood Obesity

After giving an operational definition of childhood obesity, highlighting its possible causes and prevention mentions, the third and last section of the paper explores some of the consequences of childhood obesity. It is a medical fact that childhood obesity adversely affects the child’s physical health, social and emotional well-being, and self-esteem. It is associated with many medical conditions like sleep apnea, asthma, Type 2Diabetes, CVDS, skin conditions, and menstrual abnormalities. All stakeholders (CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

must appreciate that every child is entitled to a healthy start in life, meaning parents and caregivers must learn to help prevent obesity at home.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

The child’s academic performance is also affected due to the child’s low quality of life. In worst-case scenarios, the child may even die. Moreover, Pont et al.. (2017) report that young individuals with excessive weight encounter stigma. The victims experience victimization, teasing, and bullying. At school, their peers harass them. Stigmatization begins as early as during their pre-school timer, persists in elementary grades, all the way to high school. The weight-associated stigma has a bearing on psychological, social, and physical health.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, childhood obesity is a serious public health concern that can be reduced if all stakeholders focus on the causes. The complexity of obesity lies in its causative factors, as several factors can lead to unhealthy weight gain. These factors include genetics, behavior, and taking of some medications.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Additional factors that matter are societal-based or community-based factorsThe provider should remember that some children are more affected than others even though all children are at risk of gaining unhealthy weight. Incorporating healthy diet approaches and physical intervention in the community and school setting. Once determined, collaborative effects between the patients, their families, and public health providers will devise effective strategies to combat them.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Parents should also enforce healthier lifestyles at the family front once the children learn about healthy lifestyle habits and dietary intake later. Other preventive measures include neighborhood design, child care, school environments, and ensuring the child has access to safe and convenient physical activities. Concentrating on the causes and implementing the preventive measures will decrease the incidence and prevalence of childhood obesity.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Li, H. L., Tsoi, M. F., Feng, Q., Cheung, C. L., Cheung, T., & Cheung, B. M. (2021). Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States 1999-2018: A 20-Year Analysis. Journal of the Endocrine Society, 5(Suppl 1), A24.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Pandita, A., Sharma, D., Pandita, D., Pawar, S., Tariq, M., & Kaul, A. (2016). Childhood obesity: prevention is better than cure. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity: targets and therapy, 9, 83.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Pont, S. J., Puhl, R., Cook, S. R., & Slusser, W. (2017). Stigma experienced by children and adolescents with obesity. Pediatrics, 140(6).(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

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.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Sanyaolu, A., Okorie, C., Qi, X., Locke, J., & Rehman, S. (2019). Childhood and adolescent obesity in the United States: a public health concern. Global pediatric health, 6, 2333794X19891305.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Volger, S., Rigassio Radler, D., & Rothpletz-Puglia, P. (2018). Early childhood obesity prevention efforts through a life course health development perspective: A scoping review. PloS one, 13(12), e0209787.(CAUSES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE US COMPREHENSIVE NURSING ESSAY EXAMPLE)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/