Obesity

HCA 240 Obesity: An American Epidemic Introduction What is obesity' According to WebMD (2010), “Obesity is an excess proportion of total body fat. A person is considered obese when his or her weight is 20% or more above normal weight.” More and more adults are found to be overweight in the United States, but what’s worse is that we are passing along the bad nutritional habits along to our children. “More Americans are becoming obese. Obesity rates inched up 1.1% between 2007 and 2009, according to a new report released by the CDC.” (WebMD, 2010) Watching television and playing video games have replaced outside physical activities such as bike riding and other outdoor family activities that were once so prevalent in days past. This epidemic hasn’t just been noticed in the US, it’s a global issue that come countries feel can be attributed to the western influence of the United States. With the introduction of weight loss centers and programs such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem, there’s been media coverage focusing on the obesity of people. This media coverage has used various Hollywood actors and actresses as spokesman for their products, most recently Jennifer Hudson is being used as the spokesman for Weight Watchers. This media coverage has brought to light the constant rate of obesity that has been increasing over the last twenty years. And how we as Americans need, and intend to combat it. Factors of Obesity There are many different factors that can and will attribute to obesity. If one has improper nutritional habits such as eating fast food, and over-eating then they’re more likely to become obese. There have been journal articles published within the last decade stating obesity could possibly be genetic. “Although environmental factors are important, there is considerable evidence that genes also have a significant role in its pathogenesis. The identification of genes that are involved in monogenic, syndromic and polygenic obesity has greatly increased our knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie this condition. In the future, dissection of the complex genetic architecture of obesity will provide new avenues for treatment and prevention, and will increase our understanding of the regulation of energy balance in humans.” (Bell, et al, 2005) If one has a family history of obesity, then their chances of becoming obese are greater than an individual who doesn’t. However, just because you have a sibling who’s obese, doesn’t mean you will be, it’s all about nutrition and exercise. Separating lifestyle factors from the genetic ones is often difficult. As we age and go through chemical changes, the ability of our bodies to metabolize food decreases. Another major deterring factor that can cause obesity is lack of physical activity. “Physical activity tends to decrease appetite in obese individuals while increasing the body's ability to preferentially metabolize fat as an energy source.” (WebMD, 2010) Daily physical activity is the best way to get energized and stay healthy. Obesity Complications Those who suffer from obesity don’t have the same quality of life as those who aren’t overweight. Being obese can make it difficult to become active and enjoy activities with one’s family. Obesity can also cause irreparable damage to a person’s body and can possibly cause premature death. Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are all complications that can come into fruition for someone who’s obese. Diabetes, especially type II, is common among those who are obese, as well as heart disease and strokes. According to The American Heart Association (2010), “Teenagers and young adults who are obese or have type 2 diabetes show signs of early fatty plaque build-up and stiffness in their neck arteries. In adults, similar changes are associated premature stroke or heart attack.” Obesity can also be attributed to the development of many respiratory, blood clotting issues, and other physical ailments that can develop. Obesity can be attributed to a combination of factors; such as emotional, physical, genetic, lifestyle, and diet. But they’re all closely tied in together. Many people who’re obese tend to say that it is due to a trauma that caused them to begin the cycle of emotional eating, but this can be seen as a mental condition and there is help available. Prevention of Obesity & Complications To prevent complications that are associated with obesity, it’s important to take control over the weight before it becomes an issue. Risk factors can be prevented if steps are taken. Proper nutrition is the first step in overcoming obesity. Taking in the proper amount of calories and portion sizes into account is only the beginning. Following the food pyramid and taking in the correct amount of grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy, along with meat products can assist one in following a healthy, nutritional diet. Preparing and cooking healthy meals at home is a great way to know the ingredients that are in food. Most dieticians recommend that people incorporate fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables into their diet, as this can be a good source of vitamins and minerals. Physical activity is another essential step in fighting against obesity. When an individual is obese it can be difficult to do physical activities, and individuals who are obese should start small and build on to their physical activity each day. Some physicians suggest walking as a beginning exercise for people to begin getting physical activity. But it is important to remember that if someone starts an exercise regimen, they need to speak with their physician to set up an exercise and diet strategy, or as I call it a “battle plan.” Now there are medications that can cause weight gain, to prevent this, talk to their doctor to see if there is a different medication that will not cause the weight gain. If there are no other options one can still maintain good eating habits and physical activity so the weight gain doesn’t get out of control. According to The American Heart Association (2010), “When your weight is in a healthy range: Your body more effectively circulates blood, your fluid levels are more easily managed, and you are less likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and sleep apnea.” Treatment & Other Options Over time there haven’t been many options to treat obesity, other than proper diet and exercise. It isn’t uncommon today for one to use surgery as a method of getting rid of the unwanted fat. Liposuction is one option that can be used to suck the fat out of their bodies. The procedure is fairly non-invasive and recovery time is minimal. Another surgical option that has become available for the morbidly obese is gastric-bypass and lap band surgery. The stomach is made smaller by stapling a portion of the stomach, and connecting that portion to the intestine. Another is the lap-band surgery, where a band is placed snuggly around a small portion of the upper stomach, with a release valve that can be accessed with either a needle or in some cases a computerized remote. Those who decide to have these procedures have to make a drastic lifestyle change. They have to change their eating habits and their physical activity so that they can ingest the nutrition that their body needs to stay healthy, and assist the body in losing weight. If someone takes this avenue of treatment, it is very important to speak with your doctor about the before/after risk factors that can be attributed to having these procedures done. According to The American Academy of Family Physicians (1999), “The best way to significantly affect the prevalence of obesity is to prevent it. Therefore, the issue of obesity should be addressed during every well-child examination.” Educating children early on about the importance of proper diet and exercise can be successful to prevent obesity in future generations. Programs Available Currently Because of the rise in obesity over the years there have been programs implemented in United States school systems to try and educate our children. Newsletters are sent home with different types of healthy foods and recipes to use, as well as local Parent Teacher Association selling cookbooks with healthy recipes. Some school districts send home physical activity sheets for students to fill out to determine how active they truly are while not at school. This can be beneficial for the parents become more involved and take a more proactive role in their children’s exercise program. School lunch programs have also become healthier using more fat free foods, and healthier snacks. Most local schools in my area still offer potato chips and sodas, but are encouraging students to partake of healthier fare such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and water. Most schools participate in the national free breakfast and lunch program that offers free breakfast and lunches to those who need assistance to ensure the children are receiving nutritional meals. These programs are effective, but do need constant watching to make sure they stay effective, and that the programs are completing the task it was originally created for. Program Improvement I would take the program the schools have implemented and take it a few steps further. I would educate the children at school about the pitfalls of the weight gain that they can experience as an obese person. Show them the ways that they can keep themselves from becoming obese, through nutrition classes. This would also keep instances of anorexia from developing in schools. I would also educate our children on the proper way to view each other, not just as skinny or fat, but as healthy individuals. Also I would make sure that they recognize the body type they are, and how to keep a healthy mind set regarding their body type. If a child learns something and is eager to use the education they’ve received, they may encourage their parents to do the same. During the physical education classes, the students would be required to complete varying physical activities, as well as take nutrition classes that are geared towards they’re age group. Advise them of healthy snacks they could create using fresh fruits and vegetables. It would also be great if schools would work with local health departments to teach parents and children nutrition, so that the whole family is involved. I would also require that the local food stamp offices require parents to take a nutrition course that would show them the results of what can happen if their children don’t receive proper nutrition and exercise while at home. Spokesperson A great spokesperson for a nutritional and physical activity program would be Drew Brees, the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints football team. This program could capitalize on his fame, promote football (a physical activity,) and bring to light how sports teams care about its’ states student population. They could assist in the implementation of fun days of outdoor activities and such for students and their families. These fun days could be advertised through television, newspaper ads, and flyers posted throughout the community. Another way to advertise about activities is to make it worthwhile, have raffles, rides, and other outdoor activities which would encourage people to join in and be active. One activity that an individual could be encouraged to join as well as having fun would be a potato sack race, volleyball, basketball; something that would peak interest. Health and wellness should not be ignored and should be a community effort. As a community we need to educate our future generations, and they should be encouraged to be the healthiest that they can be. Conclusion Children have so much technology surrounding them today, they’d rather sit in front of a television or play video games than be outside playing. Families need to get healthy together, spend some time outdoors doing physical activities, and be conscious of the food that they eat. It’s a family effort to prevent obesity and all of the health problems that are associated with the disease. According to the Wall Street Journal, “The cost of treating obesity doubled over a decade, signaling the rising prevalence of excess weight and the toll it is taking on the health-care system.” (McKay, 2009) If individuals can take control of preventing obesity in the younger generations as well as themselves, obesity can be controlled to such a point that the costs to the medical field can be minimal. Utilizing programs that encourage healthy meals, such as programs that are available at local wellness centers would benefit the populace. As well as limiting the television and video game time that people use every day. Becoming more physical and eating healthier is the only way that some people will beat this condition, not just taking an easy way out, such as surgery. References American Academy of Family Physicians, (2010). Overcoming, Preventing, Childhood Obesity Is a Family Affair. Retrieved January 2, 2011 from http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/obesity/20100517family-affair.html American Heart Association, (2010). Obesity, diabetes damage young arteries, could shorten life. Retrieved December 29, 2010 from http://www.newsroom.heart.org /index. php's =43&item=740 GlaxoSmithKline, (2010). Prevention: Fitness, Immunizations, and Smoking Cessation. Retrieved December 28, 2010 from http://www.forahealthieramerica.com/ta/prevention-fitness.html'rotation=48921492&banner=225089264&src=1&kw=p18127881591 Mayo Clinic, (2010). Obesity. Retrieve January 3, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/ health/obesity/DS00314 WebMd, (2010). Obesity. Retrieved December 28, 2010 from http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20100803/obesity-rates-still-rising-cdc-says Centers for Disease Control, (2010) Overweight and Obesity. January 4, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/ Bell, Christopher G; Waller, Andrew J; Froguel, Phillipe. Nature Reviews Genetics Journal (2005) The genetics of human obesity. Vol 6, pgs 221-224, March 2005 retrieved from http://www.nature.com/nrg/journal/v6/n3/abs/nrg1556.html Medical News Today. (2004) Is Obesity a Mental Health Issue' Retrieved January 3, 2011 from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14355.php World Health Organization. Retrieved December 29, 2010 from https://apps.who.int/infobase/'id=1 Belluck, Pam, (2010) Obesity Rates Hit Plateau in U.S. Data Suggest. January 4, 2010, pg A20, NY Edition. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/health/14obese.html'_r=1 McKay, Betty. (2009) Cost of Treating Obesity Soars. Wall Street Journal, July 28, 2009. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204563304574314794089897258.html