HCA 240 Final Public Awareness and Human Disease: The Rising Epidemic of Obesity in American Schoolchildren

HCA/240 Public Awareness and Human Disease Axia College of University of Phoenix

Are you aware that one out of every five (5) children in the United States considered either overweight or obese (BusinessWeek, 2005)? Alternatively, those on average of one in every three adults are also considered obese (Mayo Clinic, 1998-2009)? Obesity has risen dramatically and at an alarming rate within the past few decades, almost tripling since the 1960’s. An average of 25 to 30% of children are affected by obesity and overweight each year and yet, this condition remains to be under diagnosed and untreated (Moran, 1999). In order to reverse this devastating epidemic one must better understand the causes, affects, and the ways of preventing obesity before it is too late. Obesity can and should be prevented to better the lives of our, children and, ourselves; obesity not only affects ones health but mental and physical well-being as well. Obesity

Obesity, a condition that caused by an excess accumulation of body fat is currently affecting 19% of children 6 to 11 and 17% of children 12 to 19 years of age (Science Daily, 1995-2009). Obesity has no discrimination against age, gender, and cultural backgrounds although, it does affect different ethnicity groups and genders differently. The United States currently has the highest rates of obesity among other countries with rates doubling amongst adults and tripling amongst children since the 1980’s. Obesity in children has become a growing concern in America and without proper measures; will become a trend that will only continue to get worse instead of better.

Causes of Obesity

There are many causes of obesity and while genetics tend to play a role in obesity, there is no denying that environmental and psychological factors are also to blame. A lack of exercise and the overly excessive availability of junk food are two of the main factors contributing to obesity in both today’s youth and adults. With more families strapped for time, fast food restaurants have become the next best thing to a home cooked meal. Over the last two decades portion sizes at fast food restaurants have more than doubled, now including large and king-sized meals on the menu it has become easier for Americans to over eat. Now with more children choosing to stay inside playing video games and watching hours upon hours of television the amount of physical activity amongst the youth has also decreased dramatically within the past few decades. According to Kids Health (1995-2006), “Kids younger than 8 spend an average of 2.5 hours watching TV or playing video games, and kids 8 and up spend 4.5 hours plopped in front of the TV or wriggling a joystick” (¶13). Although environmental factors play a big part in obesity, one must not forget that genetic and psychological factors are also to blame.

The chances of a child becoming obese are greatest among children who have obese parents. This is mainly due to parental modeling of both eating and exercise behaviors. Psychological factors also can influence both a child’s and an adults eating habits. Many people eat when they are feeling sad, angry or bored which; can cause them to become overweight or even obese. Illnesses such as hypothyroidism (a deficient activity of the thyroid gland) Cushing’s disease (a glandular disorder caused by excessive ACTH resulting in greater than normal functioning of the adrenal gland) and Prader Willie Syndrome (an eating disorder of the 15th chromosome) are also psychological factors that can contribute to obesity. There are many causes of obesity in the adults and youth of today’s world yet the health issues associated with obesity are enough to make any person think twice about what he or, she are doing to one’s children and ones, self.

Health and Obesity

Approximately 300,000 deaths in the United States each year are attributed to health issues associated with obesity. According to CBC News (2009)”, For the first time in recorded history, today 's younger generation will live shorter lives than their parents. “Yet parents do not recognize the problem’ (¶5). Overweight children have a greater risk of developing medical problems that will not only affect them presently but in the future as well.

Being obese affects the body in a variety of different ways. An excess of fat on one’s, body can cause the body to need an increase of oxygen within one’s body, make the body resistant to insulin, cause a buildup of fatty deposits to occur within one’s arteries, block one’s airway, put extra stress on one’s joints causing cartilage to wear away, and even cause fertility and pregnancy problems (MayoClinic, 1998-2009).

When an individual accumulates too much fat on one’s, body the body does not function properly. Too much weight can cause the blood in one’s body to increase in circulation in order to supply an appropriate amount of oxygen and nutrients to the body as a whole. Abnormal blood fats in one’s body caused by obesity can also cause the level of low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol to elevate and the buildup of fatty deposits to block one’s arteries (MayoClinic, 1998-2009). Being overweight, which affects the flow of one’s arteries and the circulation of one’s blood also puts extra strain on ones joints and causes them to grind together wearing away cartilage, causing stiffness and pain. Among all these issues, obesity can also cause the airways to narrow and the neck to enlarge placing pressure on the airway while sleeping.

Because of the excess weight, many obese individuals are now being diagnosed with early signs and signs of heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, sleep apnea, and asthma. Type 2 diabetes (a disorder of insufficient production of or reduced sensitivity to insulin) most commonly associated with adults is now becoming more prominent in obese children, resulting in even more health conditions such as kidney problems, blindness, numbness of limbs, and circulation problems (CDC, 2009). Along with diseases associated with obesity individuals are also suffering from strokes, heart attacks, fertility problems, and much more. In helping one understand, the negative impact that obesity can have on ones, body and well-being one must also understand the risk factors associated with this disease and these factors can and cannot be controlled.

Risk Factors

Risk factors which are associated with this disease include that of age, gender, family history, and genetics (MayoClinic, 1998-2009). Although risk factors such as ones age, genetics, family history, and gender cannot be helped. Knowing how one’s body burns the consumption of calories and how many calories one can consume in response to the burning of calories can be a very beneficial tool in the prevention of obesity for those that do not suffer from an illness such as Prader Willie syndrome. In the case of one that has been diagnosed with Prader Willie Syndrome measures such as a low calorie diet, locking up food, and a daily exercise regimen can be very beneficial in preventing the on-set of obesity. When dealing with family history obesity usually occurs as a result to the heating habits displayed within the home so education on the causes of obesity and family physical activities could help control the on-set of obesity. Age can make things very difficult in controlling obesity disease, as an adult gets older ones physical activity usually decreases and ones metabolism usually rises so to decrease the chance of obesity as one gets older calorie intake should be revised and lowered. If one is unable to control the risk factors mentioned or are currently already suffering from obesity there are treatment measures available for those that choose to employ them.

Treatment Options Treatment options available over the years concerning obesity have changed in a variety of ways. In the past obesity was treated with the use of thyroid hormone treatments, a combination of phentermine and fenfluramine drugs, dexfenfluramine, acupuncture, the gastric bubble, wiring ones jaws shut, and the inhibitors sibutramine and orlistat (Duke University Health System, 2004-2009). Although some of the treatment measures of the past for obesity succeeded to a certain point once the drugs were stopped or, methods such as jaw wiring and gastric bubbles were removed, the individuals involved tended to gain either all their weight or, a significant amount of their weight back. Along with the reoccurrence of weight gain associated with these techniques, these options also included a number of side effects and complication risks to the individual such as that of aspiration with the jaw wiring and contradictions of congestive heart failure and stroke associated with the inhibitor sibutramine (Duke University Health System, 2004-2009). Treatment options available for today include techniques such as dietary changes, increased physical therapy, behavior modifications, prescription medications, and weight loss surgery (MayoClinic, 1998-2009). Treatments available depend on one’s level of obesity, one’s health condition, and one’s readiness to lose the weight. Treatments, which include that of dietary changes usually, include the reduction of one’s calorie intake and the limiting of the amount of sugars, carbohydrates, and fats consumed by the individual. Increased physical activity can help an individual burn the unwanted calories consumed, which can result in weight loss. Physical activity is recommended in all treatment options and depending upon the frequency, duration, and intensity of the exercise one cannot only lose weight but improve one’s overall health with this technique. Although dieting and exercise can be very beneficial in weight loss, other techniques are also available for those struggling to lose the weight on one’s own. Behavioral modification programs provided by a therapist, psychologist, or trained professional can help one make the lifestyle changes needed to enhance one’s chances of weight loss. This type of program will help one set realistic goals, avoid food triggers, make a plan regarding weight loss, and keep a record of one’s habits to help one enhance one’s chances of weight loss (MayoClinic, 1998-2009). Medications are also an option for those suffering with going about it alone. In order to use this type of measure stipulations such as other methods of weight loss have recently been tried and failed, one’s BMI must be greater than 27 and medical conditions are involved, and one’s BMI is greater than 30 apply before medications are prescribed (MayoClinic, 1998-2009). Medications used for weight loss if the candidate has met the stipulations above include that of sibutramine (meridia) and orlistat (xenical) can be used to help make one feel full and prevent the absorption of fat in ones intestines (MayoClinic, 1998-2009). If all previous options have failed and complications from obesity are significant, another method for weight loss can be used. Surgeries such as that of bariatric surgery, which changes the structure of one’s digestive system, may also be an option for weight loss if one qualifies. In order to receive this type of surgery one must have a body mass index higher than 40 or a BMI 35 to 39.9 and medical complications such as diabetes or high blood pressure (MayoClinic, 1998-2009). Gastric bypass surgery is performed by creating a small pouch at the beginning of the stomach and by then reconstructing the intestine to this pouch. This type of surgery limits the amount of food that one can eat and reduces the calories consumed by the individual, causing the individual to lose weight (MayoClinic, 1998-2009). Like any surgery, risk factors are attached and, it is important that one understands these risk factors before going through a procedure such as this. Currently there are no treatments available besides that of dieting and exercise that do not come with health risks so research is always being done to try to make the methods of weight loss more advanced and safe with little or no side effects. Future Treatment Options With all the research, being conducted on the issue of obesity two researchers by the name of Brennan and Hochgeschwender believe that obesity can be treated by using the body produced hormone, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), (MediLexicon, 2009). The scientists have conducted extensive research by excluding this particular hormone from the bodies of mice then reintroducing it. When the hormone MSH, which can be found in the receptors of nearly all peripheral tissues, was removed from the mice, the mice became very obese because the mice were unable to metabolize the fat consumed (MediLexicon, 2009). However, when reintroduced into the body the mice experienced an increase of free fatty acids and were able to lose all the weight that was gained. Once the mice lost the weight, the effect of the reintroduction of the chemical MSH then reached a plateau because there was no more stored fat to burn from the body. Due to the researcher’s discoveries concerning the hormone MSH, additional studies have been conducted and licensing and working with a pharmaceutical company will be established. Although new research is always beneficial in reducing the epidemic of obesity, effective education is something that is currently assessable.

Education Program The educational program offered by the Boise school districts known as the wellness plan offers the students attending these schools healthy nutritious food items, comprehensive health education, and physical activity options (USDA, 2008). Children are taught the importance of healthy eating and physical education through the use of home and physical educational classes. The information about this plan is accessible to those that need it most. Teachers associated with the home educational course are there to provide students with information concerning the relationship between nutrition and well-being, the difference between good and bad foods; what the information on labels mean, diseases caused by obesity, what a healthy body weight is, and how to make a successful meal plan (USDA, 2008). Physical educational teachers educate the children on the positive effects of physical activity and encourage them to participate in activities such as track and basketball. The information provided by the teachers in association with the affects and causes of obesity is very supportive in enhancing the children’s aspects on weight gain. One feature of this program currently in place that is well done is that of the nutritional food offered to the students. Food is an individual’s main source of all vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and where children spend a majority of their time in school eating in most cases breakfast and lunch, it is essential that nutritional foods be offered for these children to consume. Although the food aspect of this program is done very well, educational and participation means need to be approved upon. Ways of improving upon these means could include things such as a contest in regard to physical activities were prizes such as a trip to the water park would be offered to the first three winners. Concerning education, pamphlets should be made and passed out to students of various ages on a bi-monthly basis to continue the education of obesity, its causes, and effects. Internet web pages could also be employed regarding all the information learned in class to help students, too scared to ask questions within the school setting find out answers to ones questions. In order to improve the program of wellness an afterschool program should be added for those interested in participating in sport activities such as those of swimming, basketball, weights, track, baseball, and soccer. By improving the program, school students will have something to do after school instead of hanging out and getting into trouble and for younger students it will give parents and children extra time together were they can enjoy in physical activities. In order effectively to distribute the information of an added feature to the program school fliers should be passed out containing information on obesity and the benefits that an after school program could have on the reduction of obesity. Along with the fliers, a newspaper article should also be written to inform all those interested in the program and an added feature should be added to the school website informing parents of the added program. The school flier and perhaps even the web site should also contain the picture of Garfield due to his size, wearing a pair of gym shorts providing information on physical activity. Conclusion The growing epidemic of obesity is both a very serious and preventable issue. Obesity has affected the lives of countless individuals over the years. While advancements have steadily been made to help with the occurrence of obesity, preventing and treating obesity before it occurs is the only way to reduce the risk of many related health, physical, and mental issues associated with this deadly disease. No one is immune to obesity so education on the causes, effects, and treatment options regarding this disease is essential for the well-being of all those involved. Everyone knows that it is unhealthy to be overweight, so why then are we allowing both our, children and, ourselves to become obese?

References BusinessWeek (2005). Helping Your Kid Slim Down. Retrieved March 21, 2012, from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_02/b3966115.htm CBC News. (2009). Obese children will die younger than their parents: report. Retrieved March 21, 2012, from www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/03/27/obesity-child.html Center for Disease Control. (2009). Obesity and Overweight. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/ Duke University Health System. (2004-2009). Past Treatments for Obesity Treatment. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.dukehealth.org/HealthLibrary/CareGuides/WeightLossSurgery/TreatmentInstructions/PastTreatmentsForObesityTreatment KidsHealth. (1995-2006). Nutrition and Fitness. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.uhhospitals.org/rainbowchildren/ForParents/NutritionandFitness/NutritionandFitnessArticle/tabid/390/newsid/30265/Default.aspx MayoClinic. (1998-2009). Obesity. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs MediLexicon. (2009). Research points to potential obesity treatment. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8204.php Moran, R. (1999). Evaluation and Treatment of Childhood Obesity. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.aafp.org/afp/990215ap/861.html Science Daily. (1995-2009). Obese Children Show Early Signs of Heart Disease. Retrieved February 19, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071017131917.htm USDA. (2008). Boise School District Wellness Plan. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:K2zKfngHe2sJ:www.sde.idaho.gov/site/cnp/wellness_docs/BoiseWellnessPolicy.pdf+wellness+plan+in+idaho&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us

References: BusinessWeek (2005). Helping Your Kid Slim Down. Retrieved March 21, 2012, from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_02/b3966115.htm CBC News. (2009). Obese children will die younger than their parents: report. Retrieved March 21, 2012, from www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/03/27/obesity-child.html Center for Disease Control. (2009). Obesity and Overweight. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/ Duke University Health System. (2004-2009). Past Treatments for Obesity Treatment. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.dukehealth.org/HealthLibrary/CareGuides/WeightLossSurgery/TreatmentInstructions/PastTreatmentsForObesityTreatment KidsHealth. (1995-2006). Nutrition and Fitness. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.uhhospitals.org/rainbowchildren/ForParents/NutritionandFitness/NutritionandFitnessArticle/tabid/390/newsid/30265/Default.aspx MayoClinic. (1998-2009). Obesity. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs MediLexicon. (2009). Research points to potential obesity treatment. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8204.php Moran, R. (1999). Evaluation and Treatment of Childhood Obesity. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://www.aafp.org/afp/990215ap/861.html Science Daily. (1995-2009). Obese Children Show Early Signs of Heart Disease. Retrieved February 19, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071017131917.htm USDA. (2008). Boise School District Wellness Plan. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:K2zKfngHe2sJ:www.sde.idaho.gov/site/cnp/wellness_docs/BoiseWellnessPolicy.pdf+wellness+plan+in+idaho&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us