Nursing Coursework Assignment On Childhood Obesity (Coursework Sample)

Overview of Childhood Obesity Crisis Globally
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1.0 Introduction
Childhood obesity is a problem that is looming and affects the public health both at the national levels and internationally. In the past few years, we have witnessed an increased prevalence among the young children. This epidemic is caused by lack of balance between the amount of calorie intake and the calories utilized. This epidemic should gain the attention of the relevant authorities, to say the least. Many factors are causing this health problem to be on the rise. These factors include but not limited to genetic, environmental, behavioral, psychological, social and physical factors. Effective intervention mechanisms must be developed to control this epidemic. The reason I chose this topic is to create awareness of this problem given the sensitivity of the matter.
2.0 Magnitude of the Problem
We must understand that the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing both underdeveloped countries and developed countries. A shocking survey by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), reveal that about 16.9% of the children and the adolescence age group of between 2-19 years are obese. In the equal measure, the prevalence among the children aged between 2-5 years has risen from 5.0-10% between 1980 and 2008 (Rivera et al., 2014). On the same line, the Healthy people of 2010 ranked obesity among the children number one health hazard (Hossain, Kawar, & El Nahas, 2007). This should be a concern to all of the stakeholders across the globe. It must be noted that with this trend, the future generation is at stake.
3.0 Factors Influencing Obesity among Children
Many related factors contribute this health problem. First, genetic factors may cause obesity among individual children. Genetic factors can influence the rate of metabolism; therefore, the rate of energy intake and energy expenditure may vary. Secondly, the behavioral factors also contribute to obesity; this is because if the children eat much food and yet they do little physical exercise, then it will lead to weight gain. Thirdly, the type of food children also contributes to the high level of fats in their bodies. Finally, the environmental factors influence the food and the nature of the physical activity.
4.0 Approaches and Measures of Intervention
Studies indicate that obesity among the children of age 11-15 years stood at 15% (Stamatakis, Wardle, & Cole 2010). This studies tells us why we need to implement ways to address this problem, or else we stand a higher chance deleting a generation. One of the methods is family-based lifestyle interventions. The parents must attempt to influence the behavior of the child. This approach will limit the amount of fats that are consumed by the child. Teachers need to develop a curriculum that ensures that children will be actively participating in physical activities. Finally, healthy and community-based interventions are other avenues that will provide a solution to this epidem...