Describing A School-Based Program To Curb Obesity Among School Children (Research Paper Sample)

Reducing Child Obesity through School-based Programs
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Institution
Introduction
Obesity is one of the major health concerns in the developed world, where easy access to high-calorie foods and high rates of food consumption have contributed to weight-related diseases. Coupled with availability of efficient transport infrastructure and the easy affordability of personal cars, most people drive to work, use lifts in tall buildings, and generally engage in little or no physical exercises. This problem, however, is most evident in the United States where according to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two thirds of America adults and a third of children are either obese or overweight. This trend has both far-reaching and health and economic implications on the U.S. healthcare system and economy, respectively. Health-wise, obesity and overweight conditions are major triggers for chronic and life threatening conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, it creates pressure on the healthcare system in terms of resource use to treat weight-related conditions. On the economy, it is estimated that obesity costs the taxpayer, communities, businesses and individuals nearly $200 billion annually to treat obesity and overweight conditions. Within the last three and half decades, overweight conditions among children have doubled, while this number has tripped in adolescents. These statistics indicate that unless the problem is addressed effectively, it will acerbate into catastrophic proportions. In this regard, it is important for the relevant government agencies and other healthcare stakeholders to explore viable intervention measures that will reverse the rising trend in obesity and overweigh prevalence.
Description of the Target Population
Children and adolescents are the most vulnerable groups with respect to weight-gain and obesity, largely due to t...