Diverse patient populations in a variety of health care settings.

Answer

Teaching a childcare center about childhood obesity prevention

Overview

Childhood obesity is one of the areas of health care concern in the U.S. The statistics of childhood obesity is alarming as the number of children diagnosed with the disease continue to rise globally. In the U.S., the prevalence rate of childhood obesity among children aged 6 to11 years has more than tripled since 1965 (Kar, Dube & Kar, 2014). Evidently, in 1965, only 4.2% of the population were considered as obese. However, by the end of 2000, 15.3% children were diagnosed with the condition (Kar, Dube & Kar, 2014).

Causes of Childhood Obesity

Obesity is caused by an imbalance experienced between the energy expenditure and intake. The rise in the positive energy balance is highly associated with the dietary intake preferences and individual lifestyle consideration. Kar, Dube and Kar (2014) show that more evidence is being established providing a depiction that genetic background also contributes towards obesity development (Sahoo, Sahoo, Choudhury, Sofi, Kumar & Bhadoria, 2015).

The ecological model unveiled by Kar, Dube & Kar (2014) provides that the primary risk factors for childhood obesity include sedentary behavior, dietary intake and physical activity. Family characteristics, such as lifestyle and the parenting approach, are also important factors of consideration which are directly related with the increased prevalence rates of childhood obesity development (Sahoo et al, 2015).

Environmental factors can also contribute towards the development of childhood obesity. For instance, demographics, school policies, and work-associated demands that influence the activity and behaviors of the child can result to increased cases of childhood obesity (Sahoo et al, 2015).

Government and social policies can encourage healthy feeding behaviors. Notably, research demonstrates that taste, followed by hunger and price are the most important factors which affect the adolescents snack choices. Notably, adolescents find it easier to engage in junk eating for pleasure and convenience since the unhealthy food options are more affordable in comparison to the healthy food choices (Sahoo et al, 2015).

Strategies for preventing and overcoming obesity

Different strategies can be considered to overcome the instances of childhood obesity in the U.S.

Engaging more in physical activity is considered as an effective strategy of overcoming childhood obesity. Taking part in physical activity increases one’s basal metabolic rate and the ability of the body to burn calories. As a result, the amount of calorie deposits in the body, which results to the increased weight are reduced, and hence obesity will no longer have to be a factor of concern.

Consuming healthy foods that constitute a balanced dietis also an effective strategy for managing the obesity condition among children.  Considering consuming low-calorie foods such as those high in fiber can aid in reducing the increased prevalence rates of childhood obesity. Evidently, the high calorie content consumed result to an increased weight gain (Sahoo et al, 2015).

Addressing sociocultural concerns such as a forced feeding practices utilized by parents can also be effective in addressing the increased cases of childhood obesity. Notably, overcoming such practices will ensure that children only eat when they are hungry, thus reducing the general amount of calories consumed on a daily basis (Sahoo et al, 2015).

Nurses Role

Nurses have an effective role to play in reducing or preventing instances of childhood obesity. For instance, nurses should take part in patient education. In this case, they will educate parents and adolescents about the need for effective feeding habits to avoid cases of childhood obesity           which could have been prevented through lifestyle changes.