INTRODUCTION
What is the problem? That we need to promote health and reduce chronic disease associated with weight and diet. Even more so, to reduce the proportion of children and adolescents who are overweight or obese.
What current legislation has been proposed to address this? H.R. 3688 To encourage programs of health promotion or disease prevention.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE ISSUE?
Who is affected the most? Statistics show that 1 out of 3 children in the United States are obese, according to
KidsHealth, so just there a raging 33% of our population is being affected by this problem.
WordPress Blog states minority women are known to have a higher risk of becoming obese, rather than non-hispanic women. And according to
redOrbit, a study found almost 13 percent of Asian children were obese, along with 16 percent of whites, almost 21 percent of blacks, 22 percent of Hispanics, and 31 percent of American Indians.
Who loses and what do they lose?
In association with the above informaiton, people of American Indian, Hispanic and African American decent lose the most. Also, people with low econmonic statuses lose too, because as we saw in class, wealth and health have a very positive correlation. People with little money may lose their hope at staying healthy if they do not have the funds to do so.
Who wins and what do they win?
People with high statuses and wealth are more likely to "win" in this situation. Wealthy people have the resources and opportunities that the poor do not. As statistics show, people of Asian and White decent are more likely to win too. They win the hope that being able to overcome a health problem because they have attainable resources and they also have the hope that they will not become obese since the statistics are low in their decent.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ISSUE?
For the people mostly affected?
As
American Academy of Pediatrics indicates, consequences of obesity in children list as: negative effects on their socialization, cardiovascular difficulties, hypertension, glucose intolerance, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure and diabetes.
For their families?
Families dealing with their obese children may have to spend their income on medical bills and may not have medical coverage. It is also important to highlight that if one person in the family is a victim of obesity, it is very likely the others in the family have high risk of becoming a victim of that disease, as well.
For society?
Society is always spending millions of dollars engaging in research dealing with obesity in children and trying to campaign healthy eating habits. For example, the National Cancer Organization spends 1 million dollars on their Eat 5 Servings a day campaign. Society also have to pay with their tax dollars treatment plans for the obese and even medications.
WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ISSUE?
What are the economic costs of the issue and who bears them?
-According to
CDC, the commonality of obesity has a very overwhelming impact on the US health care system. It is known that medical costs associated with weight problems, may include direct or indirect costs. Direct costs are known as: preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services related to obesity. Indirect costs relate to morbidity and mortality costs.
-Research shows that 9.1% of total US medical expenses are due to obesity issues, that is $92.6 billion dollars.
-All US citizens who pay taxes and insurance bear these costs.
What are the economic benefits of this issue and who benefits?
-Since obesity is becoming a well known deadly disease, more prevention campaigns are evolving, making it aware to people that this is a very serious issue that must be avoided at all costs.
-People on the way to obesity greatly benefit when they see these campaigns. This type of information gets them to open their eyes and reach out for help, and also gives them the motivation that they can succeed.
WHAT IS THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE ISSUE?
What are the social costs of the issue and who bears these costs?
There are many negative social impacts of the issue as
Natural Weight Loss states, such as children who are obese don't seem to socialize as much, they get made fun of more, and usually have very low self esteem. It is also important to realize that obese people are usually labled as being lazy, which in some cases is not the problem. Parents of children tend to bear these costs, and sadly, the children themselves.
What are the social benefits of the issue and who benefits?
One important benefit of this issue is that fast food resturaunts are starting to offer healthier meals and are making sure to list the nutrition facts. It is great that resturaunts are actually setting aside the time to alter their meals and add options for the consumer.
WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS?
What are the barriers to addressing this issue?
-This is a lifelong treament
-According to
Science Direct, barriers can include lack of recognition of obesity as a chronic condition, low socioeconomic status, time constraints, intimate saboteurs, and a wide range of comorbidities including mental health, sleep, chronic pain, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and endocrine disorders.
How can they be overcome?
-To make the public aware of all the health problems associated with obesity!!! It is so important to get the information there, because if society does not have any knowledge on this topic, they will not address their ways.
WHAT ARE THE RESOURCES?
What resources will we need to address this issue?
We will need advertisment campaigns, posterboards, forums, group meetings, maybe start a "avoid obesity club", and I think it is important to put reliable statistics and studies out to the public, to show how real this issue has become.
Where and how can they be tapped?
I think it is most important to get these resources out and about on college campuses, because that tends to be the time when some students start to lack nutritious foods and dwindle in their exercises. I feel that addressing this issue in doctor's offices would be beneficial, as well.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THIS ISSUE?
What is the history of this issue in the community?
The rate of obesity in the US has been rising over the past years. It has always been somewhat of an issue, but since recent times, it has turned into quite a problem.
What past effort was made to address this?
-Resturaunts have alterned menus
-Health classes highlight the issues relating to obesity
-Improving school lunches
-Maintaining gym classes at school
What were the results?
They have all helped some, but it doesn't seem like these efforts have stopped the rise of obesity in America. If we keep bringing forth our efforts, I feel that hopefully we can turn this trend around and become a healthy America again.
ALLIES AND OPPONENTS
Who would support this issue?
I don't see why anyone would not want to support this issue. It benefits society as a whole and if the rise of obesity can be decreased, I think any person in general would want that. I feel that families with obese children would be the biggest supports and also people in the medical and health profession.
Who would oppose this issue?
I would say just the people who don't want to spend money on campaign ads and other resources to bring this change about.
MY RECOMMENDATION
I totally support the idea of trying to reduce the proportions of children who are overweight and obese, even if I have to give a little more tax dollars to the government, because in the end it will benefit sociey all together.
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