3-2 Activity- Critical Analysis - Engage
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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402
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Health Science
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Feb 20, 2024
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Obesity
Impact on Institutions
A social lens perspective on obesity shows that some groups are more affected than others. According to CDC National Center for Health Statistics (NHCS) data, the highest age-
adjusted prevalence of obesity was seen among non-Hispanic Black adults (49.9%), followed by Hispanic adults (45.6%), non-Hispanic White adults (41.4%), and non-Hispanic Asian adults (16.1%). People aged 20 to 39 years had a 39.8% obesity prevalence, people aged 40 to 59 years had a 44.3% prevalence, and individuals aged 60 and above had a 41.5% prevalence (CDC, 2022a). Furthermore, the study demonstrated that college graduates, both men and women, had a
lower likelihood of obesity than non-graduates. According to this research, obesity is spreading over the world and is becoming a global epidemic. Consequently, obesity burdens the economy since it leads to a rise in various health disorders that overburden the healthcare system, reduces productivity at work, and compromises military preparedness (CDC, 2022b).
Individuals who are obese have an increased chance of having many significant health disorders, including diabetes, heart disease, and some malignancies, in comparison to individuals
who maintain a healthy weight. This implies that obesity directly affects the economy, as do the underlying medical issues that may arise from it (CDC, 2022b). Obesity-related costs impact the economy in two ways: directly and indirectly. Direct medical costs include preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services, while indirect costs include lost productivity due to sickness and death. The CDC estimates that annual obesity-related medical care costs in the US were nearly $173 billion in 2019. Obesity also impacts military readiness, with annual productivity costs ranging from $3.38 billion to $6.38 billion (CDC, 2022b). According to the CDC study, just
three out of four young people (ages 17 to 24) stated they are physically strong enough for basic
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training, and over one-third of them are too overweight to serve in the US military. Moreover, 19% of active-duty military members are obese, which reduces their physical preparedness for deployment. Between 2008 and 2017, there were over 3.6 million musculoskeletal injuries among active-duty military personnel; obesity raised the incidence of these injuries by 33% (CDC, 2022b).
Benefit From Change
Weight stigma is a significant issue, with stereotypes of overweight individuals as lazy and unintelligent. This stigma is present in various aspects of life, including the workplace, healthcare, education, and media. The prevalence of weight discrimination has increased by 66%
over the past decade, comparable to racial discrimination in the U.S. The stigma poses risks to psychological and physical health, generates health disparities, and hinders effective obesity prevention efforts (Puhl & Heuer, 2010). People who are obese are not viewed as victims by society and instead people are often blamed for becoming overweight. Looking at obesity through a social lens reveals that, while it may be a role, it is more probable that they lack access to good diet, medical treatment, and guidance in nutrition and exercise. There seems to be a misperception that bringing obesity to people's attention can motivate obese people to reduce their weight and improve their self-care. Studies have shown that people who are obese or overweight who have experienced prejudice or stigma related to their weight are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating habits and other unhealthy patterns (Puhl & Heuer, 2010). The public health community must adopt a comprehensive obesity prevention strategy that addresses weight-based stigma and discrimination. This includes incorporating anti-stigma messages into obesity interventions and focusing on health as the primary motivator for behavior
change. Youths are particularly vulnerable to the negative emotional and physical health
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consequences of weight-based victimization. Larger scale coordinated policies and a "behavioral justice" approach are crucial for improving health (Puhl & Heuer, 2010). In addition, another strategy to combat the obesity problem is to provide prevention education in schools. If we begin
in schools at an early age and emphasize the significance of wellness, good food choices, and physical activity, we may implant the value of wellbeing in them. Nutrition education in schools teaches youngsters an appreciation for healthy food and nutritious eating habits.
Benefits and Challenges of Addressing Issues in Wellness
We may interact and comprehend people more effectively if we critically analyze wellbeing. By comprehending the eight dimensions of wellbeing, we may become more self-
aware, get insight into how these dimensions affect others, and understand why some individuals
behave in particular ways. It is critical to recognize that people who are overweight or obese are affected by factors other than laziness or overindulgence. Being aware of these qualities can help
us enhance our interactions with others and develop a better knowledge of society. Other societal
factors, for example, may have a bigger influence on overweight individuals than the shame associated with laziness. Understanding the significance of wellness allows us to better understand and assist individuals with the difficulties they face on a daily basis.
Social Practices
The daily actions we engage in are called social practices. For instance, eating, sleeping, cleaning, and attending job or school. These apparently little everyday chores are vital to our wellbeing. Even while eating is important for our health, getting takeout, fast food, or using even
delivery services has been easier. Though we live in a world when we don't even need to go grocery shopping, this is helpful on busy days. The modern method to shop is with Instacart or curbside pickup. Since our surroundings are so "instantaneous," these behaviors may actually
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contribute to obesity. However, little changes in life can have a significant impact on our general health.
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References
:
CDC. (2022a). Adult Obesity Facts. CDC
. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
CDC (2022b). Consequence of Obesity. CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/basics/consequences.html
Puhl & Heuer. (2010). Obesity Stigma: Important Considerations for Public Health. AJPH
. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2009.159491