Critical Analysis Assignment_ Health Communication
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
MISC
Subject
Health Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by MegaOtterMaster110
Erin Merced
Penn State University
HPA 438
Professor Wafula
October 6th, 2023
Critical Analysis Assignment: Health Communication
Childhood obesity is a significant health concern that has become increasingly prevalent
in developed countries such as the United States. According to recent research, poor dietary
habits and a lack of regular physical activity are the primary causes of childhood obesity (Flynn
et al., 2022). It is essential to address this issue by implementing evidence-based policies that
encourage parents, schools, and society as a whole to promote healthy eating habits and ensure
that children consume food within recommended caloric levels. To combat obesity, it is crucial to
minimize or avoid sugar and fat-based diets that can increase the risk of weight gain and related
health problems (Waters et al., 2011). To achieve this goal, policymakers must regulate and
monitor the fast food industry's processing policies to ensure compliance with established
standards and guidelines. This approach will help to provide children with healthier food options
and reduce their exposure to unhealthy, high-calorie meals. In addition to healthy eating habits,
regular physical activity is critical in reducing obesity and its associated risks (Brown et al.,
2019).
Physical exercise is most effective when practiced at home and in schools, and it is
primarily dependent on parents to ensure that their children engage in regular activity. By
providing children with opportunities to be active, we can help them develop healthy habits that
will last a lifetime. Overall, addressing childhood obesity requires a multifaceted approach that
involves policymakers, parents, schools, and society as a whole. Through evidence-based
policies and practices, we can promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk of obesity and
related health problems in children.
In the literature review, several articles were analyzed, each with a particular focus
related to obesity and children. Waters et al. (2011) emphasized the crucial role of school
curriculum in promoting healthy eating habits, physical activity, and cultivating a positive body
image among learners. The authors proposed a comprehensive approach to obesity interventions
that encompassed education, health, and care, highlighting the importance of collaboration
among these sectors. Flynn et al. (2022) concentrated on the eating habits of young children,
specifically those under five years old, at the start of the intervention. The study aimed to help
children identify their preferred foods as they approach adolescence, thereby enabling them to
make informed decisions about their diet. Lastly, Brown et al. (2019) discussed the effectiveness
of policies in reducing obesity in children of all ages, emphasizing that interventions should be
evidence-based and tailored to suit the needs of individual communities.
The study conducted by Waters et al. in 2011 caught my attention due to its emphasis on
individual-level interventions that can be executed by children, particularly adolescents, without
the need for parental or teacher supervision. What's more, the study proposed policies that can be
implemented across different settings, making them applicable on a larger scale. The
interventions suggested by the study are not only valid but also reliable, provided that there is a
shared commitment among the government, society, schools, parents, and the children
themselves to ensure their successful execution. Overall, the study provides valuable insights
into the importance of individual-level interventions in promoting positive outcomes for children
and adolescents.
References
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Brown, T., Moore, T. H., Hooper, L., Gao, Y., Zayegh, A., Ijaz, S., ... & Summerbell, C. D.
(2019). Interventions for preventing obesity in children. Cochrane Database of
Systematic Reviews, (7).
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001871.pub4
Flynn, A. C., Suleiman, F., Windsor‐Aubrey, H., Wolfe, I., O'Keeffe, M., Poston, L., &
Dalrymple, K. V. (2022). Preventing and treating childhood overweight and obesity in
children up to 5 years old: A systematic review by intervention setting. Maternal & Child
Nutrition, e13354.
https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13354
Waters, E., de Silva‐Sanigorski, A., Burford, B. J., Brown, T., Campbell, K. J., Gao, Y., ... &
Summerbell, C. D. (2011). Interventions for preventing obesity in children. Cochrane
database of systematic reviews, (12).
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001871.pub3