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HEALTHY PEOPLE
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The Obesity Epidemic in the United States Jenna Best Liberty University
January 22, 2022
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The Obesity Epidemic in the United States
Over the last few decades, the number of people with obesity in the United States has continued to rise. Obesity negatively impacts a person’s general well-being and can lead to serious health conditions. Obesity can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life which can ultimately lead to death. Understanding the gravity of the obesity epidemic in the United States is essential in seeking interventions that will reduce the number of cases of obesity (Anderson, Butcher, & Schanzenbach, 2019).
The History of Obesity in the United States
Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States behind smoking. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines an obese person with a body mass index that is greater than 30%. Obesity can lead to significant comorbidities and affects an individual’s overall quality of life (Mitchell, 2011). Within the United States, childhood obesity has tripled in the last four decades and it is estimated that 39.8% of adults are suffering from obesity. An individual’s patterns are most often set by the age of 11, therefore childhood obesity is a strong predictor for obesity in adulthood. (Anderson et al., 2019). Those of all different backgrounds are suffering from obesity within the United States, however, research has found that specific populations are at a higher risk for obesity than others. For example, those of lower socioeconomic status have been found to have higher rates of obesity than those of other socioeconomic statuses (Anderson et al., 2019). Lower food prices, larger portion intake, decreased exercise, higher use of technology, and maternal employment have all been found to play a role in the increased obesity rates. Our society is now filled with unhealthy foods that are relatively inexpensive and are in larger portions. These larger portions are higher in calories and higher in fats and sugars which
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ultimately contributes towards weight gain. As a society, we have also become consumed in technology. Children are more likely to watch television and play video games that participate in physical activity which has played a significant contribution in the rise of children suffering with obesity (Anderson et al., 2019). Impact of the Rise in Obesity
Obesity is known to be the leading risk factors in developing diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung disease, heart disease, heart failure, osteoarthritis, stroke, diabetes, and depression. All these health conditions can be debilitating and place one at a higher risk for death. As we continue in the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity patients have been found to have more negative outcomes than those of normal weight. Patients with obesity are more likely require intensive care and have negative outcomes when diagnosed with COVID-19. Obesity negatively impacts a person’s respiratory status by restricting their pulmonary function and quicker fatigue of the lungs that reduces its capability to ventilate and perfuse one’s body. The other comorbidities one may experience because of obesity in combination with the changes in respiratory status may predispose one to complications from COVID-19 (Sanchis-Gomar, Lavie, Mehra, Henry, & Lippi, 2020).
Impact of Healthcare Policymaking on Obesity
Healthcare policies can provide cost efficient and effective interventions that are necessary in reducing the number of people who suffer from obesity. In 2008, it is estimated that $147 million dollars was spent on obesity related medical care. The federal government and other agencies have recognized the importance for reducing obesity within the United States as obesity results in other comorbidities that increase hospitalizations. As the obesity rates have continued the rise, so has the financial impact of obesity within the United States healthcare
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system. Jamie Chriqui from the Institute for Health Research and Policy discusses if obesity continues to trend upwards as it currently is, by the year 2030, healthcare costs may be anywhere between $48 to $66 billion per year (Chriqui, 2013). Local, state, and federal governments have implemented obesity prevention policies. Some of these laws within the food and restaurant industries regulate labeling on menus, smaller portion sizes, and food restrictions that can be purchased with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. There are also regulations that have been implemented in childcare settings that require certain levels of physical activity and recommendations of what foods and beverages are permitted. Sugary drinks, for example, are not permitted to be offered in vending machines within some school settings. Other policies within the school setting to combat the obesity epidemic include farm-to-school foods, physical activity requirements, student body mass index measurements, and education on proper diet and exercise (Chriqui, 2013).
Recommendations
We live in a society that thrives on affordability and convenience. We would rather drive through a fast-food restaurant because it is quicker and more convenient than cooking a healthy meal at home. As someone who enjoys health and fitness, it is uncommon that I hear people say “healthy food is so expensive” and this is the mind-set that much of our country has when it comes to eating healthy, which is often why they result in buying quicker, “cheaper”, and most often unhealthy meals. The problem is most often, these easy and convenient meals are processed foods which are high in calories that ultimately results in weight gain. My recommendation for combating the obesity epidemic is to provide in-services and educational programs on the importance of proper nutrition and physical exercise. These informational services will provide ideas on healthy meal ideas on a budget, promote increased
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intake of fruits and vegetables, and encourage the reduction of saturated fats, trans fats, and sugars. Often people settle on take out dinners and high processed dinners because they can’t decide what to cook, so they settle for what is easy. These in-services will provide sample meals plans and recipes that will give the public ideas on healthy meal options at an affordable price. These educational programs will also teach you how to monitor your portion intakes. Limiting your portion sizes will decrease the number of calories that one consumes which contributes towards weight gain. Understanding how to properly fuel your body is critical in battling the obesity epidemic that continues to grow within our country (Smether & Rolls, 2018). Christian Worldview and Population Health Golden et al., (2017) defines population health as “the health of a population as measured by health status indicators and as influenced by social, economic, and physical environments; personal health practices; individual capacity and coping skills; human biology; early childhood development; and health services (p. 51).” Population health focuses on improving the overall health of those within the community outside of the hospital setting. Population health nurses can provide education on proper nutrition, exercise programs, and counseling to reduce the obesity (
Nash, Fabius, Skoufalos, & Oglesby, 2021
). Romans 12:2 states “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Following a nutritious diet is not easy, especially in the world that we live in where there is a fast-food restaurant (sometimes two or three) on every corner. Unhealthy foods are constantly promoted at an affordable price. But our bodies and overall health pay the ultimate price. A healthy lifestyle takes discipline. It takes training your mind to follow a nutritious diet and physical exercise regimen to improve your overall health. As Christian nurses
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it is our duty to help those in need within our community. Some people simply do not understand how to properly fuel their bodies or have grown up seeing unhealthy behaviors and that is all they know. We can demonstrate the love that God has for us by reaching our hands out to help those within our community. Nurses are critical in detecting and advocating for concerns that negatively impact the health of our communities. Conclusion
Obesity has continued to rise in the United States which has led to a rise in other chronic health conditions. Obesity is a leading risk factor in a multitude of comorbidities including, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, etc. Those who suffer from obesity have also been found to have higher mortality rates when battling the COVID-19 virus than those of a normal weight due to their reduced pulmonary function. Obesity can lead to a poor quality of life and places one at a higher risk for death. Prevention is necessary. Obesity can be prevented in a variety of methods, including healthcare policies and education on proper diet and exercise. Nurses play a vital role in improving population health. By providing support and proper education to specific populations we can improve the community’s overall health.
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References
Anderson, P. M., Butcher, K. F., & Schanzenbach, D. W. (2019). Understanding recent trends in childhood obesity in the united states. Economics and Human Biology, 34, 16-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2019.02.002
Chriqui J. F. (2013). Obesity Prevention Policies in U.S. States and Localities: Lessons from the Field. Current obesity reports
, 2
(3), 200–210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-013-0063-x
Golden, S. H., Maruthur, N., Mathioudakis, N., Spanakis, E., Rubin, D., Zilbermint, M., & Hill-
Briggs, F. (2017). The Case for Diabetes Population Health Improvement: Evidence-
Based Programming for Population Outcomes in Diabetes. Current diabetes reports, 17(7), 51. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0875-2
The Holy Bible: King James Version
Nash, D., Fabius, R., Skoufalos, A., & Oglesby, W. (2021). Population health: Creating a culture of wellness – with Access. (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN: 9781284166606.
Sanchis-Gomar, F., Lavie, C. J., Mehra, M. R., Henry, B. M., & Lippi, G. (2020). Obesity and outcomes in COVID-19: When an epidemic and pandemic collide.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 95
(7), 1445-1453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.05.006