DB 1 HLTH 644
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Western Governors University *
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644
Subject
Health Science
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by ProfessorRaven732
1.
Discuss 2-3 evidence-based factors that contribute to obesity. These could include environmental, lifestyle, and/or genetic factors. From a public health perspective, what solutions could help reduce or reverse each factor?
There are many factors that contribute to the increased rate of obesity like the lack of physical activity and consuming diets that are unhealthy but aims to change diet and increase exercise have had negligible effects on a global level. Social factors, although broadly defined, may have a stronger link to obesity when social adversity like lower class, lower education level, or social status are present.
1
These factors present a lack of security in food, money, and shelter. Furthermore, a further exacerbation psychological occurs with increased chronic parental stress and participation in unhealthy behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use.
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Another element related to the socioeconomic status is that these groups tend to live in less safe areas where crime is higher, access to healthy food is further away, and access to safe recreational areas are inadequate.
1 Addressing the previous mentioned three issues could help reduce the incidence of obesity in those with a lower economic status. With access to grocery stores for whole foods, safe places to play, and a safe neighborhood to live in, stress on the parents and family unit could see a decline and reduce the use of tobacco and alcohol.
2.
Compare current rates of obesity in the US to obesity rates in one other country. Is the other country experiencing a similar increase? Why or why not?
According to a survey in Nauru, the prevalence of obesity in 2004 was at 60.5% for adults aged 15-64, with 21.8% classified as overweight.
2 Initially this number is extremely alarming but considering the sample size of 2,254 and a total population of
10,335, the number is less effective at presenting the whole picture. Even with this information, further context should be considered. Many policies are not in place in Nauru that would assist in reduction of obesity rates such as nutrition labeling, bans on trans fats, standards for foods in schools, and lack of will or support for policies that would support reducing and preventing the prevalence of obesity.
2 The same survey shows the US with 42.7% obesity and 31.% overweight in all adults
with a sample size of 5,429 in 2017 and 2018.
2 Interestingly though, the above mentioned polices that Nauru is missing, the US has already implemented. According
to one of our assigned readings, the rate of BMI increase has slowed down since 2000
in the US from 30% in 2009 to 32% in 2019.
3 I can only hypothesize that the slowdown is related to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the initiative to curtail the obesity pandemic. 3.
What can the church and faith-based organizations do to help address the problem of obesity? Use at least one Scripture reference to support your views.
Churches are pinnacles of hope and their outreach to community can empower those in lower socioeconomic status to live healthier lives. Church members and the clergy
often live in the community and are trusted by those who attend the church. They seek their help for a multitude of reasons. One possible outreach project for the clergy
could be to have a farmers’ market with food voucher accepted. Health classes could be given to teach about nutritious meals and their benefits on blood pressure, heart health, and diabetes prevention. Health screenings and community resources could additionally be coordinated with the local health department, bring access to care and resources to those who need it most. Proverbs 11:25 tells us “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” In completing His work and helping others, we will be helping ourselves and enjoying the fulfillment of life as He
has intended for us to do.
References
1. Hemmingsson E, Nowicka P, Ulijaszek S, Sørensen TIA. The social origins of obesity within and across generations.
Obesity Reviews
. Published online November 2, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13514
2. World Obesity Federation. Nauru. World Obesity Federation Global Obesity Observatory. Published September 22, 2022. Accessed October 26, 2023. https://data.worldobesity.org/country/nauru-150/#data_contextual-factors
3. Boutari C, Mantzoros CS. A 2022 update on the epidemiology of obesity and a call to action: As its twin COVID-19 pandemic appears to be receding, the obesity and dysmetabolism pandemic continues to rage on.
Metabolism
. 2022;133(155217):155217. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155217
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