Understanding Obesity in Adolescents: Causes, Effects, and Prevention, Papers of Social Work

Download Understanding Obesity in Adolescents: Causes, Effects, and Prevention and more Papers Social Work in PDF only on Docsity! Chelsea Wood SWK 333 Research Paper Adolescent Obesity Obesity is an undeniable problem in the United States today. With rising concerns over the affects obesity has on ones health, doctors, scientists, and researchers are all racking their brains to figure out the causes of obesity. At the heart of this research also lies one of the most controversial issues in the obesity crisis, whether or not obesity is genetic. The following paper discusses obesity and concentrates on how obesity affects adolescents. First of all, what is obesity? Basically, obesity means having too much body fat. Determining whether or not a person is considered obese can be done several ways. The most accurate and precise way to measure a person’s body fat involves weighing an individual underwater using very sophisticated equipment (http://tjclarkinc.com). In this method, a person is placed in water and electronic equipment is used to measure how much water has been displaced, thus giving body fat results. Since this method is not readily available to all, an alternative method is often used. Height and weight charts can be used as a guideline for determining whether or not a person is overweight. These tables have ranges of acceptable weights based on how tall a person is (http://tjclarkinc.com). Some charts take into consideration a persons age and sex while others do not. This method has limitations, including that it cannot distinguish excess fat from muscle, which can result in a very muscular person appearing obese (http://tjclarkinc.com). The use of BMI, or body mass index, to determine how much excess body fat a person possesses has gained recognition as being the most widely used method for determining obesity (http://pedclerk.bsd.chicago.edu). Calculating BMI involves a mathematical formula which takes a persons weight in kilograms and divides it by height in meters squared, or BMI=kg/m2 (www.athealth.com). A BMI of 25 or more indicates a person is overweight; 30 or more indicates obesity (www.athealth.com). Simpler methods of measuring body fat include measuring skin fold thickness and bioelectric impedance analysis. By measuring the thickness of skin in certain areas, usually under the arms, around the waist, and in the thighs, a person can get an idea of the amount of excess fat on their bodies. Bioelectric impedance analysis sends harmless electric currents through one’s body and measures their resistance and flow to determine how much excess body fat a person has (http://tjclarkinc.com). These two methods are commonly used in health clubs, but it is cautioned that the results should be viewed skeptically (http://tjclarkinc.com). Now that we have established what obesity is and how it is determined, let’s look at why obesity is a concern. Obesity rates have increased dramatically in both adults and children in recent years (www.abcnews.go.com). Someone who is 40% overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely as an average weight person (http://tjclarkinc.com). Obesity has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and higher risks of different types of cancer (http://tjclarkinc.com). Women and men experience different rates of poverty (http://pedclerk.bsd.chicago.edu). Feelings of rejection, shame, and depression are also common (http://tjclarkinc.com). Cultural stereotypes, such as being lazy or sloppy, further impact an overweight child’s psychosocial development (http://pedclerk.bsd.chicago.edu). In order to prevent children from becoming obese, parents must step in and help. The first and foremost step in addressing a child's obesity is letting them know they are accepted no matter what. Parental fixation with a child’s weight can lead to the development of eating disorders (http://pedclerk.bsd.chicago.edu); it is important to be concerned with a child’s self- esteem. Children’s feelings about themselves are based on their parents’ perceptions; it is wise to let them know they are accepted as they are (www.athealth.com). Next, a parent should increase the family’s physical activity, by being a role model. Family activities that promote exercise while having fun will help the child develop a sense enjoyment from being healthy. Reducing the amount of TV or videogame playing allows for more time to enjoy physical activities. The main goal is not to make physical activity a burden, but an enjoyable experience (www.athealth.com). Another goal parents should have is teaching their children healthy eating habits. Some parents make the mistake of placing their child on a restrictive diet. By doing this, parents can interfere with their child’s growth and development (www.athealth.com). One common mistake made by parents is using food as a punishment or a reward. Rewarding children with sweets reinforces the belief that these foods are better or more valuable than other types of food (www.athealth.com). Withholding food can lead to a child worrying that he will not get enough food, resulting in the child over-eating when they can (www.athealth.com). Another way to reduce a child’s risk of over-eating is to discourage them from eating while watching TV. With the TV as a distraction, children may not be able to recognize that they are full and continue to eat (www.athealth.com). Encouraging a child to eat slowly will help them better distinguish feelings of fullness (www.athealth.com). Meal times should be pleasant and not stressful, or the child will associate eating with stress (www.athealth.com). With all of the evidence presented that obesity is genetically linked, there is still a great deal of evidence to suggest that obesity is strongly determined by a child’s caregiver. Children learn from those around them. Adolescent obesity can be fought by dedicated, supportive parents who model healthy behaviors and attitudes about food. Works Cited 30 Mar. 2008 <http://tjclark.inc.com/d_genetic_obesity.asp? cpc=e9cc1fa6241d35cecd1b6719f64c4eb1&m=1>. "Adolescent Obesity." 31 Mar. 2008 <http://pedclerk.bsd.uchicago.edu/adolescentobesity.html>. Caudle, Jennifer. "Long-Term Study Shows 10 Percent of Population May Have Gene." Abc News. 13 Apr. 2006. 31 Mar. 2008 <http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Story? id=1839156&page=2>. "What Causes Children to Become Overweight?" 1 Apr. 2008 <http://www.athealth.com/ Consumer/disorders/OverweightChild.html>.