Childhood Obesity In School Going Children Assignment Sample

Introduction Of Childhood Obesity In School Going Children (Age Between 5 To 11 Years) In England

The rise in childhood obesity and its associated health problems has been recognised as a major threat to public health. It puts health and longevity in jeopardy. Increased BMI much above the 95th percentile for youngsters is a sign of childhood overweight and obesity, which is linked to poor health as well as elevated danger (Lanigan et al., 2019). Obesity has mostly been observed in society's most disadvantaged members. Excess weight in young kids and kids, in general, is the most prevalent disorder seen in many different countries. Every day, it gets worse, endangering the health of growing children and having an effect on their future. This poses a significant threat to the advancement of the nation since these kids will be the generation that governs it in the future. The state of one's health will have an impact on their thinking and working style, which will disrupt both their professional as well as their personal lives. The essay addresses the characteristics, consequences, required interventions, and prophylactic actions that can be performed to reduce disease prevalence and incidence in addition to teaching the families of the people about these issues.

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Main Body

The main "public health problem" that is identified in children is the increased rate of getting obsessed due to several factors. Childhood obesity is one of the major concerns among public health issues in the 21^st century. “In 2016, 124 million children and adolescents” ranging from the age of 5-19 years were observed to have suffered from obesity in the worldwide area, and 213 million children were overweight (Lanigan et al. 2019). Childhood obesity can lead to serious consequences like psychological issues, diabetes mellitus which is type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, "non-alcoholic fatty liver", hypertension, and coronary heart diseases. Recent studies have shown that obesity can be caused by “chronic calorie imbalance”, in taking more calories per day than required. Focusing on the age group of 5-11 years children are more prone to obesity as they become dependent on packet foods, readymade foods, and sedentary lifestyles in their busy schedule. The recent pandemic situation has shown in several studies that children are getting obsessed due to their actions of staying at home without having prior physical or mental activities, and addiction to fast foods.

The identified public health problem in children in the increase rate of obesity and kits related health issue. It challenges life expectancy and the good health. Childhood obesity is recognized by increased BMI above 95 percentiles of children, and it associated with poor health conditions and high risk (Lanigan et al., 2019). The epidemiological statistics reflect that “27% of boys and 20% of girls between 11 and 15 years aged” in England has been classed as obese. Additionally, “2 to 10 years age group, 15 % of boys and 8 % of girls” has been classed as obese (Statista, 2022). The data available depicts a frequent change in the rate of obesity in children. The occurrence of obesity has been predominantly found among deprived individuals in society.

Children's obesity is getting worse day by day. Recent studies have shown that children starting from the age of 11 years are getting more prone to develop polycystic ovarian syndrome or disease due to the condition of their obesity or overweight (Mears et al. 2020). As a result, the becomes more challenging for their life expectancy and good health. Childhood obesity is mainly identified by growing BMI ranging above 95% of children that are associated with poor health and heart conditions.

“The epidemiological statistics” focus and states that “20.7% among 6- to 11-year-olds” are suffering from obesity. “Obesity prevalence was 26.2% among Hispanic children, 24.8% among non-Hispanic Black children, 16.6% among non-Hispanic White children, and 9.0% among non-Hispanic Asian children” (Rudolf et al. 2019). The given data provided is true and also represents a frequent change in the rate with the growing population. However, there might be a lack of data for the instances, particularly for the given age group in England. “Childhood obesity in England, 10.1% of reception age children (age 4-5) were obese in 2021/22, with a further 12.1% being overweight. At age 10-11 (year 6), 23.4% were obese and 14.3% overweight” (Chester et al. 2021). “This information is gathered as part of the National Child Measurement Programme and published by NHS Digital”.

The key outcomes to control childhood obesity at an individual level can be done by maintaining a strict check on the regular diet of the children. Participating in certain mental and physical activities. At the population level, the local authorities are provided with over 16 billion dollars for spending on public health concerns. Over the last 5 years of the “2015 Spending Review" and are majorly responsible for the services of commissioners according to the need of the locals.

“Government obesity strategies” regarding obesity in UK fails to reduce obesity prevalence in England in previous 30 years. However, the weak policies' design displays failures in implementation (Mozaffarian, 2020). “Obesity and public health policy”, is an international policy that are currently in practice to reduction of obesity levels (Gov.UK, 2023). The statistics suggest that this policy facilitates the awareness on consuming the right number of calories. Others policies includes “European Common Agricultural Policy”, and “Tackling Obesity' Strategy” policy turn out to be effective that are currently in practice. It forecasts 50% significant reduction in “childhood obesity rate” and health inequalities by 2030. “Amsterdam Healthy Weight Approach” (AHWA) is the “Whole?systems approaches” (WSAs) that are well established to tackle the local environmental complex which influences obesity and overweight in children.

"Government obesity strategies" about the obesity conditions in the UK fails to lower the obesity condition in England in the "previous 30 years". However, the policies that are weak in structure and actions display failures in their implementation. “Obesity and public health policy”, is an “international policy” that is presently in practice for reducing the obesity level in England. The study states that this policy creates awareness of consuming the required amount of calorie intake. Other policies that are currently in practice include the "European Common Agricultural Policy", and "Tackling Obesity strategies". It is observed that the awareness is creating awareness and are providing results. It forecasts a 50% reduction in the rate of childhood obesity and inequalities in health by 2030 (Smith et al. 2020). “Amsterdam Healthy Weight Approach (AHWA) is the whole systems approaches that are well established to tackle the local environment complex which influences obesity and overweight in children”.

Understanding and critique of relevant social science concepts & theories like psychology & sociology in relation to Childhood obesity

The psychological issues that can be faced by any children due to their obesity can be complications socially and economically. They may experience bullying done by their fellow peers, experience teasing, which can lead to an "increased risk of anxiety and depression". Certain social perceptions are developed about an obsessed child who can ultimately harm the upbringing of the children. Although it remains unclear whether “psychiatric disorders and psychological problems are a cause or a consequence of childhood obesity or whether common factors promote both obesity and psychiatric disturbances in susceptible children and adolescents”. A strategic approach for tackling the present obesity epidemic is important to fight the trend which is increasing “compromising the health and well-being of the young generation and seriously impinging on resources and economic costs”.

In today's world, childhood obesity is a widespread issue, and the UK does indeed have a high prevalence of the disorder. Children in the UK develop bad eating habits as a result of family members who work overnight hours. As a consequence of kids' great desire to eat junk food, being overweight in kids tends to develop in kids at an early age. Further contributing to the growth in childhood obesity is the fact that the kids engage in fewer or no recreational recreation (Tee, Brandreth, Sauven, Clarke, & Frampton, 2021). Almost the majority of British youngsters have unhealthy eating patterns, which has increased the country's obesity statistics. Being overweight is presently a concern among British youngsters due to a lack of understanding among families. Adiposity has increased as a result of children's acceptance of unhealthy eating behaviours and the shortage of outdoor exercise (Mears, Brindley, Baxter, Maheswaran, & Jorgensen, 2020). The investigation has demonstrated that childhood obesity is extremely common, necessitating widespread awareness-raising among families. The risks of childhood obesity must also be made known to families in the United Kingdom (Burton, Twiddy, Sahota, Brown, & Bryant, 2019). Hence, one can reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity by increasing awareness in British society.

Any youngster who is obese may experience psychological problems, which can cause social and financial problems. They might be taunted or bullied by their peers, which increases their risk of developing anxiety and depression. Social stereotypes regarding a preoccupied child might ultimately affect the children's upbringing growth (Tee, Brandreth, Sauven, Clarke, & Frampton, 2021). But it remains an open question regardless of whether psychiatric conditions and psychological matters are a reason or not. Also, the question arises whether the consequence of preadolescence “overweight and obesity” or not as well as whether regular causes expand both “overweight and psychiatric abnormalities” in vulnerable youngsters and adolescents (Tee, Brandreth, Sauven, Clarke, & Frampton, 2021). To combat the phenomenon that is growing and endangering the health and well-being of the next generation while also having a significant negative impact on resources and prices, a strategic strategy for combating the obesity epidemic is crucial (Mears, Brindley, Baxter, Maheswaran, & Jorgensen, 2020). The primary "public health problem" found in youngsters is the rise in obsessional tendencies brought on by a variety of circumstances.

One of the most pressing challenges relating to public health in the twenty-first century is childhood obesity. From the ages of 5 to 11 years, "124 million children and adolescents" were found to have obesity in the global region in 2016, and 213 million individuals were found to be overweight. Serious repercussions from childhood obesity include psychiatric problems, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, "non-alcoholic fatty liver," hypertension, and coronary heart disease. Recent research has demonstrated that "chronic calorie imbalance," or consuming more calories each day than necessary, can contribute to obesity (Tee, Brandreth, Sauven, Clarke, & Frampton, 2021). Children between the ages of 5 and 11 are especially vulnerable to obesity because of their dependence on packaged foods, prepared meals, and sedentary lifestyles due to their hectic schedules. Much research on the contemporary pandemic condition has revealed that youngsters are becoming preoccupied as a result of their fast food addiction and homebound behaviour without any prior physical or mental activities (Giménez García-Conde, Marin, Ruiz de Maya, & Cuestas, 2020). Obesity among children is steadily worsening.

Recent research has indicated that children who are obese or overweight are more prone to developing polycystic ovarian syndrome or illness starting at the age of 11 years. As a result, maintaining their health and life expectancy becomes more difficult. The key indicator of childhood obesity is an increase in BMI above 95% in children, which is linked to poor disease and heart issues. The Sociological issues are connected with psychological issues that affect the Socio-economic aspects and Socio-cultural aspects too (Mears, Brindley, Baxter, Maheswaran, & Jorgensen, 2020). The major social reason issues are already mentioned as parents are seen having longhorn soft work. Income, housing, education level, having proper access to a particular space, sales, advertisement and unhealthy food availability are social factors (Tee, Brandreth, Sauven, Clarke, & Frampton, 2021). These issues increase the risk of childhood overweight and sophistry. The lack of adjustment and adaptation along with unemployment has a bigger role to play in not being able to mitigate the issues. Also, social competence is low as well, and having a bad lifestyle also leads to the kids getting exposed to unhealthy and wearing sources of food that affects their health.

Exploration of the implications for the future policy and practice

Throughout the past 30 years, "government obesity programmes" involving obesity throughout the UK have failed to lower the prevalence of obesity in England. Nonetheless, the practical flaws in the poor policies' design are evident (Mozaffarian, 2020). A contemporary international policy for lowering obesity levels is called "Obesity and Public Health Policy" (Gov.UK, 2023). According to the statistics, this strategy encourages people to be conscious of how many calories they should be ingesting. Other now in-use initiatives, such as the "European Union Agricultural Policy" and the "Tackling Obesity Plan," also prove to be successful. By 2030, it predicts that the "childhood obesity rate" and health disparities will have significantly decreased by 50%. The "Whole-systems approach" (WSA) known as the "Amsterdam Healthy Weight Approach" (AHWA) is well established for addressing the regional environmental complex that contributes to childhood obesity and overweight. By keeping a careful eye on the kids' regular diets, the important results to controlling childhood obesity at a personal level can be achieved. engaging in specific intellectual and physical pursuits (Mozaffarian, 2020). The local government receives more than 16 billion dollars to use on public health issues at the population level.

The "2015 Expenditure Review" is primarily accountable for the commissioners' services during the past five years in accordance with locals' needs. According to "the epidemiological data," 20.7% of 6- to 11-year-old children are obese. Children who were not Hispanic had an obesity prevalence of 26.2%, followed by non-Hispanic Black children at 24.8%, non-Hispanic White children at 16.6%, and non-Hispanic Asian children at 9.0% (Statista, 2022). The information supplied is accurate and reflects a regular change in rate due to the expanding population (Nimegeer, Patterson, & Hilton, 2019). It's possible that there isn't enough data on the cases, especially for the target age range in England. "Childhood obesity in England” in 2021/22, 12.1% of children in reception age (ages 4-5) were overweight and 10.1% were obese. Age 10–11 (year 6): 14.3% of children were overweight and 23.4% were obese (Gov.UK, 2023). The “National Measurement of Children Programme” collected this data, which NHS Digital has released. There are numerous pieces of advice that may be made to kids in the UK who are struggling with being overweight and obese.

Children's awareness is urgently needed right now because surfing affects both their family members who also surf and their health. Because these children will govern the country, the nation is concerned about their health (Mears, Brindley, Baxter, Maheswaran, & Jorgensen, 2020). Children's overweight and obesity have an impact on the social, political, economic, and environmental environments. The following tips and information for parents and children may help prevent or lessen childhood obesity and overweight. Due to the intense competition for money and jobs in today's culture, parents and families have started to treat their children with neglect (Cockerham, 2022). In order to combat poverty, parents have focused on the high-income race. So, it is believed that poverty is to blame for parents providing inadequate care for their children. Obesity affects both children and adults and is the most common disorder in the world (Lanigan, Tee, & Brandreth, 2019). It is getting more severe by the day, which could be detrimental to everyone else's future, but especially to growing children. This poses a significant threat to the advancement of the nation since these kids will be the generation that governs it in the future.

The state of one's health will have an impact on their thinking and working style, which will disrupt both their work and personal life. Together with frequent physical activity and exercises, healthy eating and dietary programmes should be followed (Rudolf et al., 2019). The majority of the time, children avoid this, but if parents find creative ways to provide nutritious meals for their children, obesity and overweight may be less common (Heslehurst et al., 2019). To lower the danger of health problems brought on by obesity and overweight, changing one's regular way of life and habits is quite essential. To foster the development of the child's understanding of the value of good health and the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle on health, appropriate health management programmes should be attended. The kids should be given specialised meals for greater growth. It is advised for children with serious health conditions to take weight-reduction medications.

It is also advised that many children who are obese use certain weight-loss equipment. Children who struggle with obesity require psychological care to recover from their condition (Burton, Twiddy, Sahota, Brown, & Bryant, 2019). The family-based theory aids in the treatment of children with overweight problems. Interaction with them in this situation enables the healthcare provider to better understand how the children are feeling, assess their condition, and advise them on the necessary dietary modifications (Baker, Brookes, Atanasova, & Flint, 2020). These recommendations are also the future scope of this essay and research (Scott & Vallen, 2019). The policies that are mentioned are followed based on which the rate of obesity can be controlled.

Conclusion

The essay summarises the prevalence of childhood obesity in the UK. The chapter discusses how parents in the UK are becoming more aware of the dangers of childhood obesity. The section also develops plans to combat obesity in children in the UK. The facts cited above show that there is an increase in childhood obesity in the UK. A child's poor eating habits as well as a dearth of outdoor adventure contribute to childhood obesity. Currently, the obesity epidemic is viewed as a severe problem throughout the UK. Families of children who work long hours have individuals who have poor eating habits as a result. Children are very likely to grow obese due to carelessness, poor eating habits, and a lack of activity. Families must be made more conscious of the need to alter their eating habits and give young children's meals additional nutrient-dense meals. Hence, community awareness initiatives must be launched right away by the UK's governing organisations to tackle the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. The study highlights the rationale and contexts where the issues of obesity are based on age, gender, area etc. The study focused on psychological and socialist theories in relation to obesity. In addition to this, policy context is also mentored that discusses the legal framework.

Reference

Journals

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• Burton, W., Twiddy, M., Sahota, P., Brown, J., & Bryant, M. (2019). Participant engagement with a UK community-based preschool childhood obesity prevention programme: a focused ethnography study. BMC Public Health, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7410-0
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• Giménez Garcia-Conde, M., Marin, L., Ruiz de Maya, S., & Cuestas, P. J. (2020). Parental Attitudes to Childhood Overweight: The Multiple Paths through Healthy Eating, Screen Use, and Sleeping Time. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), 7885. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217885
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• Mears, M., Brindley, P., Baxter, I., Maheswaran, R., & Jorgensen, A. (2020). Neighborhood greenspace influences on childhood obesity in Sheffield, UK. Pediatric Obesity, 15(7), e12629.Retrieved on 13^th march, 2023. From: https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/157132/14/PO_manuscript_revisions_final.pdf
• Mozaffarian, D. (2020). Dietary and policy priorities to reduce the global crises of obesity and diabetes. Nature Food, 1(1), 38–50. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-019-0013-1
• Nimegeer, A., Patterson, C., & Hilton, S. (2019). Media framing of childhood obesity: a content analysis of UK newspapers from 1996 to 2014. BMJ Open, 9(4), e025646. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025646
• Rudolf, M., Perera, R., Swanston, D., Burberry, J., Roberts, K., & Jebb, S. (2019). Observational analysis of disparities in obesity in children in the UK: Has Leeds bucked the trend? Pediatric Obesity, 14(9), e12529. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpo.12529
• Rudolf, M., Perera, R., Swanston, D., Burberry, J., Roberts, K., & Jebb, S. (2019). Observational analysis of disparities in obesity in children in the UK: Has Leeds bucked the trend? Pediatric obesity, 14(9), e12529.Retrieved on 13^th march, 2023. From: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ijpo.12529
• Scott, M. L., & Vallen, B. (2019). Expanding the Lens of Food Well-Being: An Examination of Contemporary Marketing, Policy, and Practice with an Eye on the Future. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 38(2), 127–135. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743915619831647
• Smith, J. D., Fu, E., & Kobayashi, M. A. (2020). Prevention and management of childhood obesity and its psychological and health comorbidities. Annual review of clinical psychology, 16, 351-378.Retrieved on 13^th march, 2023. From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7259820/?msclkid=01d79ee8cbaf11ec9a5cecd40703aa74
• Tee, L. P., Brandreth, R. A., Sauven, N., Clarke, L., & Frampton, I. (2021). Successful outcomes in childrens specialist weight management: Impact assessment of a novel early years weight management programme. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 34(5), 819–826. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12872

Websites

• Gov.UK, 2023. Tackling obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives. Retrieved on: 13 March 2023, Retrieved from:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tackling-obesity-government-strategy/tackling-obesity-empowering-adults-and-children-to-live-healthier-lives
• Statista, 2022. Obesity prevalence among individuals in England from 2000 to 2021, by gender. Retrieved on: 13 March 2023, Retrieved from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/334126/obesity-prevalence-by-gender-in-england-uk/