Childhood obesity in the United States

Childhood obesity in the United States and internationally has become a wide spread public health catastrophe. Over the years childhood obesity has increased at a rapid pace. This paper will show the results of the data collection method, the data analysis procedure, and the conclusion of how to apply the background and methodology of the research process with the problems in health care, and apply the emphasis on childhood obesity. Data Collection: The data collection method was appropriate for this study because children were involved and the research was based on previous studies already performed.

The collection method used was a reviewed and detailed “search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC, Academic Search Premier data bases was carried out for the time period 1999-2011” (Karnik & Kaneka, 2012, p. 1). Key words for this search were “calorie imbalance, childhood obesity, interventions, physical activity, and policy changing” (Karnik & Kaneka, 2012, p. 1). The subjects researched were children, the appropriate actions to be taken were parental consent and supervision; the identities of the children remained anonymous throughout the studies.

Based on the outcomes of the research, there was no harm or negativity to the children participating in the research project. The concealment of the children was the main concern for the study, this way the children would not undergo the prejudices and abuse for developing an overweight condition, eating an unhealthy diet, and not exercising. There was no communication of individual names, or identifying factor of the children researched. Data Analysis Procedure:

The provisions and procedures are appropriate for the type of study conducted and the results received from the research answered the hypothesis that the researchers were considering. The study was centered on preset criteria and questions. The qualitative data is based on numerical facts, which were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) according to Karnik & Kaneka (2012) the report stated the following: In the years 2007-2008 there were an estimated 16. 9% of adolescents and children aged in groups of 2-19 that were over weight.

The total number of childhood obesity cases for children in preschool between the ages of 2-5 for boys and girls increased from 5. 0% to 10% between the years of 1976-1980. In the years 2007-2008 childhood obesity increased from 6. 5% to 19. 6% in children who were 6-11 years old. With the data that was collected during the same time period for adolescents aged 12-19 years old obesity increased from 5. 0% to 18. 1% (Karnik & Kaneka, 2012, p. 2). The non-statistical methods of review and the studying of social phenomena have qualitative research concerned.

The research is appealing to a primary method in which subjects and groups appear through analysis of information gathered by techniques for example, case studies, observations, interviews, and videotapes. Samples are typically small and are often nominated intentionally. Descriptions must be detailed when they are of qualitative research and are the perspective of all research members as a way of examining certain problems and issues under study (McCroy, 2013). In this qualitative research the article consists of the information found in relation to genetics, behavior, environmental factors, and interventions.

Genetic factors may affect the metabolism, through altering fat, energy consumption, and energy disbursement. Hereditary traits may cause childhood obesity. Childhood obesity can be caused by behavioral issues. The food and drinks that children are ingesting cause more energy, and is not being used in the correct way. With the larger portions of food that children are eating which are high in glucose, and carbohydrates, the energy consumption is higher than the energy expenditure. This can lead to weight gain in children and cause childhood obesity (Karnik & Kaneka, 2012).

Children who are not physically active are prone to obesity. The energy that is gained needs to be properly balanced with the energy used (Karnik & Kaneka, 2012). There is a realization that many teens and children are absence of the necessary quantity of some physical activity; therefore the calories are not being used properly, which can lead to obesity. In Iran there was a mixed-methods study which went to prove that there is a shortage of safe places that has easy access for children to get the physical activity they need.

The inactive lifestyle may be caused because there are no facilities, for example, safe sidewalks, parks, and paths to ride bicycles on. The main barriers for these adolescents were the unsupportive families. It is seen that inactive lifestyles are a big part of childhood obesity. Children today spend a lot of time sitting and playing video games, watching television, and using their computers. Children tend to eat more goodies while they sit watching television and playing video games and are spending more and more time with no physical activity.

These developmental issues are a brutal cycle. Children are more prone to an inactive lifestyle because of watching television, consuming larger portions of food that are more energy-dense, and with a lack of physical activity, this has caused a rise in childhood obesity. Television advertisements show foods that are high in sugar; this leads children to make the wrong choices when it comes to eating healthy, and can lead to weight gain and childhood obesity. Environmental factors have a huge impact on children, school, home and the community is some of these influences.

Parents who interact with their children have a huge influence when it comes to their child’s food choices and can inspire them to live a healthier life style. A huge amount of children’s time is spent in school; schools can help to offer healthy food choices and more physical activity to help promote a healthier lifestyle. With the lack of availability and affordability of healthy food it can affect a child’s nutrition. Conclusion: The provisions and procedures are appropriate for the type of study conducted and the results received from the research answered the hypothesis that the researchers were considering.

The study was centered on preset criteria and questions. Childhood obesity can be resolved through prevention, education, and supportable interventions associated to living a healthy lifestyle with the proper nutrition habits and physical activity. Childhood obesity can be decreased with encouragement from the children’s parents. There needs to be an implementation of schools and governmental monitoring of the success or failure of the interventions. If interventions are not working then there should be a reevaluation of intervention to prevent childhood obesity.