Research Paper Undergraduate 2,985 words

Preventing Childhood Obesity in America: Causes & Strategies

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Abstract

This paper examines the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States, drawing on public health research, federal health agency data, and Institute of Medicine recommendations. It defines obesity and overweight using CDC BMI criteria, reviews health consequences including Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and psychosocial harm, and traces rising prevalence trends from the 1970s through 2000. The paper then outlines a comprehensive framework of evidence-based prevention strategies proposed by the Institute of Medicine for local governments, covering healthy food access, reduction of calorie-dense foods, increased physical activity, and public awareness campaigns. The role of collaborative research initiatives such as the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR) is also discussed.

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What makes this paper effective

It grounds its argument in authoritative sources — the CDC, Institute of Medicine, and peer-reviewed nursing and nutrition journals — lending credibility to each claim.
The paper moves logically from problem definition (epidemiology and health risks) to cause analysis (genetic and environmental factors) to actionable solutions (specific government strategies), giving it a clear persuasive arc.
The detailed enumeration of strategies and action steps demonstrates thorough engagement with policy literature, showing how abstract prevention goals translate into concrete local initiatives.

Key academic technique demonstrated

The paper effectively uses a multi-source synthesis strategy, weaving together clinical definitions, epidemiological trend data, and policy recommendations from different authors and institutions into a unified argument. Rather than simply summarizing one source, it builds a cumulative case that childhood obesity demands coordinated, multi-sector responses.

Structure breakdown

The paper opens with an introduction that establishes the scope and health consequences of childhood obesity, followed by definitional and epidemiological sections. A section on medical etiology bridges the problem framing to the solution sections. The bulk of the paper is devoted to a systematic, goal-by-goal breakdown of Institute of Medicine recommendations for local government, covering both nutrition and physical activity. A brief conclusion reinforces the urgency of coordinated action. This structure — problem, cause, solution — is well suited to a public health policy paper.

Introduction: The Childhood Obesity Crisis

Child obesity is a major public health problem in the United States, involving "multiple and interrelated factors associated with childhood overweight and obesity" (Berkowitz & Borchard, 2009). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe children as being at risk for overweight if they are above the 85th percentile body mass index (BMI), and defines childhood overweight as a BMI at or above the sex- and age-specific 95th percentile BMI cut points from the 2000 CDC Growth Charts (Berkowitz & Borchard, 2009).

Health problems associated with childhood obesity include Type II diabetes, an increased risk of elevated cholesterol, asthma, joint problems, depression, and anxiety. Physical and psychosocial effects of moderate to severe overweight can include hyperlipidemia, accelerated growth followed by stunting, early onset of puberty in females, obstructive sleep apnea, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome, and long-term damage to the cardiovascular system (Berkowitz & Borchard, 2009).

Myers and Vargas (2000) report that a 20-year epidemiologic Bogalusa Heart Study "identified that atherosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease in adults, has its origins in early childhood" (as cited in Berkowitz & Borchard, 2009). Overweight or obese students are more likely to experience decreased scholastic performance and absenteeism, increased rates of sadness, loneliness, and nervousness, as well as a greater likelihood of smoking and drinking alcohol compared to obese children whose self-esteem increased or remained unchanged (Berkowitz & Borchard, 2009). Factors that contribute to children being overweight or obese include race, ethnicity, parental knowledge and dietary habits, and environmental influences (Berkowitz & Borchard, 2009).

BF — Body Fat

BMI — Body Mass Index

Childhood obesity is defined by Dehghan, Akhtar-Danesh, and Merchant (2005) as "an excess of Body Fat (BF)."

Dehghan, Akhtar-Danesh, and Merchant (2005) document changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States beginning in 1973 and running through 2000, as summarized below.

Defining Obesity and Tracking Prevalence

USA — Changes in Obesity Prevalence (Selected Studies)

1973–1994 | Ages 5–24 | Bogalusa Study: Mean level increased 0.2 kg/yr; twofold increase in prevalence of obesity.

1971–1974 | Ages 6–19 | NHANES I: Relatively stable.

1976–1980 | Ages 6–19 | NHANES II: Relatively stable.

1988–1994 | Ages 6–19 | NHANES III: Doubled to 11%.

Obesity as a Medical Condition

1999–2000 | Ages 6–19 | NHANES IV: Increased by 4%.

Source: Dehghan, Akhtar-Danesh, and Merchant (2005)

While "the mechanism of obesity development is not fully understood, it is confirmed that obesity occurs when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. There are multiple etiologies for this imbalance, and the rising prevalence of obesity cannot be addressed by a single etiology" (Dehghan, Akhtar-Danesh, & Merchant, 2005). Genetic factors also influence a child's susceptibility to obesity. However, environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and cultural environment appear to play major roles in the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide.

In a small number of cases, childhood obesity results from genetic conditions such as leptin deficiency, or from medical causes such as hypothyroidism and growth hormone deficiency, or as a side effect of drugs such as steroids. Most of the time, however, personal lifestyle choices and cultural environment significantly influence obesity (Dehghan, Akhtar-Danesh, & Merchant, 2005).

3 Locked Sections · 1,910 words remaining

National Collaborative Efforts to Reverse the Epidemic · 210 words

"NCCOR launch and federal research coordination"

Local Government Strategies for Healthy Eating · 980 words

"Nine IOM strategies for improving children's nutrition"

Local Government Strategies for Physical Activity · 720 words

"Six IOM strategies to increase children's activity"

Conclusion

There is presently an epidemic of overweight and obesity among children in the United States, which requires that children's needs for healthy eating and physical exercise be addressed proactively so as to bring about a reduction in the number of overweight and obese children. This initiative is critically important for the psychological, physical, and mental well-being of children.

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Key Concepts in This Paper

Childhood Obesity BMI Standards Health Equity Local Government Policy Nutrition Access Physical Activity NCCOR Institute of Medicine Sedentary Behavior Dietary Guidelines