Final Report

Obesity

Weltee Wolo

Rasmussen College

Author Note

This paper is being submitted on December 02, 2017 Nichole Crais’s

Epidemiology H430/HSC4500 course

Obesity refers to a health condition whereby one accumulates excessive body fat such that their health is impaired. Over the years, there has been an increased prevalence of obesity, with the rate tripling between 1975 and 2016 (ACS, 2017). Obesity is caused by an unhealthy diet that is accompanied by minimal physical activity.

There have been various approaches geared towards preventing and controlling obesity. Among these is formulation of policies and programs to promote healthy diet and supporting regular physical activities. This is because systems play an essential role in driving social and environmental changes necessary to reduce the rate of obesity (ACS, 2017). This can involve restricting marketing of unhealthy food to people, especially children, imposing high taxes and levies on these foods and ensuring that the school food that is served to children is healthy and balanced.

It is essential for policymakers to consider how the environment can be altered to facilitate high levels of physical activity (WHO, 2017). This should involve planting more trees and building more recreational facilities where people can engage in physical activity.

Healthcare providers also play a big part in controlling obesity. It is their role to ensure that the masses are educated on how to take care of one’s health (WHO, 2017). Also, they should provide healthy environments for visitors, patients, and staff at health facilities. Cafeterias in health facilities should provide healthy choices for the customers. Also, health care providers should ensure that available health insurance plans effectively cover the cost associated with preventing and treating obesity (ACS, 2017). Also, they should make sure that patients measure their body mass index frequently and provide counseling to the patients on how to inculcate healthy diet and physical activity in their daily lives. In conclusion, preventing and controlling obesity in the USA is a collective responsibility that should involve the government, health care providers, and individuals.

References

American Cancer Society- ACS. (2017). Excess body weight: A major health issue in America. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/diet-physical-activity/body-weight-and-cancer-risk/health-issues.html

World Health Organization- WHO (2017). Obesity and overweight. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/