childhood obesity
Annotated Bibliographies
The article discusses both the psychological factors that lead to and come out of childhood obesity. The authors summarize extensive findings regarding these two scenarios from numerous other scientific sources. Genes play a role in developing childhood obesity, but environmental sources also play a large factor too. Children who are rewarded with food often look forward to eating, which can lead to obesity (Kalra, 12). In addition, having obese parents also increases the likelihood that a child will also be obese, but will also receive more weight-based criticism, according to the article. In becoming obese, other psychological factors may result. Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and low self-esteem are common results of childhood obesity, due to teasing and ridicule from both peers and family. One of the most poignant quotes of the article is, “With rising prevalence, we need to focus on the holistic management of pediatric obesity without neglecting developmental factors and psychological issues that may play a crucial role in its pathogenesis” (Kalra, 11-12). It sets the premise for the entire article, by issuing the claim that childhood obesity is not just a physical ailment, but it also has deep psychological effects as well.
The article is a reliable source of information because it is current and published in a well-established academic journal, authored by multiple psychiatrists. The article also cites countless other journals and articles to draw on their research, so the information has a solid backing as well. The article is a very accurate summary of the psychological factors involved with pediatric obesity, and it provides a concise form of information. While I don’t yet have a solidified topic in mind for my final project, I will definitely keep this article in mind as a good source of information as I continue my research.
Kalra, G., De Sousa, A., Sonavane, S., & Shah, N. (2013). Psychological issues in pediatric obesity. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 21(1), 11-17.
The article addresses a study conducted that examined how the wording and situational influences surrounding an obesity campaign affect people’s opinions on the matter and how strongly they recommend finding a solution to the problem. Groups of people were presented with eleven different messages that encouraged government action to reduce childhood obesity, and were asked whether they supported the government involvement based on the message they were shown. The results of the study showed that yes, the way that the issue is framed does make a great deal of difference. The most effective focus of the campaign, across all political views, was a campaign focused on the negative health effects of childhood obesity. Among ideologies, conservatives most identified with a message discussing military readiness, moderates with bullying, and liberals with health care costs (Gollust, e96). Therefore, framing the issue of childhood obesity in a variety of different ways could help increase public support for intervention.The importance of the article’s findings is summarized in this quote: “This research suggests that messages that contextualize obesity in broader societal terms – the responsibility of schools, communities, the food and beverage industry, and the government, not just children and parents – may be effecting in increasing public support for, and consequently the political feasibility of, obesity policies such as soda taxes and stronger food marketing regulations that experts consider critical for public health improvement.” This aptly concludes why this framing issue is so crucial: it helps the people usually resistant to enacting programs to fight childhood obesity see why it’s so important. Since the article was published in a well-established public health journal, the information presented can be considered reliable. In addition, the article featured three separate experimenters and writers, which limits the effect of bias in the experiment and allows for greater collaboration. Finally, the article was peer edited, which suggests that it received multiple rounds of criticism and corrections before it was deemed acceptable for publication.This article is a great example of how the way a question is phrased or the aim at which a campaign takes can have a huge impact on the way it is perceived. The varying messages all appealed differently to the varying ideological groups, and certain messages had a larger impact on a group typically not in favor of government involvement. This proves that the best way to raise awareness about childhood obesity and garner support for its prevention is by showing all of the different costs associated with the problem, not just one. This article is definitely helpful for my final project, since I am trying to determine how to best prevent childhood obesity in the future.
Gollust, S. E., Niederdeppe, J., & Barry, C. L. (2013). Framing the Consequences ofChildhood Obesity to Increase Public Support for Obesity Prevention Policy.American Journal of Public Health, 103(11), e96-e102.
Interviews
Adria Meyer:
What’s causing the childhood obesity epidemic?
There are a lot of things: genetics, environment, poor diet, and lack of physical education are just a few. The trend starts before a child is even born – obese parents typically have obese children. Another problem is that fat cells have memory: they don’t go away, they just shrink. Normally, children have 25 billion fat cells, but in obese children, it can be as high as 150 billion cells, which explains why future weight loss can be so difficult.
That’s definitely a whole lot of factors – it’s amazing that so many things can contribute to this epidemic. Of course, that also makes its prevention difficult, considering there are so many influencing factors.
Are there certain groups more susceptible to childhood obesity?
Yes, definitely. Poverty and food insecurity definitely compound the cycle, and obesity and undernourishment come in a vicious cycle. It’s estimated that poverty costs 22 billion in healthcare costs annually. In addition, the increase in costs of fruits and vegetables and the decrease in costs of processes foods make unhealthy foods more accessible. Another issue is the large amount of time spent in school without activity.
Poverty is not something I would originally have associated with obesity, but when looking at the facts, the correlation really does look obvious. So clearly, obesity isn’t an independent problem, but rather fully connected with others. I definitely sympathize with the large amounts of time spent in school – the excessive time spent sitting in a desk makes me feel sluggish and exhausted.
What short-term health effects does childhood obesity have?
Some of the most common are a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (70% of obese kids have at least one risk factor), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, joint and bone problems (children are having knee replacements due to obesity!), and sleep apnea.
Wow, that’s a lot of issues! The most shocking thing to me is the knee replacements – I’ve never pictured those as happening to children.
What about long-term health effects?
Obese kids more likely to be obese adults, which puts them at risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, and osteoarthritis.
Those are definitely some serious issues – who knew that childhood obesity could have such a profound effect later on in life.
Are their any psychological effects associated with childhood obesity?
Definitely. Obese kids are often bullied and stigmatized, which leads to poor self esteem, depression, and preoccupation with body image. It can even be associated with the pressure among middle and high-schoolers to be thin, which can lead to binge eating and a higher risk level from eating disorders to other dangerous weight control methods, like diet pills and laxatives.
I’m actually shocked to hear that obesity can be tied back to eating disorders, given that they are on opposite ends of the bodyweight spectrum, but there are definitely clear signs to show the relationship.
What about social implications?
Obesity can lead to bullying, difficulties, social isolation, and even a lower likelihood to develop a romantic relationship.
Bullying was something I already knew, but wow, it actually limits romantic relationships? That’s crazy!
What is being done to reduce the problem by the government (federal, state, local)?
It’s a wide variety of things, really. Schools are using fitness assessments, National Clinical Guidelines, and nutritional guidelines on food. In addition, there’s been an increase in walking and biking paths, as well as calorie labeling on menus. The federal government is also working to reduce to cost of fruits and vegetables, and even banning sodas and trans fats in certain places.
It’s good that the government is trying to help. While I do think the banning of sodas and trans fats is a bit too much because it starts to infringe on citizens’ rights, I do think they’re making a step in the right direction.
What is being done by private institutions?
In general, private institutions are providing school and community programs, marketing campaigns, corporate wellness programs, motivational interviewing, discounted insurance for health inspections, and increasing access to healthy foods and parent information.
It’s great that even the private sector is getting involved too – that’s bound to help make a difference.
How do you suggest the problem be reduced?
Ultimately, the goal needs to be focused on the bigger picture. Obesity is one symptom of a bigger epidemic: students need better food and more physical activity. The program needs to combine prevention and intervention – schools can play a big part by creating policies and practices to promote healthy behaviors. The World Health Organization defines health as complete physical, mental, and social well being, so the program should focus on mental and social as well. In addition, physicians, schools, and parents need to use consistent messaging, so that we can focus on healthy objectives and educate children how food affects them on a unified front, and start at a young age.
That’s a great combination of ideas – I like that it focuses on mental and social health as well, which are just as important as physical health.
How would this suggestion be implemented?
Programs need to avoid focus on numbers and physical appearance, and instead promote body image and positive self-esteem. They should work with different skill levels and interests so that kids find their place and can continue the activity in the future. It should create a safe environment where kids can express themselves both emotionally and physically, and have healthy outlet. In addition, it’s children need to have good food choices in school in order to develop positive relationship with food.
I really like the openness of this idea, in that kids are urged to find something they love, and be healthy through their own way instead of being forced to exercise in a certain way. This interview has been so insightful, and I’m so happy I was given the opportunity to conduct it.
