Obesity and the Health Belief Model

Paper Summary:

This research explores the issue of obesity, specifically as it impacts high risk groups such as pre-adolescent children, sedentary women and the elderly or infirm. The theoretical framework for this examination is the health belief model (HBM), which is designated as a mode to altering individual health beliefs and, consequently, altering individual health behaviors. The paper uses the health belief model as the assumptive basis for the idea that intervention with obesity can be accomplished through its application. By addressing first the implications to the health of obesity, as well as some of its core causes, it endeavors to consider the ways in which the health belief model can be applied to the specific demographics in order to yield positive intervention outcomes toward the prevention, reduction or reversal of obesity.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Research Problem
Theoretical Framework
Methodology
Findings
Recommendations
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The culture of the United States, which embraces expediency, convenience and affordability above all else, has rendered us a nation addicted to fast-food and counter-nutritional excess. Contrarily, we are also obsessed with glamour and beauty which manifests in a nation that is dually addicted to dietary methods and eating disorders. This is a complicated morass of socially implanted values which begins early in individuals. Apparently in concert with these tendencies in our cultural outlook, our nation's children are evermore susceptible to pre-adolescent obesity or some form of eating disorder either to excess or to insufficiency. In addition to these decidedly negative trends, a rise in the predominance of sedentary forms of activity such as video-games, internet use and television intake have had a contributory factor to both obesity and the initiation of lifelong trends of detrimental health behavior. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• AHRQ. (2002). Physical Activity and Older Americans: Benefits and Strategies. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Centers for Disease Control. Online at http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/activity.htm
• American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2008). Native American Diabetes Resources. Online at http://vltakaliseji.tripod.com/Vtlakaliseji/id2.html
• American Heart Association (AHA). (2008). Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs. Americanheart.org.
• American Sports Data. (2006). Current Issues in Youth Sports. Complete Sports Participation Library. Online at http://www.americansportsdata.com/pr-youthsports.asp.
• BBC. (2003). Sedentary Women Risking Health. BBC News. Online at < http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2796475.stm>.

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