Abstract This paper defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which, in most cases, means that the individual is about 30 pounds over their ideal weight. The author points out that a factor complicating the calculation of the cost of obesity to public health is that obesity engenders and is linked to a wide range of other diseases and ailments that also increase the cost to the public sector and health care in general. The paper concludes that alarm bells with regard to public and private health care and obesity have been ringing for some time now; however, this alarm has risen to a new and more strident level by the increasing number of children and adolescents who now are overweight or obese.
Table of Contents
The Extent of the Problem
Obesity: Definition and Causes
Related illness
Public Health
Conclusion
From the Paper "Obesity has a concomitant affect on an individual's overall health and can subsequently be connected to other illness and ailments and is also an exacerbating factor in many common diseases. "As obesity rates continue to grow at epidemic proportions in this country, the net effect will be dramatic increases in related chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease." Obesity also has an effect on many common illnesses such as diabetes, particularly type-2 diabetes. This form of diabetes is usually diagnosed in patients over 40 years of age and is caused by the body's inability to process insulin correctly. This form of diabetes is directly linked to obesity and physical inactivity."
Abstract This paper proposes a study to look at women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 24 (clinical definition of obesity per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and see if their rate of breast cancer is higher than for those women with a breast cancer who are within normal weight standards. The study is to be done via a records review and personal interview when possible and it is hypothesized that those women who have a greater BMI will have a greater risk of breast cancer, regardless of tumor type, ethnicity and other lifestyle factors.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Review of Literature
Research Question/Hypothesis
Methods and Procedures
Exclusion Criteria
Selection
Summary
Appendix A: Informed Consent Form
From the Paper "Breast cancer is a significant health issue for women world over. The older a woman gets, the more likely she is to develop breast cancer. When women are aware of the risk factors, they are able to reduce their risk of the disease. Women are often times unaware of issues surrounding absolute and relative risk factors. For example, smoking increases a woman's relative risk of breast cancer by 32%. All any woman must do to reduce this risk is to discontinue smoking. Yet many women are not aware that by losing weight, they may be able to reduce their risk of breast cancer. Better yet, most studies seem to support doing your best not to gain weight at all. "
Abstract This paper argues that a national obesity campaign, which focuses on education and the knowledge of eating well and maintaining a healthy level of physical fitness, is essential for the health and well-being of all people in this nation. The author stresses that this campaign must start in the classrooms, teaching children about the harmful effects of obesity, and continues at home and among adults, who set examples for children. The paper emphasizes that this program will not focus on achieving a certain standard of thinness, but will highlight the importance of behavioral modification as an essential component of healthy living.
From the Paper "Many people that are already obese have a distorted body image and are often depressed. However a large body of evidence supports the idea that a comprehensive national plan that educates and also addresses the behavioral patterns of obese individuals will help combat negative self imagery and in fact, reverse negative self images. It is in fact, possible to replace negative images of oneself with positive ones when a comprehensive obesity strategy is utilized, one that emphasizes positive aspects of healthy weight maintenance, not the negative aspects of overeating."
Abstract This paper states that the problem of obesity in the African-American population has been a topic of some analytical import in extant research and literature, but there is little agreement about the actual causes of this problem and the proper ways in which to approach it. The author points out that one objective is to explore the link between high rates of obesity and high rates of Type 2 diabetes in the African-American population generally, seeking to explore this link in detail and assay solutions that deal with an individual's insulin levels and levels of insulin resistance by population. The paper relates that the selected hypothesis is that a useful way of targeting and reducing the prevalence of obesity in African-Americans is to look at the problem from a perspective of community-based solutions, which can be applied in terms of empowering change at the sociocultural level.
Table of Contents
Definition of Problem and Clarification of Objectives Definition of Nature, Extent, Significance
Framing of Questions
Statement and Clarification of Objectives Explanation of Terms
BMI Type 2 Diabetes
VAT- Visceral Adipose Tissue
Super Obese
Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Rate
Statistical Collaboration
Appraisal of Existing Information on the Subject Search of Literature
Classification and Organization of Information Critical Appraisal of Information
Disclosure of Gaps in Knowledge
Formulation of Hypothesis
Important Questions Needing Study and Formulation of Hypothesis
Consideration of Needs, Interests, Resources Selection of Hypothesis
From the Paper "In terms of gender-related statistics, obesity is a problem that seems to affect African-American women more than African-American men, based on extant statistics on the problem and the prevalence of this statement within literature ranging from socio-cultural analysis to controlled experimental designs. Although African-American males also have comparatively high rates of obesity when compared to other demographic groups, it is African-American women who have a higher rate of obesity than men. As one article stressing the report of the U.S. Surgeon General states, "Among Blacks, nearly 70 percent of Black women are overweight or obese, compared to 58 percent of Black men. Lower-income families also tend to be heavier than more affluent ones, since sometimes the most fattening foods are the cheapest," Satcher revealed."
This paper is a complete research project including an extensive bibliography, studying the relationship of body image and self-esteem of girls and boys, ages 9 and 10, from Glasgow, England.
Abstract This paper explains that the intention of this study was to determine how early in their lives children, especially girls, are influenced by the media concerning their body image;and if that influence has any profound or pronounced effect, if the exposure begins during the pre-pubescent period. The author used (1) a self-assessment questionnaire of girls and boys, ages 9 and 10, from two different schools administered by the classroom teacher during regular class sections coupled with (2) the teacher's assessment of the child's self-esteem. This paper concludes that, more significantly with girls than with boys, weight and body image are inextricably linked as early as age nine with children already incorporated concerns of attractiveness as powerful indicators of how these children evaluate their own self-esteem. Tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Media influence
Other Influences on Body Image and Self-Esteem in Girls
Taking Objectification a Step Further
The Effect of Body Image in Adolescence
Factors Suggesting the Need for Child-Centred Body-Image/Self-Esteem Studies
Rationale
Hypotheses
Methods
Social Comparisons to Models and Peers
Body Image Satisfaction
Body Mass Index
Results
Relationships between Body Dissatisfaction and Reported Social Comparison
Correlations Between Body Dissatisfaction and Social Comparisons to Models and Peers by Gender
Multiple Regressions of Body Dissatisfaction on BMI, Grade, and
Attractiveness Attributes by Gender
Means and Standard Deviations for Social Comparison to Models and Same-Sex Peers by Gender
Teacher Assessments of Self-Esteem
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Because of the ages of the children in the study, it was decided that the best way to assess self-esteem would be to interview the teachers of the children concerning which children suffered from low self-esteem, and then correlate their answers with those of the children. An almost 100 percent correlation was found among girls between higher weights and low self-esteem. For boys, the correlation between body shape was stronger than the correlation with weight per se. It is easy to conclude, therefore, that "Whether or not they are too heavy, females who see themselves as overweight show decreased satisfaction with their bodies, reduced levels of self-esteem, and lowered psychosocial well-being, as compared with males, in general, and with females who do not consider themselves overweight.""
Abstract This article begins with a very difficult problem, the problem being the certainty as to what the differences between causes and effects in diabetes really are. Depression seems to be important in how diabetes develops and becomes worse. However, there are other things at work. The paper discusses how these factors are body mass index (BMI), adherence to diet and exercise, and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy refers to the control the person feels and how successful they might be. The problem is which factor is the most important.
Abstract This paper analyzes the ways that various populations differ in their ability to access food and if this affects their obesity rates. It then looks at how the abundance of readily available food in the United States, combined with a reduced need for physical activity, has led to an unprecedented percentage of people in its population who meet the criteria for either obesity or overweight. The paper specifically proposes to compare how children from economically and environmentally disadvantaged areas fare as adults when making food choices (having been exposed to good health practices as children), compared to peers who have not been exposed to good health practices at that same age.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Method
Participants
Measure/Instruments
Procedure
From the Paper "The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity by using the body mass index (BMI), which divides weight in kilograms/pounds by the square of the individual's height in metres/inches. Any individual with a BMI of between 25 and 30 was determined to be overweight, while individuals with a BMI over 30 were determined to be obese (Sanmartin et al., 2004, p. 8). Several causes exist for both obesity and overweight. These conditions can be caused through 1) overeating, 2) a surplus of the individual's daily intake of calories coming from poor nutritional sources, 3) a lack of exercise, or 4) any combination of these causes. This paper will not address overeating as a cause of obesity and overweight."
Abstract This paper explains that, if the trend continues at the current rate, nearly 34% of the U.S. children will be obese, which indicates that childhood obesity has become a nationwide epidemic. The author points out that the arrival of advanced electronic technology in the last thirty years, such as television, video games and the Internet, is now devouring time once spent doing physical activities, such as playing tag or basketball. The paper urges the federal government to take the leadership role by make the prevention of childhood obesity a top priority on the national health agenda, such as the past public safety movements. The author suggests that all levels of government coordinate programs that include nutritional education focusing on proper eating habits and physical activity training.
From the Paper "Many schools in America no longer offer physical education as part of their curriculum. A 2000 survey found that only 8 percent of elementary schools, 6.4 percent of middle schools, and 5.8 percent of high schools require daily physical education.. Schools should begin requiring daily physical activities. The Surgeon General recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children. By following recommended guidelines on physical activity, schools will be supporting the prevention of childhood obesity. The efforts of schools are just as important as the individual efforts at home."
This essay analyzes the problem of childhood obesity and includes a working definition of childhood obesity, a look at its causes and effects, and suggestions for solving the problem.
Abstract This essay focuses on the problem of childhood obesity and is based on a systems analysis approach to the problem. The author first defines the key terms that are involved in the problem of childhood obesity, and then determines how the problem as a whole can be dealt with. The author concludes that child obesity is a significant problem in modern society fortified by mass media, but that there must be more active familial responsibility in order to correct childhood obesity.
From the Paper "Although this is a systems analysis, the role of cause and effect cannot be overlooked. The problem of childhood obesity cannot be solved without looking at what might cause this problem. What are some of these causes? Many experts who study nutrition and diet have concluded that a big cause is today's culture. First, people want things quickly and done easily, as their time seems to be limited. As a result of this cause, parents give their children too much "fast food" and other types of prepackaged and prepared foods that are often highly unhealthy and filled with fats and cholesterol. The second cause is today's high-tech media, which gives many people, including children, a very "sedentary" or nonactive life style."
Tags: systems analysis, media BMI, health problems, key terms
Abstract This paper discusses the relatively new syndrome - juvenile type 2 diabetes. It describes the etiology, incidence and epidemiology of the disease. The paper then presents a research proposal analyzing the prevalence of risk factors for type 2 diabetes among a sample of middle school children in Bergen County. It specifically looks at the awareness of type 2 diabetes in children in Bergen County, its causes and how it can be prevented.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Insulin Resistance: Etiology
Incidence and Epidemiology
Research Questions
Hypothesis
Secondary Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis
Literature Review
Study Design
Data Collection
Theoretical basis of the study
Conclusion
From the Paper "Those who contract diabetes in childhood are more likely to contract coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular diseases in their adult lives (Baker, 2007). This disease's newfound prevalence has resulted in a name, cardiometabolic syndrome, which is gaining currency in new reports. A more recent study which followed up the results of the Sinha study found that early identification of cardiometabolic risks in children could result in earlier and more aggressive interventions to prevent progression to full-blown diabetes (Velasquez-Mieyer, 2007). Eisenmann et al found a relationship between "fatness and fitness" and insulin sensitivity amongst 7- to 9-year old children (Eisenmann, 2007). The study differentiated between obese and fit subjects, and found that those who were unfit (i.e. did not exercise often or enough) and obese had the worst fasting insulin results, while those who were in the 'normal' group had the best results. In the fat-fit groups, the values were intermediate. The authors concluded that exercise, with and without obesity, reduce chances of developing insulin resistance. A recent study published in JAMA demonstrated the effects of a weight management and exercise program on overweight children (Savoye, 2007). This randomized controlled trial followed 209 overweight children, aged 8 to 16 years of age. 135 participants completed a 6 month study, while 119 (53%) completed a 12-month study. Although the researchers established three arms (control, exercise and diet), they had to discontinue enrollment in the diet arm due to 'a high dropout rate.' The study measured reductions in BMI and concomitant insulin resistance, but the weight loss failure is indicative of the difficulty in changing eating behaviors amongst pre-teens and teens."
Reviews an article by M.T Cabio lu and Neyhan Ergene, 'Changes in Level of Serum Insulin, C-Peptide and Glucose after Electro-Acupuncture (EA) and Diet Therapy in Obese Women' from the 2006 "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine".
Abstract This paper explains that the problem, which the researcher M.T Cabio lu and Neyhan Ergene addressed in their article reported in "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine", was to determine whether electro-acupuncture (EA) had anything to do with weight loss as associated with C-peptide, glucose and serum insulin levels in women. The paper states that the researchers specifically did not address the theoretical framework for their study and indicates that, as the researchers believed would be the outcomes, there is a correlation between EA, diet restrictions, and weight loss as well as a correlation between EA and the blood markers for obesity.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Problem/Purpose
Literature Review
Study Framework or Theoretical Perspective
Research Objectives, Questions, and Hypotheses
List Attribute/Demographic Variables
Sample/Setting
Research Design
Measurement Methods and Tools
Procedures
Statistical Analysis
Researchers' Interpretation of the Findings
Generalization of the Findings
Implications of the Findings for Nursing
Suggestions for Further Study
From the Paper "For nursing, there are few implications for EA. Usually, this is performed by acupuncturists who are trained in this field. However, nurses could be trained to perform this and other weight loss treatments that are not as commonly seen in Western medicine, so that they could further benefit the people that they help on a daily basis.
"The researchers do indicate that further study should be undertaken, especially where diabetes is concerned."
Tags: affiliations epidemic, body mass index (BMI), groups markers
Abstract The paper explores the obesity epidemic through a comprehensive analysis of its development, as well as through a literature review pertaining to obesity and its controversial causes. The paper explores issues of self-esteem, abandonment issues, economics and prolonged psychological stress during formative years that can have contributed to the occurrence of obesity in adult women as well as in young girls. The paper then describes the findings of independent research regarding paternal abandonment between the ages of 6-19 and its effects on adult obesity in women. The paper includes the consent form, questionnaire, and raw data used by the study.
Outline:
Abstract Introduction Statement of Problem
Hypothesis
Review of Literature
Methodology
Findings
Conclusion
Limitations
Definitions of Terms
From the Paper "Obesity is a significant and current social and physical issue in the world today. (Anderson & Butcher, 2006, p. 19) It is particularly troubling in developed nations and is currently labeled and epidemic in the United States. Many people seek to find answers to the obesity question within the biological and physical spheres of study, blaming the entire situation of obesity on the poor eating habits and low level of physical activity of those who suffer from it. One area of obesity research that has been neglected is its connection to psychological factors. The psychology of obesity is a significant and demonstrative factor in the behaviors that cause obesity as well as in its manifestation, which has recently become increasingly youthful, with children as young as two-five showing early symptoms of obesity as well as a potential future of obesity into adulthood. (Anderson & Butcher, 2006, p. 19)"
Abstract This paper looks at the problem of obesity and presents details of a study with the hypothesis that college students who receive an educational nutrition booklet and teachings on the balance of caloric intake and exercise will have a significant gain in knowledge, over those students who receive an educational nutrition booklet and self study only. The paper provides a detailed literature review with a large number of studies that highlight the importance of both nutrition and exercise for maintaining a healthy body and averting obesity.
Outline:
Chapter 1
Definitions and Conceptualizations of Three Variables
Calorie (Energy Intake)
Exercise (Energy Expenditure)
Nutritional Knowledge
Chapter 2
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Literature Review
The Dilemma of Obesity
A Concise Description of BMI A Concise Description of Energy Balance
A Concise Description of Specific Dynamic Action
A Concise Description of Energy Consumption
Obesity Rates amongst Minority Ethnic Groups in America
Obesity and College Students
Origins of Obesity and the Urban/Suburban Environment
Efforts to Control Obesity
The Changed Preferences for Eating Food
The Different Accessibilities to Food and Exercise
Conclusion of Chapter 2
Chapter 3: Methodology
Hypothesis
From the Paper "More and more people are becoming victims of obesity. While on one hand, the precise causes of this disease are still unclear, the general conclusion most scientists have agreed upon is the disparity between the energy consumed and the energy used. This is to say, obesity occurs when individual lifestyles lead towards excessive food consumption and little to no energy-utilization activities. Zakus (1982) in his study pointed out that certain ailments, namely, Frohlich's, Klinefelter's, Praeder Willi, Klein-Levin, Lawrence Mood Biedl, and Mauriac syndromes, are the underlying causes of childhood obesity. However, these cases, he points out, occur in less than 5% of children (Zakus, 1982).
"Scientists have also explored the possibility of family genetics as a possible cause of obesity. A number of studies have examined the growth and development of twins in order to figure out this the obesity mystery. World Health Organization (1997) summarized a number of studies which pointed out that the approximately 25% to 40 % of BMI is genetic in nature (World Health Organization, 1997). Stunkard et al. (1990) pointed out that twins that have been raised apart have a BMI of 0.7 percent (BMI of 1 is considered to be perfect); this is slightly lower than the BMI of twins who have been raised jointly (Stunkard, 1990). In addition, Bouchard et al (1990) in his study used a sample of two twin-pairs. Both twin pairs had been subjected to overfeeding and it was assumed that the results would reveal gain in weight for both twin pairs. However, the results showed that the first twin-pair gained more weight than the second twin-pair (Bouchard et al, 1990). It is clear from the aforementioned studies that genetics play some role in weight gain. However, genetics do not change as drastically as the weight gain being witnessed amongst both children and adults all over the world. Therefore, while the study of genetics is important to explain certain obesity trends, variations in the energy balance (energy intake and energy used) has got to be the primary focus of researchers if they are to figure out the obesity mystery."
