Obesity among the children and the adults is the major health concerns in the developed and the developing countries. Preventing childhood obesity and overweight is a major public health issue and challenge. Overweight and obesity has been known to have a negative impact on children and adolescent health and wellness. Additionally, there is ample evidence of linkage between obesity and chronic disease. There is increased economic cost of obesity management. The lack of physical activity and poor choice of diet, such as consumption of high dense food and fluid are crucial factors responsible for developing obesity. Recent evidence shows that young children in the United States of America watch more than recommended 2 hours of television and
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The following ecological model of health promotion should be implemented in preventing obesity among children and adolescent:
1) Intrapersonal factor:
Intervention strategies at this level should focus on educating an individual through educational programs and peer counseling. Education program should focus on importance of exercise in overall health and wellbeing. Peer nutritional training, focusing on education about healthy choice of foods, is another approach at interpersonal level. Counseling and training should use the language judiciously to avoid victim-blaming theory.
2) Interpersonal level:
The children should be encouraged to play with peer during the school breaks and even after the schools hours. Motivation to participate in physical activity with friends can have positive influence on behavior. Even parents should be educated about the importance of exercise for well being, so that they can provide social support to a child. Walking or bicycling to school should be encouraged. The limitation with biking and walking intervention is that community or neighborhood should be safe for walking. An increase in criminal activity will obviate parents in encouraging their children in walking and biking …show more content…
The schools, which are successfully implementing physical activity program and have achieved the fitness goal, should be publicly recognized and rewarded. States should focus on “safe routes to school” policy. City should develop adequate infrastructure for bikers. All the aforementioned policy requires funding from federal and state government. During economic downturn, the priorities of government changes and the funding for this program can get affected, limiting the resources for the school to implement necessary physical activity and healthy nutrition
The following ecological model of health promotion should be implemented in preventing obesity among children and adolescent:
1) Intrapersonal factor:
Intervention strategies at this level should focus on educating an individual through educational programs and peer counseling. Education program should focus on importance of exercise in overall health and wellbeing. Peer nutritional training, focusing on education about healthy choice of foods, is another approach at interpersonal level. Counseling and training should use the language judiciously to avoid victim-blaming theory.
2) Interpersonal level:
The children should be encouraged to play with peer during the school breaks and even after the schools hours. Motivation to participate in physical activity with friends can have positive influence on behavior. Even parents should be educated about the importance of exercise for well being, so that they can provide social support to a child. Walking or bicycling to school should be encouraged. The limitation with biking and walking intervention is that community or neighborhood should be safe for walking. An increase in criminal activity will obviate parents in encouraging their children in walking and biking …show more content…
The schools, which are successfully implementing physical activity program and have achieved the fitness goal, should be publicly recognized and rewarded. States should focus on “safe routes to school” policy. City should develop adequate infrastructure for bikers. All the aforementioned policy requires funding from federal and state government. During economic downturn, the priorities of government changes and the funding for this program can get affected, limiting the resources for the school to implement necessary physical activity and healthy nutrition