Obesity is a contributing factor in heart disease, diabetes, and has even been
linked to an increased likelihood of certain cancers. Cottum and Anderson (2008) state “It
is estimated that 280,000 excess deaths in the United States annually can be attributed to
obesity and morbid obesity when compared to cohorts who have normal BMI” (p. 480).
When the health issues that come along with obesity are considered along with the
amount of people dying in America because of this preventable condition, it is plain to
see that something must be done. Fortunately, through a combination of nutritional
education, psychological care, and plenty …show more content…
However, if the entire family is not supportive in this endeavor, the changes fostered by public programs will not likely succeed long-term.
In addition to educating children, it is important that adults are educated in the same topics. Many obese persons simply do not know the basics of healthy eating, which is why all adults should receive education about subjects such as proper …show more content…
More importantly, adults need to be made aware of support services that are available to them in order to learn how to participate in a healthier lifestyle. Keenan (2008) describes a program called the Expanded
Food and Nutritional Program or EFNP. The EFNP is a federally funded program which is targeted towards low income families and provides not only standard nutritional information, but how to effectively utilize resources to help families save money. (p. 249-
250) With more programs like the EFNP to teach families to plan and prepare a weeks’ worth of meals at a time, along with proper food storage and even basic gardening,
America will be off to a great start.
Beyond education, there must also be a source of pyschological support. In the
case of the morbidly obese, food addiction is often the main issue. In instances of
addiction or anxiety cognative and behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incredibly helpful
provided the patient is an active participant.
According to Shapiro, Raney, and Bulik
linked to an increased likelihood of certain cancers. Cottum and Anderson (2008) state “It
is estimated that 280,000 excess deaths in the United States annually can be attributed to
obesity and morbid obesity when compared to cohorts who have normal BMI” (p. 480).
When the health issues that come along with obesity are considered along with the
amount of people dying in America because of this preventable condition, it is plain to
see that something must be done. Fortunately, through a combination of nutritional
education, psychological care, and plenty …show more content…
However, if the entire family is not supportive in this endeavor, the changes fostered by public programs will not likely succeed long-term.
In addition to educating children, it is important that adults are educated in the same topics. Many obese persons simply do not know the basics of healthy eating, which is why all adults should receive education about subjects such as proper …show more content…
More importantly, adults need to be made aware of support services that are available to them in order to learn how to participate in a healthier lifestyle. Keenan (2008) describes a program called the Expanded
Food and Nutritional Program or EFNP. The EFNP is a federally funded program which is targeted towards low income families and provides not only standard nutritional information, but how to effectively utilize resources to help families save money. (p. 249-
250) With more programs like the EFNP to teach families to plan and prepare a weeks’ worth of meals at a time, along with proper food storage and even basic gardening,
America will be off to a great start.
Beyond education, there must also be a source of pyschological support. In the
case of the morbidly obese, food addiction is often the main issue. In instances of
addiction or anxiety cognative and behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incredibly helpful
provided the patient is an active participant.
According to Shapiro, Raney, and Bulik