Obesity is a major concern in the United States as the nation holds the number one position for the highest rates of obesity around the world. Approximately 43 million individuals suffer from obesity and from that population 16-18% include obese children . Obesity is associated with many serious health concerns, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and decreased life expectancy . These health consequences can impact a child at a young age and leave them with long-term health effects. Government and community organizations know of the growing epidemic and have designed programs to prevent and treat childhood obesity. While consumption of unhealthy food and decreased physical activity are components to children becoming
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The White House Task Force initiative led by first lady Michelle Obama is designed to cut child obesity rates by five percent by 2020 . Every two years the Center for Disease Control and Prevention records the rate. To achieve the goal, the plan made seventy exercise and nutritional recommendations for parents to model. The recommendations that the parents model is designed to increase the consumption of healthier foods and increase physical activity. The White House Task Force recommendations are published online and are accessible to anyone. Along with government organizations the community is also attempting to reduce childhood obesity. Local organizations like the YMCA recognize the importance of promoting childhood obesity prevention and awareness . The YMCA offers free yoga and weight lifting classes for children and times where children can exercise in the gym equipment under the supervision of a parent. Along with physical activity opportunities the YMCA also offers free nutrition counseling for families. These programs emphasize the importance of following nutritional guidelines and parents also learn about the health consequences of childhood obesity. The development of programs to promote childhood obesity and prevention have been established, now it is in the …show more content…
Family therapy is based in the health care system and is compensated by insurance. Family interventions for pediatric obesity are designed to change the behavior of both the parents and the child . These interventions are relevant because the program recognizes how parents play a role in shaping children 's health behaviors. Behavioral modification therapy is an example of a technique used by clinicians in family based intervention. Behavior modification is when undesirable behaviors are replaced with desirable ones through reinforcement. Behavioral therapy for childhood obesity involves setting specific and realistic goals that can be easily measured like walking for 20 minutes three times per week, developing a plan to reach those goals, and making small changes to promote a healthy lifestyle. By addressing children’s weight management as a lifestyle change rather than a short-term concern, the child will understand and continue to implement the changes in their life. A group of researchers studied thirteen families with at least one obese family member who participate in behavioral modification and therapy interventions to increase healthy habits and promote overall weight-loss . The study examined whether intervention for childhood obesity is more effective from a family based approach versus treating the child alone. Parents filled out questioners indicating their weight and their child’s weight
The White House Task Force initiative led by first lady Michelle Obama is designed to cut child obesity rates by five percent by 2020 . Every two years the Center for Disease Control and Prevention records the rate. To achieve the goal, the plan made seventy exercise and nutritional recommendations for parents to model. The recommendations that the parents model is designed to increase the consumption of healthier foods and increase physical activity. The White House Task Force recommendations are published online and are accessible to anyone. Along with government organizations the community is also attempting to reduce childhood obesity. Local organizations like the YMCA recognize the importance of promoting childhood obesity prevention and awareness . The YMCA offers free yoga and weight lifting classes for children and times where children can exercise in the gym equipment under the supervision of a parent. Along with physical activity opportunities the YMCA also offers free nutrition counseling for families. These programs emphasize the importance of following nutritional guidelines and parents also learn about the health consequences of childhood obesity. The development of programs to promote childhood obesity and prevention have been established, now it is in the …show more content…
Family therapy is based in the health care system and is compensated by insurance. Family interventions for pediatric obesity are designed to change the behavior of both the parents and the child . These interventions are relevant because the program recognizes how parents play a role in shaping children 's health behaviors. Behavioral modification therapy is an example of a technique used by clinicians in family based intervention. Behavior modification is when undesirable behaviors are replaced with desirable ones through reinforcement. Behavioral therapy for childhood obesity involves setting specific and realistic goals that can be easily measured like walking for 20 minutes three times per week, developing a plan to reach those goals, and making small changes to promote a healthy lifestyle. By addressing children’s weight management as a lifestyle change rather than a short-term concern, the child will understand and continue to implement the changes in their life. A group of researchers studied thirteen families with at least one obese family member who participate in behavioral modification and therapy interventions to increase healthy habits and promote overall weight-loss . The study examined whether intervention for childhood obesity is more effective from a family based approach versus treating the child alone. Parents filled out questioners indicating their weight and their child’s weight