Health, Economic and Social wellbeing Essay Sample

Introduction To Health, Economic and Social wellbeing of children and young people Essay

Obesity is delineated as a condition in which abnormal and excess fat gets accumulated in the body that lead to create varied serious health conditions. This is just not a cosmic concern it is more than this, it is a serious medical complexity which requires significant focus otherwise, this lead to create major issues for people who are experiencing it (Yates et al, 2020). In UK, cases of obesity are increasing on a greater note that requires specific attention, specifically in Liverpool. From the secondary sources it has been analysed that in Liverpool, prevalence of obesity in children [aged between 4-11 years] increased by 2.25 % to 2.56% in last year. Whereas, in young people [aged between 25-40] 65.3 % of individuals found to be obese (Obesity statistics in UK, 2023). There are varied factors that contribute in obesity, however people are not aware about this. Therefore, they have been experiencing major complexities that are proven life threatening for them. Health, economic and social well-being are the topmost causation of obesity that influences children and young people. (Ryan et al, 2018). The present assignment will be based on evaluating major determinants of health along with highlighting the link between individual, environment, health which gets influenced by socio-economic status of children and young people. The analyst will discuss the condition of obesity in Liverpool UK within determining the factors which are responsible for obesity. The essay will reflect upon the major determinations of health determined by Dahlgren-Whitehead rainbow model and accordingly link between different factors will be shown.

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Main Body

According to World Health Organisation health is determined a state under which an individual has effective physical, mental & social well-being and there is an absence of any kind of disease. As per the views of Rauber et al, (2021) health is directly linked with social environment, working conditions and living. However, the core focus of essay in on obesity and therefore, light would be shed on “health definition given by Body Mass Index”. In accordance with BMI (2019) definition of well-being depicts about an individual weight in Kilograms which is mainly divided from square of height (BMI, 2019) From past many years WHO's definition of health has made progress as it is articulating real facts. As stated by Haase et al, (2021) health is a holistic approach which consider entirety stability of physical, mental, social and spiritual state which expresses varied range of unique potentialities in environment under which an individual lives.

Harrington et al, (2019) revealed that, health inequalities create an unstructured pattern in society due to which many people cannot access it, unnecessary imbalanced distribution of healthcare facilities increases health related concerns. Author stated that, social determinants of health mainly underpin the differences that collectively comprised varied social and economic situations. This clearly shows that, social determinants are responsible for developing situations related to disparity (Bouchard and Pérusse, 2020). The model proposed by Göran Dahlgren and Margaret Whitehead in year 1991 specifically determines about the health inequalities based on multiple hierarchical level and it often suggests that, these determinants create greater impact on a person's health (Dahlgren-Whitehead rainbow model, 2023).

Figure 1- Dahlgren and Whitehead rainbow model (1991)

(Source-Dahlgren-Whitehead rainbow model, 2023)

Socioeconomic Disparities and Rising Childhood Obesity in Liverpool

Jensen, (2019) disclosed that, difference between rich and poor is the topmost factor that led to create unusual difference when it comes to receiving healthcare services. Therefore, in UK, government is consistently focusing on reviewing and introducing new initiatives that can lead to tackle the situation. In Liverpool, cases related to obesity have been increased and therefore, schools are focusing on adopting “Every Child Matters UK (2003) policy, the aim of this policy is to keep child safe and happy while implementing positive contribution in the economy (Every Child Matters, 2019). Backholer et al, (2020) opposed and stated, accountability of family is high and when they do not focus on children's health then, there is no sense of government policies. In Liverpool, cases of obesity are extreme whether it is in young people or children, there is a structured pattern developed in society and no one is focusing on maintaining healthy weight gain. With the passage of time, it has become more difficult for government to tackle the cases of obesity and they focuses on introducing new policy related to health and well being that carried out by different social workers and health visitors.

Evans et al, (2021) elucidated that, health of children and young people is the most important aspect as they are future of nation, negative impact on health directly lead to impact economic and social well-being of child and youngsters. In Liverpool, cases of obesity are rising and this is developing negative impact on the health. The figures that have been published by UK parliament in year 2018 from year 2015 shows that, there were 9.6% of the children who's aged between 4-5 found to be obese (Obesity policies in UK, 2020).

From past years there are varied controversies related to health & well-being of children and young people. The lack of social awareness regarding healthy lifestyle is one of the topmost determinants contributing in the case of obesity. Economic element involves income, employment, education and social policies. When families are well-educated and they are aware about the importance of being healthy then, this ultimately results into reducing cases of obesity (Chavez?Ugalde et al, 2021). However, lack of education contributes in developing negative influence on health. The consistent inequalities of health within lower socio-economic communities are contributing in creating negative impact on their well-being. Schwaller et al, (2021) disclosed that, life expectancy rate in Liverpool is relatively lower it is just 58. There is major deprived area in UK that need better healthcare.

Socioeconomic and Environmental Determinants of Childhood and Adult Obesity in Liverpool

Vinter et al, (2022) articulated about the health determinants of obesity in children and young people which are comprised with different factors such as- weight gain, eating habits, level of physical activities, genetics, taking certain medications. All of these factors are part of social and economic environment as stated in Dahlgren and Whitehead rainbow model, healthcare services and living & working condition impact the health of children and young people. Griffin et al, (2021) argued and stated that, genetics also plays viral role when it comes to obesity, many children get it from their parents and there is no relation to current environment. The major issue comprised with not taking any significant steps that lead to reduce the negative impacts on health. In Liverpool, families are not taking the accountability of their children. There is no reduction in calories then, how could a person maintain and gain healthy weight. Patterson and Rushton (2020) said that living and working conditions are responsible for youngsters as many people are doing job which requires long hours sitting due to this as well, they get obese. There is lack of steps towards being physical is creating major issues, there might be possibility that, they are part of such environment where physical activities are not prioritised. In July 2020, government specifically introduced new policy- Tackling Obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives (Obesity policies in UK, 2020). In accordance with Lonnie et al, (2023) promotion of high fat and calorie considering food was restricted with the aim of promoting healthy eating. The main aim of this policy was to encourage healthier eating so the cases of obesities can be reduced. The calories labelling was made essential in food products so accordingly foods can be restricted.

In the study conducted by Nutter et al, (2024) it has been witnessed that; in schools it was compulsory for children to eat healthy food and teachers were accountable to look upon this. The response of government towards obesity can be mainly seen between three different childhood obesity plan that was published in three different years 2016-2018 and 2019. Afterwards, in 2020, there was strategy of calorie reduction implemented (Obesity policies in UK, 2020). EDITION (2022) commented as stated, higher authorities introduced varied of policies and strategies related to overweightness. However, the major issue is unequal distribution of healthcare service which needs to be focused out. Public health policies are for everyone but there are so many people from lower background who does not know about these regulations through which they can gain advantages of healthcare policies and services and it highlights one of the economic determinants of wellness.

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In the view of Bray and Bouchard, (2023) Economic determinants of obesity comprised with Socio-Economic Status [SES] include factors such as- education, income and occupation. There are often similarities between health and economic factors as these are linked with each other, economic status of an individual impacts their health. The data from national health and nutritional survey shows that; in Liverpool prevalence of obesity is mainly increased in lower SES groups. Therefore, they are at the increased risk of obesity which creates serious threats (National health and nutritional survey, 2022). It involves issues related to other disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease and often this can lead to cancer if appropriate focus is not implied on this area. In contrast to this, Danielli et al, (2021) said that obesity is often seen as a socioeconomic disadvantage. Further, obesity in children and adult often associated with their economic status. Individuals who are experiencing obesity biasness in healthcare setting, due to different race, gender and ethnicity many service providers does not appropriately focus on their needs. At workplace, adults who are obese do not get opportunities (Bouchard, 2020). For instance- due to overweight their supervisors thinks that; they are not suitable for field work and this also impacts their promotion.

Patel and Badiani (2020) articulated that weight stigma also impact medical practices as healthcare provider refuses to adhere certain medications to adult who are overweighted as this can lead to create negative risk on their health. The nurses, who are obese, also experiencing discrimination at medical practices because majority of the patients like to avoid receiving care from them. Hopkins and Edge (2022) disclosed that, socio economic group experiences challenges related to treatment procedure. The low-income individuals in Liverpool are mainly underrepresented and due to lack of access to technology, telecommunication they are not able to access healthcare services. Author often depicts that, these disparities are not just limited to obesity. However, this also involves co-morbidities concerned with obesity such as-hypertension and diabetes. Poor dietary quality is directly linked to food insecurity which is commonly found in lower SES population. Also, there is insulin resistance from psychosocial distress that is high in ethnic minorities (Socioeconomics of Obesity, 2020) The health inequality gap between rich and poor is affluent and that needs to reduced so equal health support can be ensured to everyone.

The Liverpool HWS from year 2014-2019 has shown effectual progress towards reducing inequalities of health within city while making focus on providing best facilities to children from starting who belongs from SES population. The core focus implied on undertaking Marmot Review (2010) policy whose motive is to promote healthy lifestyle in children by restricting smoking and putting limit in alcohol intake for adults.

In the views of Antal (2023) social well-being determinants of obesity are linked with economic stability, education, quality food, healthcare system and community. The surrounding in which children and adults live makes major influence on them. For instance- In Liverpool cases related to obesity are high and this lead to develop and unfavourable environment in which majority of people are facing issues comprised with being overweight. When it comes to children, parents and schools are responsible for taking such action which result in building healthy habits in child and further helps in reducing cases related to obesity. In context of adult, organizations where they are working should be accountable for taking appropriate actions which are necessary. The complexities of obesity can be maintained within maintaining healthy lifestyle.

Community, Policy, and Educational Interventions for Tackling Obesity in Liverpool

In accordance with Tartof et al, (2020) government in UK has worked upon advertisement as well. It has been restricted for those products which contain high fats and calories. The children health campaign in Liverpool supported this step of government and they have contributed in restricting the advertisement of such products. In February 2019, government made slight change in their decision and the restriction on advertisement of product was just before 9 P.M and afterwards, there was no limit as children usually slept after 9.pm.

Ding et al, (2020) elucidates thar, obesity is a life-threatening disease that creates complications for lifetime, the increasing prevalence for obesity has become national concern and therefore, it is essential to create significant focus on this. The social well-being plays most important role in keeping an individual healthy and safe. The condition in which children and adults are living determined as social factors. It is hard to implement healthy choices and undertaking practices related to physical activities on daily basis. In Liverpool childcare centres and schools were guided to promote healthy eating pattern in children. Also, physical exercise was made essential in schools so children can become physically active. The dietary guidelines pattern was adopted by schools where vegetables and fruits were promoted and there was restriction on high calorie foods that contains added sugar and fat. Danielli et al, (2021) opposed and stated, limiting sugar is not enough to tackle the cases of obesity, there are so many adults who have reduced their calorie intake but they are still suffering from overweight and this is due to lack of physical exercise. Significant focus is required in this area however, in Liverpool, school and childcare centre promoted physical activities so that children can adopt this behaviour and this can lead to create positive impact on their health.

By considering Dahlgren and Whitehead rainbow model, this can be evaluated that, work environment plays one of the important roles in reducing negative impact on health. For instance- at workplace, employees are encouraged to undertake physical activities on regular basis then, this lead to create positive impact on their health. Apart from this, workshops related to reducing screen timing and using protective wear when screen time increases are the major aspects that should be teach to adults at workplace as this helps in reducing negative impact on health and further reduces issues comprised with obesity (Obesity policies in UK, 2020). In Liverpool, obesity strategies align with creating a structured pattern for adults and this is promoted at their workplace where they are guided to adopt healthy behaviour pattern which is essential to take in consideration.

As stated by Hill et al, (2020) local communities strategies supported in reducing inequalities, in Liverpool, communities worked together with the aim of removing barriers while focusing on healthy equity resources. Thet have promoted healthy choices in children and young people, different campaigns are organized by local communities under which awareness regarding calorie reduction created. For minorities group, special access is provided within organizing healthcare camp under which service provider assisted regarding calorie reduction and importance of undertaking physical exercise on regular basis.

Oshan et al, (2020) disclosed that, Dahlgren and Whitehead model of main determinants of health is chosen by economic and social research council of UK. In Liverpool, government engaged with local communities while considering model and the focus was made on the factors affecting public health. This was specifically for boosting economic growth and assuring that everyone is receiving equal access to healthcare. The people who are living in the communities are experiencing major challenges related to health and therefore, NIHR took decision to empower local government with the aim of improving communities' health and well-being. Local government can assure effectual focus on identifying whether every group has access towards healthcare services or not. In this manner inequality can be reduced, often campaign by local communities proves to be efficient in creating awareness regarding obesity and the ways in which people from lower income group can receive the services. The collective efforts of local government and local community led to tackle the cases of obesity in children and young people in Liverpool. However, there are no facts and figures witnessed related to reduction of cases, still there is requirement to take more significant action so concerns related to obesity can reduced. Obesity found to be more common in children and young people who are living in household with lower incomes as they do not get proper sleep and healthy diet (Prakash and Munyanyi, 2021). For them local communities are providing heathy resources such as- food, vegetables and so on. Also, they have been guided to do physical exercise on daily basis and encouraged towards adopting healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Conclusively: this can be said that, proactive approaches towards reducing unhealthy lifestyle proves to be effectual when it is about tackling cases related to obesity. The essay has reflected upon health, economic and social well-being determinants in children and young people within making prior focus on obesity issues. The major accountability is of individuals as they are the ones who are responsible for their health; a healthy routine contributes in creating effectual supports for adults. For children, their parents are responsible for calorie reduction and promoting physical exercise. Government in UK has taken varied actions in related to reducing the cases of obesity and due to this there was reduction witnessed in Liverpool cases. Local communities also play important role in encouraging healthy routine while promoting policies and regulations. There are different factors that lead to impact health of children and young people and all of these are interlinked with each other and government focuses on these elements to tackle the issues. National and local efforts have relieved health inequalities in Liverpool so people from SES population can get the supports along with receiving quality care. From initial stage at schools' children are encouraged to adopt healthy eating pattern and doing physical exercise on regular basis so cases related to obesity can reduced.

References

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