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Introduction To Obesity Trends and Health Impact: A Public Health Analysis Essay
The prevalence of obesity, particularly severe obesity, during a three-year period in the Burton Stapenhill, Staffs, and England areas will be covered in this paper. Its goal is to examine patterns in the prevalence of obesity and any possible effects it may have on the general health of the populace. It is probable that the report will investigate the effects of these developments on physical activity and mental health among various demographic groups. The report's analysis of these data patterns can shed light on the connections between obesity, levels of physical activity, and mental health. This knowledge is helpful in developing health promotion strategies that effectively reach certain target audiences.
1a. Health Practitioners
Practitioners of public health are essential in promoting and safeguarding the health of communities and people. Their duties frequently include determining the health needs of the community, creating and enforcing policies, creating and analysing programmes, and promoting social justice and equity in health care. Through study, education, and the encouragement of good habits, they seek to avert health issues, extend life, and encourage healthy lives. To address problems with public health and enhance the quality of life, professionals in public health work in partnership with a range of stakeholders, such as government entities, nonprofit organisations, health care professionals, and regulators (Pilkington et al., 2013).
For these practitioners, public health data is a fundamental tool that helps them create evidence-based plans and make well-informed decisions. They evaluate the efficacy of treatments, detect health inequalities, track illness trends, and assess the state of health and needs of communities using public health data. Through the analysis of data pertaining to variables including the frequency of disease, risk factors, socioeconomic determinants of health, and healthcare use, public health practitioners are able to identify areas of high priority for intervention, efficiently allocate resources, and assess the effectiveness of their programmes. Furthermore, by assisting practitioners in advocating for legislative changes, increasing public knowledge of health concerns, and rallying support for public health programmes, public health data ultimately improves community health and well-being(Pilkington et al., 2013).
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1b. Models of Health
The ecological model, often referred to as the social-ecological model, is a theoretical framework that is applied in public health to highlight the complex interplay that exists between people and their environments(“Ecological Systems Theory,” 2017). The model is made up of many layers, each of which represents a distinct degree of influence:
- Individual layer: This layer is concerned with an individual's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours that have a direct bearing on their health.
- The impact of social interactions, including those with family, friends, and social support networks, on an individual's health and well-being is the subject of the interpersonal layer.
- Community layer: This layer includes how social norms, cultural values, and resource accessibility affect health outcomes in a particular community.
- Societal layer: This layer takes into account more general societal elements that influence health at a societal level, such as laws, economic situations, and cultural beliefs.
In public health, the life course approach highlights how a person's health is influenced by a range of biological, behavioural, psychological, and environmental variables throughout the course of their lifetime. Conditions or characteristics that increase a person's resilience and lower the chance of unfavourable health consequences are known as protective factors. On the other hand, risk factors are circumstances or actions that raise the possibility of experiencing health issues. Adverse childhood events, such as neglect or trauma, might, for example, dramatically raise an individual's lifetime chance of acquiring chronic illnesses and mental health problems (Jones et al., 2019).
Data
Public Health England offers a wide range of health-related statistics and indicators through its online resource, Public Health Fingertips. Researchers, decision-makers, and the general public may access and evaluate data, trends, and statistics related to public health with its help What are demographics?
The term "demographics" refers to statistical information on the age, gender, income, and educational attainment of human populations (Li, 2020).
Trends indicate changes or advancements over time by showing the overall direction or pattern of data change over a certain time period
According to statistics from Public Health England's Fingertips, there has been an increase in the incidence of obesity, especially severe obesity, among children in Staffordshire, England, and the Burton Stapenhill region between 2008/09 and 2019/20( OHID, n.d.). Below given are the data breakups :
For the England region:
- 2008/09 - 10/11: 9.62%
- 2009/10 - 11/12: 9.58%
- 2010/11 - 12/13: 9.39%
- 2011/12 - 13/14: 9.41%
- 2012/13 - 14/15: 9.27%
- 2013/14 - 15/16: 9.29%
- 2014/15 - 16/17: 9.34%
- 2015/16 - 17/18: 9.49%
- 2016/17 - 18/19: 9.61%
- 2017/18 - 19/20: 9.67%
- 2019/20 - 21/22: 9.88%
For the Staffordshire region:
2008/09 - 10/11: 9.81%
2009/10 - 11/12: 9.54%
2010/11 - 12/13: 9.49%
2011/12 - 13/14: 9.52%
2012/13 - 14/15: 9.47%
2013/14 - 15/16: 9.33%
2014/15 - 16/17: 9.56%
2015/16 - 17/18: 10.02%
2016/17 - 18/19: 10.24%
2017/18 - 19/20: 10.31%
2019/20 - 21/22: 10.45%
For the Burton Stapenhill area:
2008/09 - 10/11: 10.87%
2009/10 - 11/12: 8.11%
2010/11 - 12/13: 10.53%
2011/12 - 13/14: 8.89%
2012/13 - 14/15: 8.62%
2013/14 - 15/16: 7.94%
2014/15 - 16/17: 9.23%
2015/16 - 17/18: 9.38%
2016/17 - 18/19: 9.52%
2017/18 - 19/20: 12.28%
2019/20 - 21/22: 10.71%
2a. Children's physical activity
The changes in children's physical activity from 2017/18 to 2021/22 show several noteworthy patterns, according to the statistics presented. With occasional variations, the typical activity levels for boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 16 have stayed mostly consistent across time. The average level of activity for this age group was 43.26 in 2017–18, went up to 46.81 in 2018–19, decreased to 44.89 in 2019–20, and then grew once more to 47.2 in 2021/22. Children in Years 1-2 consistently showed greater activity levels compared to those in Years 3-6 and 7-11 throughout all years, according to an analysis of the data by school year groups. In 2021–2022, children in Years 1-2 had an activity level of 52.03, while those in Years 3-6 and 7–11 had an activity level of maximum point. Furthermore, a breakdown of the data by ethnic group shows that, in comparison to Asian, Black, Mixed, and Other ethnic groups, White British and White Other youngsters showed comparatively greater levels of activity. For example, in 2021–2022, Asian children had an activity level of 40.81, whereas White British children had 49.62. In order to create effective interventions that promote physical activity among children from all backgrounds, it is critical to conduct additional research into the factors influencing children's physical activity levels, including potential socio-cultural, environmental, and educational influences (OHID, n.d.).
2b. Child and maternal health
The dataset sheds light on historical patterns in mother and child health. With regard to the age group under one year, the statistics specifically show a downward trend in a significant health indicator. The prevalence of a certain health parameter (perhaps related to child health) dropped from 5.3568 to 3.9271 between 2001–03 and 2019–21, showing a significant decline over time. This reduction is further supported by the lower and upper confidence intervals (CI), which likewise show a steady decreasing trend. This decrease raises the possibility of improvements in mother and child health, which might be linked to improved nutrition for both mother and child, easier access to healthcare facilities, and prenatal care. It could also be an indicator of the effectiveness of public health initiatives meant to lower infant mortality and improve the health of mothers and children. However, more information on particular health characteristics and therapies, as well as socioeconomic variables and healthcare policy, would be required to fully comprehend the causes underlying this trend. Additional examination would yield a thorough comprehension of the factors behind the noted upward trend in mother and child health (OHID, n.d.).
Obesity in children
Worldwide, public health concerns about childhood obesity are rising. Its long-term health effects, such as an elevated risk of chronic illnesses including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal ailments, are what make it so severe. Moreover, children who are fat have a higher likelihood of becoming obese adults, which increases their later-life risk of developing related health problems. Obesity in children has an effect on psychological health as well, perhaps increasing the incidence of depression and lowering self-esteem. Comprehensive approaches are needed to address this problem, such as encouraging a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and developing surroundings that help young people in adopting healthier lifestyles (Chung & Rhie, 2021).
3a. Individual
Regular physical exercise, a well-balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, and access to communities and social networks that encourage healthy lifestyles are protective factors that can impact the prevalence of obesity. Education on physical exercise and diet can also be protective. On the other hand, risk factors that lead to obesity include environmental variables including the availability of fast food and sugary drinks, excessive intake of processed and high-calorie meals, and socioeconomic gaps that restrict access to healthier choices. The risk of obesity is also strongly influenced by age, gender, and socioeconomic position, with higher obesity rates frequently being associated with lower socioeconomic status (Soskolne et al., 2018).
3b. Social
One of the many obstacles in the fight against obesity is the widespread adoption of sedentary lifestyles brought on by longer screen times and less physical exercise. In addition, a major obstacle is created by the availability and affordability of harmful processed meals as well as the dearth of fresh, nutrient-dense choices. Ineffective eating habits encouraged by cultural norms and customs can also thwart attempts to prevent obesity. The problem may be made worse by the hectic modern lifestyles that encourage a reliance on fast food and convenience meals. Another major barrier is the lack of knowledge about diet and physical fitness, particularly in underprivileged populations. On the other hand, encouraging a balanced diet and regular exercise among family members and the community can serve as a facilitator in the fight against obesity. Healthy choices may be promoted by creating a supportive atmosphere via the influence of family, friends, and good role models. It is essential to implement educational programmes that stress the value of healthy eating and exercise at a young age in order to shape lifetime healthy behaviours. Together with community-based initiatives and legislation, having access to safe recreational areas and reasonably priced, nutrient-dense food alternatives may significantly aid in the fight against obesity (Morgan et al., 2020).
3c. Environment
The prevalence of obesity is greatly influenced by environmental variables, which also have an impact on this complicated issue through a variety of facilitators and obstacles. The involvement of government policies is crucial in facilitating the provision of healthy food alternatives in public areas and schools. This includes the adoption of legislation. On the other hand, a barrier may be the lack of government backing for programmes that encourage physical exercise and a balanced diet. Physical exercise can be hampered by restricted access to community green areas and recreational amenities, which can lead to obesity. Furthermore, poor transit and urban planning might deter people from leading active lives. Facilities have an impact on obesity rates in different contexts. Children's healthy behaviours may be promoted in schools by offering nourishing lunch options and well-designed physical education programmes. Healthy eating habits can be facilitated by having access to fresh, reasonably priced vegetables in nearby markets and supermarkets. On the other hand, the lack of these resources or the occurrence of food deserts in some places might prevent people from making wholesome decisions. Additionally, employers that support physical activity during business hours and offer wellness programmes might have a positive influence on workers' health by acting as facilitators. Nonetheless, the prevalence of obesity among working-age individuals might be attributed to strong obstacles to healthy behaviours, such as a lack of supporting workplace policies and cultures(Tay et al., 2023).
Health Promotion
When creating an intervention for health promotion, the individual, interpersonal, and community phases of the Ecological model should be the main focus. The community stage is very important, even if the other two are also related and essential. Communities are important in influencing how people behave both individually and with others. They also provide a favourable setting for activities that promote health. Interventions can impact social norms, policies, and resources that promote healthy behaviours by focusing on the community level. By addressing the underlying causes of health inequalities and encouraging long-lasting improvements that benefit the entire community, this strategy enables a greater effect. By involving community leaders, stakeholders, and members, comprehensive and culturally appropriate programmes that address the specific needs of the community may be developed more easily. Furthermore, because they encourage group action and the development of a sense of empowerment and ownership within the community, community-based treatments may have a wider audience and a longer-lasting effect (Kumar & Preetha, 2012).
4a. Campaign
A thorough kids' health promotion programme can include organising "Active Kids Day" events in local communities and urging kids to play games, sports, and other physical activities. Interactive seminars, entertaining fitness competitions, and informational presentations about the advantages of consistent exercise may all be found at these events. Partnerships with neighbourhood leisure centres, sports teams, and schools can aid in campaign promotion. The campaign's success may also be increased by utilising social media and producing interesting material to increase awareness and inspire kids to lead active lifestyles.
References
- Chung, Y. L., & Rhie, Y. J. (2021, December 30). Severe Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Metabolic Effects, Assessment, and Treatment. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 30(4), 326–335. https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes21063
- Ecological Systems Theory. (2017). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Out-of-School Learning. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483385198.n94
- Jones, N. L., Gilman, S. E., Cheng, T. L., Drury, S. S., Hill, C. V., & Geronimus, A. T. (2019, January). Life Course Approaches to the Causes of Health Disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S1), S48–S55. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2018.304738
- Kumar, S., & Preetha, G. (2012). Health promotion: An effective tool for global health. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 37(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0218.94009
- Li, Q. (2020, September 21). Healthcare at Your Fingertips: The Acceptance and Adoption of Mobile Medical Treatment Services among Chinese Users. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18), 6895. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186895
- Morgan, C., de Wildt, G., Prado, R. B. R., Thanikachalam, N., Virmond, M., & Riley, R. (2020, January 1). Views and Experiences of Adults who are Overweight and Obese on the Barriers and Facilitators to Weight Loss in Southeast Brazil: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 15(1), 1852705. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2020.1852705
- Obesity Profile - Data - OHID. (n.d.). https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/national-child-measurement-programme/data#page/4/gid/1938133288/pat/402/par/E10000028/ati/3/are/E02006144/iid/93105/age/200/sex/4/cat/-1/ctp/-1/yrr/3/cid/4/tbm/1/page-options/tre-ao-0
- Pilkington, P., Marco, E., Grant, M., & Orme, J. (2013, May). Engaging a wider public health workforce for the future: a public health practitioner in residence approach. Public Health, 127(5), 427–434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2012.12.026
- Soskolne, V., Cohen-Dar, M., Obeid, S., Cohen, N., & Rudolf, M. C. J. (2018, August 21). Risk and Protective Factors for Child Overweight/Obesity Among Low Socio-Economic Populations in Israel: A Cross Sectional Study. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2018.00456
- Tay, A., Hoeksema, H., & Murphy, R. (2023, March 6). Uncovering Barriers and Facilitators of Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance: Insights from Qualitative Research. Nutrients, 15(5), 1297. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051297
