Childhood Obesity- A Public Health Issue

This article explores the causes, consequences, and intervention approaches of childhood obesity. It covers books, journals, websites, electronic databases, and statistical data related to childhood obesity. The article also discusses the health implications of childhood obesity, prevention methods, and why more investments should be made in the prevention of obesity. The subject is Health Studies, and the course code is not mentioned. The article is relevant to anyone studying childhood obesity in any college or university.

Running head: HEALTH STUDIES
CHILDHOOD OBESITY- A Public Health Issue
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Contents
Part A:........................................................................................................................................3
Book 1: Combating Child Obesity.........................................................................................3
Book 2: Childhood Obesity: Causes, Consequences, and Intervention Approaches.............3
Journal 1: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity
in School-Aged Children........................................................................................................4
Journal 2: Exercise Training Improved Body Composition, Cardiovascular Function, and
Physical Fitness of 5-Year-Old Children With Obesity or Normal Body Mass....................4
Journal 3: Parent-child behavioral patterns related to pre-schoolers' overweight/obesity.....5
Journal 4: Association of antibiotics in infancy with early childhood obesity......................6
Journal 5: Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms: novel risk factors for obesity........6
Website 1: The Guardian (www.theguardian.com)...............................................................7
Website 2: BBC (www.bbc.com):.........................................................................................7
Relevant Electronic database 1:.............................................................................................8
Relevant Electronic database 2: An electronic health record-enabled obesity database........8
Useful Organization 1: World Health Organization..............................................................9
Useful Organization 2: Obesity Society...............................................................................10
Relevant Statistical Data 1:..................................................................................................10
Relevant Statistical Data 2:..................................................................................................11
Relevant Statistical Data 3:..................................................................................................11
Relevant Statistical Data 4:..................................................................................................12
Part B........................................................................................................................................14

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Introduction: Obesity- A significant public health issue:....................................................14
Causes of Childhood Obesity:..............................................................................................14
Health Implications of Childhood Obesity:.........................................................................16
Prevention of Obesity:..........................................................................................................18
Why more investments should be made in the prevention of Obesity:................................21
Conclusion:..........................................................................................................................21
References:...............................................................................................................................22

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Part A:
Book 1: Combating Child Obesity
In this book, the author refers to case studies on childhood obesity, and highlights
some key facts about obesity (like the reported risks of obesity, family history and genetic
predisposition of obesity); the effects of obesity (like slipped femoral epiphysis, benign
intercranial hypertension, Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, Snoring and Sleep Apnea,
Varicose Veins, Gall Bladder Disease, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, High Blood Pressure,
and High Cholesterol.) The book also briefly discusses how childhood obesity can lead to
such conditions and methods to prevent the onset of such complications. The authors also
mention how motivation and self esteem can be affected by obesity, and how the involvement
of children in healthy and enjoyable food programs and physical exercise and activities can
reduce obesity.
Reference: Heaton-Harris, N., 2009. Combating Child Obesity. Straightforward co Ltd.
Book 2: Childhood Obesity: Causes, Consequences, and Intervention Approaches
In the book, the authors point out that childhood obesity as the most prevalent chronic
illness among children and adolescents in the United States, provides a definition and age
differences for obesity. The authors discuss the risk factors associated with Obesity (like
dietary intake, eating disorders, physical activities, environmental effects, sedentary lifestyle,
and sleep disorders). The book also points out a possible connection between obesity with
ethnicities and race (like Hispanic males being more prone to obesity than Asian females).
The author attempts to identify all the factors that can cause obesity so that proper treatment
and interventions can be structured keeping such risk factors in perspective.

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Reference: Goran, M.I. ed., 2016. Childhood Obesity: Causes, Consequences, and
Intervention Approaches. CRC Press.
Journal 1: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and the Risk of Overweight and
Obesity in School-Aged Children
In the journal article, the authors aim to explore the association of childhood obesity
and overweight issues with lifestyle issues like physical activity and sedentary lifestyle. They
concluded that low Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) is associated with an
increased risk of obesity among children, and is independent of the sedentary time spent by
these children showing that physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle are risk factors of
obesity. The authors recommended that the 20 minutes per day mean difference between
MVPA values of normal weight and obese children should be targeted in order to reduce
obesity (that is to say an increase in physical activity among obese children can provide
positive results in the control of obesity).
Reference: Keane, E., Li, X., Harrington, J., Fitzgerald, A., Perry, I. and Kearney, P.
(2017). Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity in
School-Aged Children | Pediatric Exercise Science. [online] Doi.org. Available at:
http://doi.org/10.1123/pes.2016-0234 [Accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
Journal 2: Exercise Training Improved Body Composition, Cardiovascular Function,
and Physical Fitness of 5-Year-Old Children With Obesity or Normal Body Mass
In the journal, the authors aim to explore the effects of exercise training among obese
and lean children, to improve cardiovascular function, physical fitness and body composition.
In the experiment, 42 obese and 62 lean children participated. The results shows that exercise
training helped in the reduction of Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist
circumference and helped to reduce the rate of weight gain among both obese and lean

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children. They also found that training also reduced systolic blood pressure and heart rate
during exercise among obese children. They concluded that 10 weeks of moderate intensity
training for children aged 5 years can be a safe treatment for obesity, and it can also improve
their performance in sports and activities.
Reference: Tan, S., Chen, C., Sui, M., Xue, L. and Wang, J. (2017). Exercise Training
Improved Body Composition, Cardiovascular Function, and Physical Fitness of 5-Year-Old
Children With Obesity or Normal Body Mass. Pediatric Exercise Science, 29(2), pp.245-253.
Journal 3: Parent-child behavioral patterns related to pre-schoolers' overweight/obesity
In this journal article, the authors aim to analyze the relation between parental obesity
and parent child behaviour patterns (like physical activity and screen time) with the chances
of developing obesity among preschool children between 4 to 7 years age. The study included
194 preschool children and their parents. Their results showed a significant relation of
childhood obesity with an excessive screen time (on weekdays and weekends) and obesity of
their mother. They also identified an increased incidence of screen time on weekends by
obese mothers and their male children, which can increase the likelihood of developing
obesity. They recommended that family intervention programs when implemented on
weekends to reduce sedentary screen time, and promote active leisure time, and attractive/
enjoyable physical activity among both the children and their parents can be an effective way
in reducing obesity.
Reference: Sigmundova, D., Sigmund, E., Badura, P., Vokacova, J., Klein, D. and Bucksch,
J. (2017). Parent-child behavioural patterns related to pre-schoolers' overweight/obesity. Acta
Gymnica, 47(2), pp.53-63.

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Journal 4: Association of antibiotics in infancy with early childhood obesity
In this journal article, the author’s attempts to assess the effect of antibiotics
prescribed to infants (between ages 0 to 23 months) in the development of childhood obesity
(among 24-59 month infants). The authors performed a cohort study of electronic health data
between 2001 and 2013, comprising the study of 64,580 children. Their results show that
69% of children below 24 months were exposed to antibiotics, and an increased propensity of
developing obesity was associated especially with broad spectrum antibiotics, therefore
concluding that repeated exposure to it can be a risk factor. The authors also pointed out
additional risk factors like ethnicity (Hispanic), steroid use, urban lifestyle, male sex, public
insurance and diagnosis of asthma.
Reference: Bailey, L.C., Forrest, C.B., Zhang, P., Richards, T.M., Livshits, A. and DeRusso,
P.A., 2014. Association of antibiotics in infancy with early childhood obesity. JAMA
pediatrics, 168(11), pp.1063-1069.
Journal 5: Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms: novel risk factors for obesity.
In this journal, the authors pointed out four significant findings. 1) disturbances in
circadian rhythm and sleep patterns in adults and children increased the risk of developing
Obesity. 2) a misalignment of the circadian rhythm adversely affects the energy balance of
the body, and elevates the risk of obesity. 3) Endocannabinoid system acting as a link
between feeding behaviour, sleep patterns and circadian rhythm. 4)Circadian misalignment
and sleep dysfunction can be related to the disturbances in circadian variations in gut micro
biome composition. The results show that changes in feeding rhythms in children and adults
can also increase the energy absorbed from food, and suggests avoidance of sleep loss and
circadian misalignment to avoid the risks of obesity

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Reference: Broussard, J.L. and Van Cauter, E., 2016. Disturbances of sleep and circadian
rhythms: novel risk factors for obesity. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and
Obesity, 23(5), pp.353-359.
Website 1: The Guardian (www.theguardian.com)
In this news site, the author Dennis Campbell reports that as of November, 2016,
almost 10% of children in England, studying in first year school are obese, with a 0.2 % rise
in the last year, as per NHS studies. The report also shows 19.8% of children between 10-11
years are obese, and points out that the prevalence of obesity to be higher among male
children than among females. The data also points out a class divide as a risk factor, showing
that the prevalence of obesity was higher in the most deprived areas, compared to least
deprived ones. The news article also shows that London has the highest obesity rates among 6
year old children.
Reference: Campbell, D. (2017). Child obesity rising again, NHS report reveals. [online] the
Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/03/child-obesity-
rising-again-nhs-report-reveals [Accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
Website 2: BBC (www.bbc.com):
The website reports that as of November, 11th, 2017., the obesity rates in the United
Kingdom have doubled in the last two decades, and 63% of the adults living in UK are
overweight and 27% obese, making UK the most overweight country in western Europe as
per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The news also adds
that UK has been suffering from “historically high” rates of obesity since 1990’s. However
there has been a small decline in the rates of childhood obesity. Relation between alcohol
consumption and obesity has also been drawn, and survival rates of obesity have been
accredited to better health treatment in the UK.

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Reference: UK most obese nation in Western Europe. [online] Available at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41953530 [Accessed 30 Nov. 2017].
Relevant Electronic database 1:
This database covers studies that explore the relation between obesity and sedentary
behaviour. Currently, details of 326 case studies, globally, are incorporated in the database.
The reviews of the studies are assessed and coded to match specific criterion or
characteristics and context for the study, and points out the variables. The database allows
searching using keywords and free text terminologies, provides reports with visual mapping
and analysis, and also includes a help tool for guiding the usage of the database. The results
can also be printed out or incorporated into a word processing application or software.
Reference: Eppi.ioe.ac.uk. (2017). The database on Obesity and Sedentary behaviour
studies. [online] Available at: http://eppi.ioe.ac.uk/webdatabases/ [Accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
Relevant Electronic database 2: An electronic health record-enabled obesity database
This database incorporates information (like clinical data) from Electronic Health
Records (EHR) on patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, and deposited into
a data warehouse. Additionally Kaplan-Meier analysis is done on the data to estimate the
duration of follow-ups post surgery. The survey data contains demographic, laboratory,
medication, and co-morbidity information of 2028 patients since 2004. Post operative weight
data of 75% of the patients are also accessible in the database. The data warehouse also
records data from Billing and information about patient encounter is added with
miscellaneous data, after being validated as consented information.
Reference: Wood, G., Chu, X., Manney, C., Strodel, W., Petrick, A., Gabrielsen, J., Seiler,
J., Carey, D., Argyropoulos, G., Benotti, P., Still, C. and Gerhard, G. (2017). An electronic
health record-enabled obesity database. [online] BMC Medical Informatics and Decision

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Making. Available at:
https://bmcmedinformdecismak.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6947-12-45
[Accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
Useful Organization 1: World Health Organization
Headquarters: Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses (FOS)
World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
WHO Regional Office for Europe
UN City, Marmorvej 51, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
Website: www.who.int
The World Health Organization plays a significant role in the monitoring, increasing
awareness (educating) and fighting obesity in all age groups. They have performed regular
assessment obesity rates globally, and maintain regularly updated factsheet that shows the
current status of the disease. The work highlight includes the drive to eradicate childhood
obesity. Their site provides valuable information regarding obesity and overweight issues,
recommendation for healthy diet, action plan to fight childhood obesity, and provides links to
other diseases that are liked to obesity. Overall, their site proves to be a valuable resource in
the understanding of obesity and the assess the burden of the disease.
Reference: Who.int. (2017). WHO | Obesity. [online] Available at:
http://www.who.int/topics/obesity/en/ [Accessed 1 Dec. 2017].

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Useful Organization 2: Obesity Society
Postal Address and Contact Details: 1110 Bonifant St #500, Silver Spring, MD 20910,
USA.
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Website: www.obesity.org
This organization aims to improve understanding of and provide prevention and
treatment methods to reduce obesity. The organization attempts to reach the goal by
advancing the science based knowledge of the cause, effect, prevention and treatment
associated with obesity. The objective of their actions is to provide compassion to those
living with obesity; taking responsibility towards advocacy, treatment and an investigation
for obese individuals; ensuring respect for afflicted individuals; improving the existing
knowledge on obesity; provide mentorship for helping or teaching professionals who are new
to this field; and ensure that ethical standards are maintained in the treatment process.
Reference:Obesity.org. (2017). Home - The Obesity Society. [online] Available at:
http://www.obesity.org/home [Accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
Relevant Statistical Data 1:
Figure 1: Prevalence of Obesity among 6 year old children compared with reception; Source
(Campbell, 2017).

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Figure 1 show that children of years of age are more prone to obesity compared to reception
group. This raises a considerable concern regarding the health concerns of children, and
factors that attributes to such phenomenon.
Relevant Statistical Data 2:
Figure 2: Statistics showing that London has the highest obesity rate among 6 year old
children. Source: (Campbell, 2017).
The figure shows that London has the highest number of obese 6 year old children, compared
to any other places in the United Kingdom.
Relevant Statistical Data 3:

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Figure 3.1 and 3.2: Tables showing changes in Body Composition Variable, Cardiovascular
Function and Physical Fitness after Intervention in Obese Children. Source (Tan et al., 2017).
The figure shows that Interventions in the form of exercise, physical activity can improve
physical conditions in obese children. As per the data, these interventions were able to lower
the BMI, Waist Circumference, Fat percentage and mass, and improved the height, cardiac
performance and athleticism among the children. This highlights the importance of physical
activities to lower the risks of obesity.
Relevant Statistical Data 4:
Figure 4: Impact of Antibiotic Class , Frequency and Timing on the Risk for Obesity.
Source: (Bailey et al., 2017)

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The figure shows that administration of broad spectrum antibiotics increases the
chances of developing Obesity. Graph A shows the relation between the number of exposures
to Broad spectrum, narrow spectrum and both to the rate of obesity, and it shows a higher
prevalence of obesity with multiple exposures to broad spectrum antibiotics. While graph B is
the relation between the age (in months) at which exposure to antibiotics occur (0-5, 6-11,
12-17, 18-23) with the rate of obesity in the administration of antibiotics, and it shows that
broad spectrum antibiotics is related to an higher prevalence of obesity, compared to narrow
spectrum and mixed antibiotics.

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Part B
Introduction: Obesity- A significant public health issue:
Studies show that obesity is one of the most common issues related to public health
and well being. Obesity is characterized by an abnormally huge accumulation of body fats
(adipose tissue) that can have adverse effect on health. As per World Health Organization, a
person can be considered to be suffering from obesity if the body mass index is higher than
30 (for adults) and a weight for height more than 3 (for children below 5 years). The WHO
factsheet also shows a tripling in the number of obese cases since 1975, globally, and 650
million (13% of adults above 18 years) obese cases being reported in 2016 (World Health
Organization, 2017). Taking into consideration, the grave implications of the burden of
disease, I have selected Childhood Obesity as my research topic, in order to identify the risk
factors, cause and consequences, and possible preventable and precautionary measures of
obesity, and to highlight the importance of an increased funding and involvement of
healthcare authorities in the prevention of this disease. This is made even more relevant since
Obesity even being a curable condition, still continues to be a significant health risk in
several countries worldwide.
Causes of Childhood Obesity:
Studies by Anderson and Butcher (2006) shows that the consumption of calorie dense
comfort or convenience food and soft drinks by children, along with environmental factors
that limits physical activities among children and behavioral risks (like increased on screen
time) has resulted in the increased prevalence of obesity among children. This has also been
supported by Keane et al. (2017) and Sigmundove et al. (2017). However such risk factors
are moderated by other factors such as gender, age and even the lifestyle of the parents. The
eating habits (like developing unhealthy eating habits), and activities of the children can be

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effected by environmental factors like school policies, demographics and parent-children
interactions (Bhadoria et al. 2015).
Basal Metabolic Rates (that is the energy expenditure of the body during rest) have
also been studied for its relation to obesity, and a low basal metabolic rate is attributed to
obesity in few cases, however the role of BMR differences in obesity is still challenged by
many authors (Anderson and Butcher 2006).
Factors like government policies and social constructs can affect behaviour of
children related to the choice of food. Studies have shown that the choice of snacks by the
children are influenced by factors like taste, price and hunger; and other studies have shown
that junk food is considered pleasurable, convenient and independent by adolescents, while
healthy food are being shunned by them (Chapman and Maclean 1993; Story, Neumark-
Sztainer, and French 2002). Additionally, consumption of fast food also results in an
increased calorie intake with a reduced nutritional value, and studies have shown that both
lean and overweight adolescents and children had more calorie intake while eating fast food,
compared to eating at home (Ebbling et al. 2004).
Sugary beverages have also been attributed as a factor contributing to obesity
(Bhadoria et al. 2015). Studies have shown that sugary beverages can cause a slow increase
of BMI, therefore increasing the risk o obesity in overweight individuals (Anderson and
Butcher 2006). Similarly, consumption of snack foods (chips, candy, and baked food) can
cause increased intake of calories, while larger size of portions (extra large portions) can
cause energy imbalance and weight gain.
As was pointed out by Keane et al. (2017), that sedentary lifestyle increases the risk
of obesity, and physical activity can help to reduce the risk (Tan et al. 2017), the process can
get complicated in unsafe environments, where the parents are afraid of the safety of the

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children, and therefore reducing playtime for them, or limits the opportunity to walk or ride a
bicycle to school (all of which could have increased physical activity). Additionally, the
behaviour of the parents, related to spending more time on screen, especially on weekends,
further reduced physical activity, among both the children (especially preschoolers) and their
parents (especially their mothers) (Sigmundova et al. 2017).
Other factors that are also related to the incidence of obesity are sleep disorders and
sleep deprivation, as proposed by McFarlane et al. (2015); and Disturbances in sleep patterns
and circadian rhythms as indicated by Broussard and Cauter (2016), both of which highlights
the necessity of proper sleep and rest, and the adverse effects of oxidative stress and energy
misbalance caused by sleep deprivation. Bailey et al. (2014) also suggested that exposure to
broad spectrum antibiotics during infancy can also increase the risk of developing childhood
obesity.
Health Implications of Childhood Obesity:
Some of the most serious health consequences of obesity and overweight in childhood
are the development of several diseases like Cardiovascular disease (stroke or heart disease),
diabetes, disorder in Musculo skeletal system (like osteoarthritis), and even few types of
cancer (in colon, breasts and endometrium). This is made even more serious due to the fact
that such diseases do not become apparent during childhood, and only manifests in adulthood
(WHO | Why does childhood overweight and obesity matter?. 2017) . This prevents the early
detection of the disease, and thus much harder to treat. Obesity also causes a double burden
of obesity when associated with infectious diseases and under nutrition. This can be attributed
to inadequate pre-natal, improper nutrition of infant and child (like exposure to high
cholesterol or fat and high energy food that lacks essential micronutrients, along with lack of
physical activity, and sedentary lifestyle (Keane et al. 2017). Hall et al., (2014) pointed that
Obesity can increase the risks of Renal failure and Chronic Renal Dysfunction at later stages,

17HEALTH STUDIES
while Bell et al., (2014) pointed out that even metabolically healthy obese individuals (that is
obese individuals with a normal metabolic function) are still prone to develop type 2 diabetes,
and unhealthy obese individuals being twice prone of the disease. The risks have been
attributed to the development of chronic metabolic disorders and systemic inflammation,
caused due to the activation of innate immune response on adipose tissue, thereby triggering
the secretion of cytokines (Rodriguez-Hernandez et al., 2013).
In addition to the physiological problems associated with Obesity and Childhood
Obesity, psychological problems like anxiety, depression, and low self esteem can be caused
due to obesity, especially in children. Additionally, this can also cause social stigmatization,
and lead to bullying of the children suffering from obesity, thereby causing social isolation
(Causes and Consequences of Childhood Obesity. 2017). Childhood obesity also raises the
risk of adult obesity (obese children have a higher chance of growing up to obese adults, and
such individuals have a greater chances of developing obesity related diseases than obese
individuals who did not suffer from childhood obesity).
Pandita et al. (2016) identified the risks associated with childhood obesity, as shown
in the table below:
Acute Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
Precocious puberty
Ovarian hyperandrogenism
Gynecomastia
Cholecystitis
Pancreatitis
Pseudotumor cerebri
Fatty liver
Renal disease (focal
glomerulosclerosis)
Orthopaedic Disorders Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Tibia vara

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Blount disease
Liver and gall bladder
dysfunction Elevated transaminases
Cholecystitis
Physical and psychological Depression
Eating disorders
Social isolation
Sleep disorders
Cardiovascular and endocrine Hyperinsulinism and insulin resistance
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypertriglyceridemia
Low levels of high-density lipoprotein
Hypertension
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Coronary artery disease
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Cancer Colorectal carcinoma
Long-term Ischemic heart disease
Short life span
Stroke
Sudden death
Figure 6: Table showing the complications associated with childhood obesity; source
(Pandita et al. 2016).
Prevention of Obesity:
Obesity and the non-communicable diseases associated with it are largely
preventable, and the preventative measures are the most feasible choices in reducing the
chances and risks of obesity, especially childhood obesity. Most of the current treatment
practices are aimed to control the problems that are caused due to the disease, instead of
focusing on a cure for it. However, an effective method of fighting obesity can be achieved
by maintaining an energy balance through the life span of the individuals. The World Health
Organization recommends certain actions that can prevent obesity. These include: increasing
the consumption of vegetables and fruits (like whole grains, legumes and nuts), limiting the

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intake of energy from high fat diet, and a shift in consumption of saturated fats to unsaturated
fats, limiting sugar consumption, and increased physical activity (moderate to vigorous
activity for a minimum of 1 hour, every day). Social recommendations include political
commitment, collaboration between private and public stakeholders (like international
partners, government, civil bodies, nonprofit organizations) in the creation and maintenance
of healthy environment that would allow individuals to make healthier diet choice and
behavioral modifications (Who.int. 2017). A public health approach that is directed towards
all members of the community, selective approach that is targeted towards individuals in the
community who are high risk of developing obesity (high risk groups), and a targeted
approach towards the individuals who are suffering from obesity and weight related issues or
at high risk of developing diseases related to obesity can form the foundations of an effective
preventative strategy to fight obesity (Ofei, 2005).
Studies by Sigmundova (2017) have also shown that family based intervention
programs that are affordable financially, can promote active leisure time, involving activities
that can can be attractive to the children and their parents, and therefore help to reduce the
amount of sedentary screen time spent by them.
Batra, Strecher and Keller (2015) also suggested that consumer psychology can be
leveraged to enable effective health communication within the communities. They pointed
out that those social marketing strategies that take into account the consumer psychology can
be an effective tool (along with governmental policies and personal responsibilities) in the
reduction of obesity. The social marketing strategies can be useful to deconstruct social
structures that promote excessive calorie intake, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating
practices (like eating fast food or aerated or sugary beverages).

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Taking into consideration that children now a days spend a considerable more amount
of time on screen (watching television), which has been implicated with an increased
sedentary lifestyle by them. Caroli et al. (2004) pointed that the same factor (television
programs) can be used as a tool for education and promoting healthy lifestyle. Advertising
campaigns that are addressed to children (between 2 to 6 years age) can significantly
influence their food choices (Leung and Vrancia 2003).
Deghan, Akhtar-Danesh and Mechant (2005) suggested several intervention strategies
that can help to prevent childhood obesity, as shown in the figure below:
Figure 6: Some Intervention Strategies that could be considered for the prevention of
Childhood Obesity; source (Deghan, Akhtar-Danesh and Mechant 2005).
They pointed out that a reduction of sedentary behaviour and encouraging free play is more
effective than implementing forced exercise routines or dietary restrictions in the prevention
of weight gain by obese children. In addition, they have also suggested that health and fitness
report cards can raise awareness of the health concern of the children in their parents and

21HEALTH STUDIES
guardians, and are more likely to plan weigh control programs or intervention strategies to
help their overweight or obese children. These can be considered as secondary prevention
strategies (Deghan, Akhtar-Danesh and Mechant 2005).
Why more investments should be made in the prevention of Obesity:
Taking into consideration the significant burden of disease associated with this
preventable disease, it is pertinent that an increased effort is necessary in its prevention.
Additionally, the disease also entails a very high cost globally, reaching two trillion dollars a
year as of 2014, which puts it ahead of the combined costs of armed violence, terrorism and
war (Tessa 2014). The costs are expected to rise even further by 2025, if not checked
properly. The direct costs are due to the in-patient and out-patient health services, while
indirect costs are due to the cost of lost work (due to the morbidity and mortality risks),
insurance payouts, and a lowering of wages (Obesity Prevention Source 2017). As per BBC
News (2017), UK is the most overweight country in Western Europe, which is alarming news
in itself.
Conclusion:
Considering such enormous burden rises from a preventable condition, it becomes
absolutely pertinent that an increased effort is given to prevent it, backed by an increased
funding towards awareness programs, lifestyle counseling, involving the parents, school and
policy makers. Hence allocation of more budgets in the attempt to prevent obesity, increase
awareness and promote healthy lifestyle is completely justified. On the long run, such
investment can ensure success of the efforts, and thereby reduce the global cost associated
with the disease. Most importantly, it must always be kept in mind that obesity is a
preventable condition, only by the collaborated action by health policy makers, healthcare
authorities, private and public stakeholders and the overall community to build and maintain
a healthy environment and healthy lifestyles.

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References:
Anderson, P.M. and Butcher, K.F., 2006. Childhood obesity: trends and potential causes. The
Future of children, pp.19-45.
Bailey, L.C., Forrest, C.B., Zhang, P., Richards, T.M., Livshits, A. and DeRusso, P.A., 2014.
Association of antibiotics in infancy with early childhood obesity. JAMA pediatrics, 168(11),
pp.1063-1069.
Batra, R., Strecher, V.J. and Keller, P.A., 2015. Leveraging consumer psychology for
effective health communications: The obesity challenge. Routledge.
BBC News. (2017). UK most obese nation in Western Europe. [online] Available at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41953530 [Accessed 2 Dec. 2017].
Bell, J.A., Kivimaki, M. and Hamer, M., 2014. Metabolically healthy obesity and risk of
incident type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies. Obesity
reviews, 15(6), pp.504-515.
Bhadoria, A., Sahoo, K., Sahoo, B., Choudhury, A., Sufi, N., & Kumar, R. (2015). Childhood
obesity: Causes and consequences. Journal Of Family Medicine And Primary Care, 4(2),
187. http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.154628
Broussard, J.L. and Van Cauter, E., 2016. Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms: novel
risk factors for obesity. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 23(5),
pp.353-359.
Broussard, J.L. and Van Cauter, E., 2016. Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms: novel
risk factors for obesity. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 23(5),
pp.353-359.

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