Effects of Obesity in Primary School Children

This research project investigates the effects of obesity in primary school children in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. It explores the causes of obesity, its impacts on children aged 6-11 years, and ways to reduce childhood obesity. The study aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for addressing this issue.

Research Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC: TO INVESTIGATE EFFECTS OF OBESITY IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN
THE LONDON BOROUGH OF BARKING AND DAGENHAM................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Background of research...............................................................................................................3
Aim and objectives......................................................................................................................3
Research questions.......................................................................................................................3
Rationale......................................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................4
Data of growth for the children and compare this data with the national statistics.....................4
Impact of obesity in children 6-11years......................................................................................6
Causing factors of obesity among children age of 6-11 years.....................................................6
Ways to reduce the childhood obesity.........................................................................................7
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................7
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION......................................................................................................8
RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

TOPIC: TO INVESTIGATE EFFECTS OF OBESITY IN PRIMARY
SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE LONDON BOROUGH OF BARKING
AND DAGENHAM
INTRODUCTION
Obesity is known as a disorder that involves excessive body fat that can leads to risk of
health problems (Umer and et.al., 2017). A body mass of people with above 25 is measured then
it is considered as overweight and over 30 is known as obese. In London there are more than
35% of children are obese because of some demographic and other factors.
Background of research
This present study is going to show data of children of London Borough of Barking and
Dagenham school with obesity. It will further discuss some causes of obesity and ways by which
this rate of obesity can be decreased. Further, it will also discuss effectiveness of research
methodology and data collection in making research study successful.
Aim and objectives
Aim: “Aim of this research is to identify how children starting primary school in LBBD end up
obese by the end of year 6”.
Objectives
 To identify data of growth for the children and compare this data with the national
statistics.
 To evaluate the impact of obesity in children 6-11years.
 To discuss causing factors of obesity among children age of 6-11 years.
 To analysis ways to reduce the obesity.
Research questions
1. Which data can help in showing growth for the children by comparing data with the
national statistics?
2. Which impacts does obesity can have in children of 6-11 years?
3. What are some causing factors of obesity among children age of 6-11 years?
4. How can obesity problem can be decreased?
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Rationale
The reason behind selecting this topic is knowing prevalence rate of obesity among children
of London Borough. By conducting this research, causing factors can be known that can help in
preventing children from this and can help them out in living a healthy and qualitative life.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Data of growth for the children and compare this data with the national statistics.
According to the Patil and et.al., (2020) childhood obesity is more prevalent in London
than England overall. In the year of 2018-19, around 23.2% children of the age of 6 were
measured as obese as compared to 20.2% in England. It is also found that the majority of
Borough had higher prevalence.
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Figure 1: Childhood Obesity for Children in Year 6
Sources: (Childhood Obesity by London Borough, 2020)
Latest data also shows that Barking and Dagenham as compared to all London boroughs
has the highest proportion of childhood obesity and this rate is around 29.6%.
There are some other countries where childhood obesity is less than obesity rate of London
Borough. Childhood Obesity Facts, (2018) It found that prevalence of was around 18.5%
according to this, around 13.5 million children and people of 2-19 years had obesity. Around
13.9% children of the age of 2-5 has obesity prevalence as overall. This obesity is common in
some populations such as non-Hispanic black children, non-Hispanic white children. So, by
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comparing data it can be said that London Borough of Dagenham and Barking has high
childhood prevalent area.
Impact of obesity in children 6-11years
According to the, Krushnapriya and et.al., (2015) obesity puts children at risk for some
medical problems that can lead to severe chronic disease. Children with obesity and overweight
are more likely to suffer from joint and bone problems. It may also lead to high blood pressure,
cardiovascular disease and also increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance. Mumanya, (2020)
contradicted and said that childhood obesity does not have only physical impacts but it also has
social and psychological problems. Children with obesity become dependent on their parents and
find problems in performing their own daily routine functions. They often feel tired and
weakened.
Mǎrginean, Mǎrginean and Meliţ, (2018) also said in this regard that children with obesity
also suffer and experience from breathing problems. Asthma is the most common disease,
associated with obesity. They said that children with obesity are more likely to develop
obstructive sleep apnea. It is serious disease and problem in which child’s breathing repeatedly
stops and starts during sleep.
Causing factors of obesity among children age of 6-11 years
There are several factors, associated with childhood obesity. In this regard, Hemmingsson,
(2018) stated that according to them one of the main cause of obesity among 6-11 years old
children is: consumption of food that are lack in nutrients. Junk food contains too much of
calories and having such food to great extent lead to this problem. Lee and Yoon, (2018) argued
and said that as per them the main causing factor is lack of physical activity. Nowadays, children
do not play outdoor games that leads obesity. When children have nutritional values of food but
do not focus on exercise and physical activities then also it can lead to childhood obesity.
Kumar and Kelly, (2017) stated in this regard that genetic and hormonal factors also play a
vital role, it is believed that children who comes from family of overweight people then children
are more likely to put on weight. The reason behind it is, parents who are also overweight do not
restrict their children from having junk food and also do not encourage children for physical
activities.
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Ways to reduce the childhood obesity
For knowing better ways of decreasing childhood obesity there is requirement of having
knowledge and data about causing factors. On the basis of causing factors, better ways can be
suggested. According to the Suiraoka and et.al., (2017) the best way of decreasing childhood
obesity is to discourage eating junk foods and snacks while watching TV. Having high
nutritional values of food as it can also improve immune of children. Sanghavi and Siddiqui,
(2017) stated in this regard that by encouraging physical activity and playing outdoor games
rather than indoor, children can protect themselves from this problem. Along with physical
activity it is also important for teachers and parents to make sure that their children are having
proper sleep and not using mobile phones or electronic gadgets for longer hours.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research strategy: It shows a form in which researcher collects data related a type to the
topic. There are two research types such as qualitative and quantitative. In qualitative type of
research, scholar gathers data in the form of words and feelings (Silverman, 2020). Whereas, in
quantitative type, data are being gathered in the form of numbers. For this study, non-numerical
data are being gathered as it can help in knowing about effects of obesity. It means this study is
qualitative research.
Research approach: After knowing the type of research, research approach is being
selected that consists of some steps of assumption of data collection and analysis. Inductive and
deductive are main two approaches. In inductive approach, scholar generates a brand new theory
and in deductive, pre generated theories are being developed. As it is a qualitative research so,
inductive research approach has been selected. It can increase knowledge of researcher because
researcher develops theory relevant to the research topic.
Research philosophy: There are two ways in which data can be gathered such as:
interpretivism and positivism. In interpretivism, scholar perform specific role and by observing
social world, human behaviours can be known. In positivism, researcher tries to understand
social world in an objective manner. For this, interpretivism has been selected as it is associated
with inductive.
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Data collection: Primary and secondary are 2 types of data collection. In primary, all
first-hand data are being gathered by conducting survey, questionnaire and interview. On the
other hand, in secondary data collection, second hand data that have already being published are
being gathered via books and journals, internet and others (Kurniawan, 2018). For this study,
secondary data have been collected by preparing themes and it helps in knowing all about aim
and objectives.
Data analysis: Making all collected data accurate and appropriate is known as data
analysis. Qualitative and quantitative are 2 types of data analysis. For analysing non-numerical
data, qualitative and for analysing numerical data, quantitative data analysis tools are being used.
As it is qualitative so, thematic as qualitative data analysis tool has been used.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Theme 1: priority Barking and Dagenham primary school should be given in handling
childhood obesity.
Interpretation:
Obesity is the major issue which is prevailing in the world and people of every age group
is dealing with this issue. Obesity is such a big problem that it attracts every possible disease.
People who are obese are more likely to get diabetes, knee problem etc. According to the author
primary school is giving high priority in handling obesity issues in the children. Schools are
starting awareness campaign so that children should come to know about obesity and try to adopt
such lifestyle which can omit obesity issue (Alman and et.al., 2021). School has also started
providing healthy meals to the children so that they does not bring junk food in their Tiffin. As
discussed above that obesity is very risky and attracts lots of diseases so if not controlled in
childhood only then can be very hazardous for children’s life. Obesity also reduces confidence
level amongst the children. They feel tired in every activity they do in the school. Primary school
has also taken advice from health specialist in regard to this issue. So that school can get expert
advice on this subject. Worldwide this has became the serious problem which should be solved.
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Theme 2: things that are making harder for children of primary school to lead a healthy life?
Interpretation:
From the literature review also it can be seen that children are not doing physical
activities and lack of physical activities is increasing their weight. Moreover their parents are
also not restricting them to eat junk food. They are allowed to eat junk and unhealthy food
whenever they want. Children are more attracted with unhealthy food because junk food tastes
good as compare to healthy food. So children is eating as per their taste and not bothering about
nutritious value. Here parents plays important role they should not allow their children to have
unhealthy diet rather proper diet chart should be made by the parents for children containing
healthy food. Teachers should also teach in the school the difference between healthy and
unhealthy diet. And should also give examples food items which are healthy and which are
unhealthy. Computer and mobile phones are also the biggest reason of obesity. Children
nowadays are not going outside for playing and they are playing games on electronic devices
only. Outdoor games is the way of physical exercise but children are not going out from their
home to play in the ground and because of that their physical exercise is not happening
(Robinson and et.al., 2017). As a result obesity is increasing in children.
Theme 3: factors which are encouraging children for healthy lifestyle?
Interpretation:
As per the LR there are many factors which can motivate children for healthy lifestyle which
include development of parks. If local authority will think and start making parks then that will
attract children to go and play in the park. Park should also include rides so that small children
also visit the park. This will helpful for children to make new friends. As they will meet new
children in the park. This will also improve mental health of the children if they will play in the
park with other children. As playing games on mobile phone every time can increase stress
among the children and children can also feel isolated. Cycling is the other sport which leads to
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healthy life. Government should start giving free cycles to children on rent. The free scheme will
attract children and children will come out from home to ride the cycle. Parents and teachers
should ensure that they are keeping children away from phone or computer screen. As the rays
which comes out from them are very harmful for the eyes of children and also increases tiredness
among the children.
Theme 4: the main impact that obesity is having on children of the school.
Interpretation:
As discussed by the author in LR that obesity is the serious issue and should solve before it is too
late. Children is facing tiredness, hypertension etc but along with that they are also facing the
problem of high blood pressure (Brown and et.al., 2019). In the small age doctor is prescribing
children to take BP capsules. This influence the life of children adversely. Some children even
face cardio related issues. As because of obesity there heart does not work properly. Sometimes
they even feel problem in breathing and doctors has also witnessed that due to obesity heart of
some children does not pump the blood in the manner it should have done. Type 2 diabetes is
also common and seen in many children who are already suffering from obesity. So it is the high
time teachers and parents should take care of the children and encourage them to live healthy.
Teachers should teach disadvantages of eating junk food may be that can help that children
started avoiding junk food.
Theme 5: Recommend some ways of improving healthy lifestyle in children?
Interpretation: In this context, some teachers of Barking and Dagenham primary school said
that educational programs for parents can make them aware about importance of not allowing
their children to have junk food. Some other teachers said that compulsory exercise for children
can also decrease obesity. limiting advertising of fast food can also stop children from having
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junk food. It is also understood from above literature that awareness is the solution to this issue.
School should take on step and start awareness related programs and campaigns. This will give
knowledge to the children, their parents and society in regards of obesity. This can also develop
fear in the mind of children that if they will not stop eating junk food than due to obesity they
can face other disease as well. Awareness should not only restricted to obesity information only
but it should also include remedy which can help children to come out or prevent obesity.
Exercise, eating healthy, outdoor games are some of the remedy which can be helpful to get rid
from obesity. Children who are not obese is more likely to do work more fast and efficient as
compare to children who are facing obesity
RECOMMENDATIONS
On the basis of above discussion, it can clearly be said that increasing rate of cheap
unhealthy fast food shops and lack of physical exercise is leading this obesity rate. So, it is
recommended to teachers that they should make it compulsory for children to participate in daily
exercise and physical activity. They should check tiffin box of children age group of 6-11 and
make sure that they are having healthy food. By promoting educational program for parents, this
obesity rate can be decreased.
CONCLUSION
It has been summarized from the above study that obesity is one of the main global health
problem, affecting children to the great extent. It is associated with many more diseases such as
heart problems, high blood pressure and others. It has further discussed some causing factors of
obesity in children along with some ways by which it can be decreased. Healthy diet and
physical exercise play a vital role in reducing obesity and promoting healthy life in children.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Hemmingsson, E., 2018. Early childhood obesity risk factors: socioeconomic adversity, family
dysfunction, offspring distress, and junk food self-medication. Current obesity
reports. 7(2). pp.204-209.
Lee, E.Y. and Yoon, K.H., 2018. Epidemic obesity in children and adolescents: risk factors and
prevention. Frontiers of medicine. 12(6),.pp.658-666.
Mǎrginean, C.O., Mǎrginean, C. and Meliţ, L.E., 2018. New insights regarding genetic aspects
of childhood obesity: a minireview. Frontiers in paediatrics. 6. p.271.
Mumanya, M.B., 2020. Effects of Long-Term Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes on the
Psychological Well-Being of Children: A Case of Diabetes Management and
Information Center, Nairobi, Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, Daystar University, School
of Human and Social Sciences).
Patil, P. and et.al., 2020. Reducing childhood obesity: evaluation of an Early Years Nutrition
programme in a deprived London borough. F1000Research. 9(682). p.682.
Sanghavi, A. and Siddiqui, N.J., 2017. Advancing oral health policy and advocacy to prevent
childhood obesity and reduce children's consumption of sugar‐sweetened
beverages. Journal of public health dentistry. 77. pp.S88-S95.
Suiraoka, I.P. and et.al., 2017. Perception of parents, teachers, and nutritionist on childhood
obesity and barriers to healthy behavior: a phenomenological study. International Journal
of Health Sciences (IJHS). 1(2). pp.1-11.
Umer, A. and et.al., 2017. Childhood obesity and adult cardiovascular disease risk factors: a
systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC public health. 17(1). pp.1-24.
Silverman, D. ed., 2020. Qualitative research. Sage Publications Limited.
Kumar, S. and Kelly, A.S., 2017, February. Review of childhood obesity: from epidemiology,
etiology, and comorbidities to clinical assessment and treatment. In Mayo Clinic
Proceedings (Vol. 92, No. 2, pp. 251-265). Elsevier.
Kurniawan, N.B., 2018, October. A systematic literature review on survey data collection
system. In 2018 International Conference on Information Technology Systems and
Innovation (ICITSI) (pp. 177-181). IEEE.
Brown, T. and et.al., 2019. Interventions for preventing obesity in children. Cochrane Database
of Systematic Reviews. (7).
Robinson, T.N. and et.al., 2017. Screen media exposure and obesity in children and
adolescents. Pediatrics. 140(Supplement 2). pp.S97-S101.
Alman, K.L. and et.al., 2021. Dietetic management of obesity and severe obesity in children and
adolescents: A scoping review of guidelines. Obesity Reviews. 22(1). p.e13132.
Online
Krushnapriya., S and et.al., 2015. Childhood Obesity: Causes and Consequences. [ONLINE].
Available through :< https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4408699/>
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Childhood Obesity by London Borough, 2020. [ONLINE]. Available through :<
https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/data/child-obesity/>
Childhood Obesity Facts, 2018. [ONLINE]. Available through :<
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html>
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