Analysis of Childhood Obesity in Jackson, MS: Community Health Report

This report focuses on childhood obesity in Jackson, Mississippi, examining effective strategies and social determinants. The report highlights that childhood obesity in Jackson, Mississippi is a significant public health concern, with prevalence exceeding 35%. The most effective strategies include control programs that focus on diet and physical activities, such as 150 minutes of exercise daily. Social determinants like poverty, access to care, and education contribute to the problem. Available resources such as the Mississippi Department of Insurance, Medicaid, and various health and nutrition programs are identified as potential partners in addressing the issue. The report synthesizes information concisely, providing a clear overview of the problem and potential solutions, supported by APA citations.

Running head: COMMUNITY HEALTH 1
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Community health
Population and effective strategies in addressing obesity for Jackson Mississippi.
 The population in question are children. Studies indicate that the prevalence of obesity in
Mississippi among children is beyond 35%. According to different studies conducted for
Jackson Mississippi, the available and effective method that can address obesity is
control programs that focus on diet and physical activities. In a study conducted by Bray,
Frühbeck, Ryan, & Wilding in 2016, studies indicate that 150 minutes of physical
exercise on a daily basis reduces the risk of obesity by up to 85% (Bray, Frühbeck, Ryan,
& Wilding, 2016).
 In another study conducted by Turnbull in 2016, a proper diet and regular physical
exercise reduce the prevalence of obesity in Mississippi. In the studies, it is
recommended that obese people should not a variety of foods that include red meat
especially pork and lamb. They should also avoid potatoes that are either baked or fried.
Furthermore, they should avoid sweetened beverages like sodas. They should also avoid
fruit juice and refined grains. Obesity leads to health complications like diabetes and
CVD, it is therefore necessary to implement the above strategies to control obesity at
Mississippi.
Social determinants of Health
According to the World Health Organization, social determinants of health are those factors that
people are born, grow, learn and worship. These conditions are determined by distribution of
money, power and resources. According to studies, there is a variety of social determinants that
contribute to the high prevalence of obesity among children in Mississippi. In one of the studies
by Sartorius, Veerman, Manyema, Chola, & Hoffman in 2015, the social determinants include

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proximity or living in urban centers, high socio-economic category contribute to obesity
(Sartorius, Veerman, Manyema, Chola, & Hofman, 2015). The study notes that high socio-
economic is likely to make unhealthy foods such as fruit juices and sugary beverages available
that in turn contribute to obesity in Mississippi.
 Poverty: According to a survey conducted in 2013, 22.5% of the Mississippi population
were living below the poverty level. This contributes to high cases of obesity among
children since they can get access to healthy diets.
 Access to care: the same survey indicates that from 2011 to 2013, 17.3% of the
Mississippi population did not have any insurance cover.
 Educational attainment: A survey conducted back in 2013 indicate that one out 5 children
in Mississippi do not attend schools. Lack of knowledge contributes to high cases of
obesity.
Available resources
There are different available resources that aid in the fight against obesity in Mississippi. They
include:
 Mississippi Department of Insurance
 Mississippi Medicaid
 Mississippi obesity and/or Health and Nutrition Programs
 Mississippi vocational Rehabilitation Program.
All of this resources or resource organizations can be used in the fight against obesity
among adults in Mississippi.

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References
Bray, G. A., Frühbeck, G., Ryan, D. H., & Wilding, J. P. (2016). Management of obesity.
The Lancet, 387(10031), 1947-1956. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(16)00271-3
Sartorius, B., Veerman, L. J., Manyema, M., Chola, L., & Hofman, K. (2015). Determinants
of Obesity and Associated Population Attributability, South Africa: Empirical
Evidence from a National Panel Survey, 2008-2012. PLOS ONE, 10(6), e0130218.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0130218