Fundamentals of Evidenced-based Practice: Obesity Research Report

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Fundamentals of Evidenced-based Practice/4
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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
LO2............................................................................................................................................4
LO3............................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion................................................................................................................................12
Reference List..........................................................................................................................13
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Introduction
Obesity is a highly investigated research topic in recent time due to its increased risks among
adults. The study shall use a range of sources to do a literature review and summarise current
knowledge on obesity. It shall state benefits of evidence-based practice as a research method
and produce a proposal on obesity between ages 25-45.
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LO2
Introduction
The task will perform a literature review on obesity by gathering information from wide
ranges of sources. It shall present some facts indicating validity and reliability of sources on
obesity. Recent and authentic sources will be identified to perform a detailed literature
review.
P3 Conduct a literature review using a range of sources relating to the research topic
As opined by Bhaskaran et al. (2014), obesity is a disorder associated with excessive body
fat, and it increases risk of various health problems such as blood pressure, diabetes, heart
diseases and others. It is diagnosed when the body mass index becomes more than 30. This
index is found by dividing weight by height.
Figure 1: Risk factors of obesity
(Source: Millward, 2013)
Obesity is a genetic symptom but it occurs when individuals consume more calories they
burn through daily activities and exercise. Major causes of obesity are unhealthy eating habits
and diet, and inactivity. As stated by Brisbois et al. (2012), unhealthy diets including full of
fast food, lacking in vegetables and fruits, high in calories and oversized food portions cause
obesity. Sometimes people prefer to enjoy a sedentary lifestyle, which makes them inactive.
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Weight gain is usual if people have an inappropriate and unhealthy diet. Foods and beverages
with high calories cause obesity among people. Obesity results from a combination of various
reasons and contributory factors. Genetic plays a role in conversion of food into energy and
burning off calories during physical exercise. Obesity transfers from parents to their children.
If one of parents is suffering from obesity, the risk of running obesity increases. Some
medications cause weight gain if diet foods are not consumed. These medications can be
beta-blockers, antipsychotic, diabetes, anti-seizure, antidepressants and others. A woman may
suffer from obesity during her pregnancy, as it is difficult to lose weight after a baby is born.
Getting too much or not getting enough sleep can cause obesity due to changes in hormone.
Obesity in the UK is a contemporary health concern and some medical authorities believe it
one of the preventable factors of death. As per a survey performed by WHO, around 28.1%
of adults were identified with high body max index. Health experts anticipate that one-third
of population may be obese by the end of 2020. As opined by Millward (2013), increased
level of obesity among the age group of 25 to 45 is a major concern to public health.
Prevalence of obesity and overweight increases until mid of adulthood and reduces in the
stage of older adults. The statistic shows obesity among different age and gender groups in
England.
Figure 2: Obesity and Overweight prevalence
(Source: Cancerresearchuk.org, 2019)
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The following statistic shows a number of people admitted in hospitals because of the
primary diagnosis of obesity in 2017-18 by age. The highest number of individuals
hospitalised for overweight and obesity is aged between 45 and 54 years.
Figure 3: Number of hospital admission by age in England
(Source: Statista.com, 2019)
P4 Explain results of a literature search that summarises current knowledge about
research topic
Obesity in childhood and adult has become a major challenge in the UK. It increases risks of
many chronic diseases in late adulthood. These diseases can be cancers, type-two diabetes,
heart disease and other chronic conditions. Research has presented that adults suffering from
obesity and overweight are more likely to experience an early death. Prevalence of obesity
tends to increase in recent decades. British Nutrition Foundation has recommended a
combination of proper nutrients and physical activities to tackle problems and consequences
of obesity. As depicted by Finkelstein et al. (2012), obesity does not remain as a disease in
recent years; it is a global public health issue-affecting people from all socio-economic and
age groups. From the above literature search, it is found that many factors including genetics,
medications, high-calorie foods and others result in obesity. These factors cannot be avoided,
but people can take preventive measures such as taking in balanced diets and doing physical
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exercise. This can help to reduce increased risks of overweight and obesity along with threats
of chronic conditions.
As demonstrated by Hilton et al. (2012), governments across all countries are taking
initiatives to create awareness among people regarding causes, consequences and preventive
measures of obesity. In 2011, the British Government announced a Public health
responsibility deal to encourage local businesses and food industry in promoting physical
activity healthy eating. It has formulated some policy-based initiatives including restriction
on adding of sugar contents, food pricing strategies, introduction of improved diet and others.
M2 Evaluate the reliability and validity of its own literature review
A literature review performed on obesity consists of valid data and facts, as information was
taken from recent journals, Government websites and books. It has fulfilled purpose, format
and scope of the research topic. The process of literature review has considered and
addressed some criteria including authors’ credentials, date of publication, relation of
contents to research topic and evidence provided in those contents. As most up-to-date
information is used in literature review, contents are proven to more accurate (BELL, 2014).
Before selecting scholar articles, a number of articles written by authors and their popularity
have been checked. This shows how frequently the particular author publishes his or her
articles and updates new information. The review process has supported with articles and
books with proper evidence and examples. Additionally all books and articles were properly
cited and referenced. This shows reliability and validity of literature review on obesity
between the age group 25 to 45.
Most of the sources contain repetitive information on obesity, causes, facts and others.
Contents of literature review may have repetitive facts and information. The validity of
sources taken in articles selected for review process has not tested due to lack of time and this
may have affected reliability of literature.
D2 Critically assess the viability of own project proposal in relation to the literature
review conducted
The foundation for project proposal on obesity has withdrawn from a literature review. Past
researches helped in developing research questions. Background of the project proposal has
been written by comparing findings of research articles and publications used for creating a
literature review. Rationale for doing proposed research has stated by identifying gaps found
in past researches. The project proposal is viable, as it completely linked with literature
review portions and related facts. However, some research questions are similar to that of
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past studies on obesity as no such gaps were identified due to limited selection of research
articles.
Conclusion
The report concludes that validity and reliability of a literature review depend on sources
considered for taking information. Relevant facts and information have benefitted to a
literature review by supporting quality enhancement.
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LO3
P5 Explain the benefits of evidence-based practice as a method in carrying out research
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is central to high-quality care, and it reduces variation in
clinical practice. As opined by DAVIES (2012), applying EBP in doing research shall give
adequate data relevant to research problems. The method integrates patient values, available
research and clinical expertise, which subsequently serves revolve around determining and
analysing data on obesity. The physical therapists and their assistants’ skill and knowledge
are key aspects of EBP. It means research process based on this method shall provide wider
knowledge on obesity and related issues. Using judgement and clinical decision-making are
fundamentals to EBP. With presence of higher experimental data, research becomes accurate
and valid.
As depicted by NEWELL (2010), implication of EBP proves the validity of research findings
because of practical knowledge that everyone can trust it. This method has clinical
importance on findings and clinical decision-making. Findings can be applied to patients and
development of advanced clinical expertise.
According to DAVIES (2012), EBP not only develops new knowledge or validates existing
knowledge but also translates evidence and applies an in-depth analysis. A comprehensive
and basic structure is followed while applying EBP in carrying out research. It identifies
problems by investigating different aspects of research topics. It presents some facts that are
essential for addressing problems. Additionally, evidence provided by EBP came from a
meta-analysis, systematic review and established clinical guidelines that are beneficial for a
systematic review of research problems.
P6 Produce a project proposal for a proposed study based on research topic
Background of research
Obesity and overweight together develop preventable causes of death across the globe. This
chronic disease can affect health seriously. Obesity refers to the presence of extra body fat,
and it raises risks for asthma, cholesterol, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and
others. Children and adults develop obesity and this causes serious health problems in late
adulthood. The severity of obesity is measured by determination of body mass index or BMI.
As stated by Millward (2013), an individual with 20 to 24.9 BMI index is considered as ideal.
When this index increases to 25, the person is treated as overweight. Individuals with a BMI
more than 30 are obese. Risk factors resulting in obesity are complex. These can be a
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combination of lifestyle choices, socioeconomic factors, metabolism, genes, and others.
Additionally, some medicines, diseases and endocrine disorders cause obesity.
According to Dare et al. (2015), developed countries including Germany and United
Kingdom are experiencing increased rate of obesity in recent decades. Prevalence of obesity
continues to increase in different parts of the globe. This has reached increased epidemic
proportions with more than one billion adults experiencing obesity and overweight.
Therefore, the study shall determine causes and risk factors of obesity among 25 to 45 by
developing an in-depth knowledge of obesity.
Research questions
 What are the causes and risk factors of obesity among population between 25 and 45?
 What are preventive actions and potential treatments for obesity?
Research aim
The research aims to study various aspects of obesity seen among individuals aged between
25 and 45.
Research objectives
 To study overview of obesity as a public health issue
 To determine causes and risks of obesity among population between 25 and 45
 To examine preventive actions and potential treatment for obesity
M3 Justify rationale for proposed research study based on the research topic
Obesity is spreading across the world as an epidemic. It requires proper treatment and
preventive actions to save adults from experiencing its immense consequences. Adults with
obesity suffer chronic conditions in late adulthood. The major cause of obesity is the absence
of physical exercises and a healthy diet pattern. People aged between 25 and 45 are becoming
inactive and they are spending time on mobile, computers and related activities rather than
doing physical exercise and works. This does not allow body calories to be reduced for which
they are gaining excessive body fat and metabolism.
Obesity has increased health care costs in society. Direct and indirect cost of treating obesity
is increasing rapidly from 2010. As demonstrated by Hilton et al. (2012), lifetime medical
expense of an adult is £14,600, which is higher than that of an adult with normal weight.
Increased absenteeism and reduced productivity causing obesity and overweight are putting a
financial burden on society. Medical claims and a higher number of sick days are resulting in
higher additional costs incurred by a business. The growing concern for obesity is adding
more cost than financial, as this leads to increased susceptibility of physical and mental
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diseases. Additionally, obesity tends to have immeasurable impacts on quality of life and
family.
Obesity leads to earlier death in men and women, which is another concern seen among
communities. According to Finkelstein et al. (2012), a 40-years old man is expected to live
4.2 years less than that of a normal healthy man. Similarly, a woman with obesity may live
3.5 years less than healthy woman. Thus, it has become necessary to deal with this public
health issue and perform advanced researches to come up with potential treatments and
remedies. The intended research study will articulate causes and risks factors associated with
obesity among people aged between 25 and 45.
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Conclusion
With progression of the study, it can be stated that a valid and reliable literature review
requires relevant sources. Evidence-based practice can be considered during a research
process because of practical knowledge. The study has prepared a proposal on obesity after
gathering relevant facts from literature review.
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