Question

Jason is a 5-year-old child who went with his mother to the pediatrician. The doctor measured Jason’s weight and length, and informed his mother that Jason has a BMI in the 95th percentile. This means that Jason has obesity. When asked to describe their family history, his mother provided the following information: 1) his mother had a pre-pregnancy BMI of 33 kg/m2; 2) his mother was diagnosed with gestational diabetes; and 3) Jason was born large-for-gestational-age. When asked to describe Jason’s diet and physical activity, his mother explained that Jason prefers dinosaur chicken nuggets and French fries, which he washes down with apple juice, over fruits and vegetables. She does not know how to introduce more nutritious meals. In addition, Jason’s father rewards him with chocolates, and often gives him cookies to convince him to stop crying. He also spends many hours in front of the television, consuming cartoons and commercials.

Describe both the biological determinants that may be contributing to Jason’s high weight status, as well as the environmental determinants. What advice would you give to Jason’s mother to improve his diet and physical activity patterns?

Answer in complete sentences, should be approximately 2 paragraphs.

Answer 1

The biological determinants that may be contributing to the high weightstatus of Jason are:

Maternal BMI, adiposity, gestational weight gain, circulating triglyceride concentrations, and degree of inflammation during pregnancy are associated with increased birth weight and neonatal adiposity.

Birth weight:Jason is born large for gestational age.

Prenatal and post natal influences: gestational diabetes of his mother also have affect on Jason's over weight status

Genes:genes influence body weight by setting basic parameters on body's metabolic efficiency.genes governing metabolism run in the family.as Jason's mother is obese it is more likely for Jason to be obese

Metabolic rate:metabolic rate is largely determined by how active they are.sedentary life style of Jason is the main reason for his weight gain.

Eating patters:Food related habits and culturalexpectations are also important determinants of weight gain.jason eating habits,his high calorie food,chocolates,juices tend to increase more weight.

Exercise:exercise is essential component of healthy weight management.As jason has no physical activity and due to sedentary life style ,he tends to have more weight.

Environmental factors contributing to Jason's over weight status:

The environment is obesogenic with increased use of convenience foods,electronic devices and television leading to higher consumption of calorie dense foods and more sedantary life styles.

Physical activity level also effects weight.as Jason has no physical activity it is causing high weight gain.

*Jason mother should follow these to improve his diet and physical activity:

Small quantity meals

Healthy fruits and vegetables

No high calorie foods

Physical activity and exercise

Jason mother should take him to recreational parks and walking instead of television

Indoor and outdoor games.