Question

What are the health policy and ethical issues around a society that basically is doing a very bad job at addressing childhood obesity? What are the social, political, and economic forces that possibly block a more aggressive approach to diet and exercise in our country?  

Answer 1

CHILDHOOD OBESITY:

Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue which has raised concerns globally. The predominance of childhood obesity is drastically increased over the years. It is definitely caused by the disparity between the amount of calories consumed and the calories utilized. Several factors contribuite to this issue- envitronmental, behavioural and familial ( genetic). The betterment of addressing childhood obesity requires integrated efforts of various stakeholders serving in different sectors.I have detailed the governmental action/health policies which was initiated to prevent obesity.

SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY:

Schools play a very critical role in addressing childhood obesity and prevent the prevalence of this condition at a very early stage.Children spend most of their time in schools rather than home, so, healthy eating and improved physical activity has to be followed very strictly. But this policy is not strong and schools don't monitor students closely to succeed the vision. They focus only on the academic subjects but fail to understand that students who are health and fit can do their studies better. The school's prime resposibility is to educate them on health issues and learn skills for active living and making healty choices all throughout their life.

FEDERAL POLICIES:

U.S department of agriculture has to take a serious look on the subsidized school meals to meet the standards of nutrition and adhere to the dietary requirements of americans. THe USDA currently does not have the authority to take action against the food products and beverages sold outside the school canteen. Food products of minimal nutritional value are sold such as Chips, Jelly beans, candy bars and sweets. This has to be barred but USDA couldnt do anything about it.

FINANCIAL ISSUES: FInancial pressures faced by the US government seemed to be one of the significant barrier for not providing nutritious meals to schools

OTHER POLICIES TO IMPROVE CHILDREN'S DIET:

- Nutrition education Curriculum standards

-Farm to school programs and school gardens

-Federal fruit and vegetable Program

Eventhough several policies were introduced by the US govt. it clearly shows that it didnt work because the rate of childhood obesity has rapidly increased over the period.

ETHICAL ISSUES:

• The need for medical doctors and teams to communicate with the parents in treating the primary problem and focusing on a collaborative approach in dealing the issue. This does not happen in most of the cases. Obesity is taken very lightly and is not being treated efficiently. In most of the cases, Obesity leads to several other issues and thats when ther health is brought into concern. If doctors fail to treat the underlying problem, complications are bound to increase.
• Individualized approach -Children's rights has to be respected in each case. They have to be educated wisely to take care of themselves, gain self control in avoiding junk processed foods. The benefits have to be elaborated and made to understand. But most of them fail in educating the children wisely at the right time.
• Parental support - Parents play a key role in modifying the children's lifestyle

SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS THAT BLOCK AN AGGRESSIVE APPROACH TO DIET AND EXERCISE :

• Educational level of the parents- If they dont understand the benefits of healthy eating, its difficult to educate the child
• Low socio economic groups - They strive for their daily living and thus couldnt focus on health issues
• Improper allocation of financial resources by the government to focus on people's wellbeing.
• Physical activity is reduced these days because of the development in technology and attraction towards junk foods have increased. No one takes initiative to control this situation.