| Description |
The number of cases of childhood obesity is increasing in the United States. It is estimated that 5% to 25% of the schooI-age populatton, ages six to twelve years, are obese. A child is considered obese when he has; a disproportionate amount of fat in comparison to Jean body tissue. A normal 10 year old child has less than 18% body fat; whereas, an obese child of the same age has greater than 18% body fat. Obesity can be measured by direct or indirect measurement techniques. The direct measurement techniques are designed to directly measure total body fat content through chemical analysis techniques such as injection of fat soluble gases, tracer dilution methods, and counting of total body potassium. The indirect measurement techniques are used to predict body composition, and include hydrostatic weighing and skinfold thickness measurements. The pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity are described by the fat cell and energy imbalance theories. Pathophysiological mechanisms describe the process by which a disease; develops. Etiological factors, on the other hand, contribute to the; development of a disease. These factors can be classified as genetic or; environmental, but in order for a person to become obese, the two must co-exist. Socioeconomic status and familial attitudes toward food and exercise are the most influential of the environmental factors. In addition to genetic and environmental influences, emotional maladjustment of children has also been identified as a contributing factor in obesity. Personal interviews of obese children and their parents support theoretical constructs and provide examples of problems commonly faced by these families. The health risks associated with obesity are discussed In terms of the potential physiological, pyschological, and social impacts in a child's behavior, self image, and growth and development. A community assessment of available services and resources was conducted and evaluated in terms of levels of disease prevention, useability, and availability. The paper concludes with a proposal for a multi disciplinary community intervention plan. |
