Childhood obesity and diabetes are actively discussed across the expert and informational communities of the United States. The problem has taken a serious turn in recent decades, and its acute nature has even prompted the status of an epidemic. Under such circumstances, it is important for the discussion to concentrate on effective ways of mitigating the impact of the problem while addressing its origins. In fact, the hazards of obesity and related diabetes mostly reveal themselves in childhood, as a patient’s body formation becomes affected by these dangerous conditions. In many cases, if people develop obesity at a relatively young age, the issue is likely to persist into adulthood. As a result, it becomes a major underlying condition that entails subsequent problems with cardiovascular, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems. Among them, diabetes remains of the most serious complications and has the potential to lower the patient’s quality of life to a considerable degree. The issues are further aggravated by the prevalence of unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles in the current environment. The purpose of this essay is to outline the most promising avenues for addressing this public health hazard.
First of all, it is vital to avoid a one-sided perspective on obesity, especially in the cases of children. As per the public’s understanding, obesity and its complications stem from the simple lack of dietary and fitness habits. In this regard, the instances of childhood obesity are usually discussed in relation to uncontrolled fast-food consumption combined with generally irregular eating patterns. As a result, people with such problems also face neglect and contempt from society and the public health system6. More specifically, it is widely assumed that patients with obesity are to blame for their conditions, as they could have prevented it through diet and exercise. However, the foundation of this approach is inherently flawed, as the science of nutrition and weight gain is more complicated than generally believed. For example, the difference in organ functioning may lead to a situation when a person consumes the unreasonable amount of unhealthy food while remaining slim. On the contrary, underlying genetic conditions may negate all dietary and fitness efforts, instigating weight gain. Consequently, before discussing the exact avenues of problem resolution, it is necessary to establish a correct approach.
It is through compassion and equal treatment that the issue of childhood obesity can be resolved effectively. In this context, the public often urges the government to impose more regulations on unhealthy food and beverages. It is theorized that the direct involvement of the authorities has the potential to promote positive behavior and habits. However, such an approach may lack the perceived effectiveness despite the immense arsenal of the government. First of all, some people tend to become intrigued by limits and prohibitions. For example, imposing restrictions on drug trafficking has not prevented millions of people, including adolescents, from using them. Second, without a complete understanding of the reasons behind these restrictions, the population will only be aggravated by them. In other words, people need to understand why exactly they are prompted to avoid certain foods and pursue a specific lifestyle. Overall, it is the policy-makers obligation to share their vision with the population in an atmosphere of respect and cooperation.
Whenever childhood obesity and diabetes are discussed, the focus of discussion tends to shift toward parental control. Spoken differently, the agency of children is limited until a certain age, and the public holds their parents responsible for the formation of such serious conditions, saying that they disregard or, on the contrary, spoil their kids. This approach intersects with the aforementioned biases of obesity, as it represents a case of victim-blaming. Evidently, very few parents would willingly endanger the health of their children. This idea means that similar situations emerge due to a simple lack of understanding, and it is the public health system’s responsibility to provide people with the required information. Therefore, it is envisaged that the most effective means of combatting the childhood obesity and diabetes epidemic is through increased public education. More specifically, certain initiatives that discuss the factors and complications of obesity are to be executed in communities on various levels. Children will benefit from a stronger emphasis on such issues within school curricula, for example, by introducing “general health and well-being” classes from the age of 9-10. At the same time, community outreach programs should be available for the parents who want to learn more about the dangers of childhood obesity.
Ultimately, the incidence rate of childhood obesity and corresponding complications, namely type two diabetes, remains a reason for serious concern in the public health system of the United States. It is assumed that the issue lacks serious attention from policymakers due to profound biases that are engraved in society. Obese people are often stigmatized and disregarded without further consideration, despite an array of underlying problems that may have caused their conditions. Under these circumstances, it is the state’s obligation to expand the public knowledge in regards to the reasons, effects, and prevention tools of childhood obesity. Policy-makers and public health experts are required to work with their communities on a more profound level through outreach programs and school curricula. Moreover, this work is to be executed in the spirit of partnership and respect. This way, the country may finally make its first serious steps toward the elimination of this topical issue.
References
Kranjac, A. W., & Wagmiller, R. L. (2020). Decomposing trends in child obesity. Population Research and Policy Review, 39, 375–388. Web.
TED. (2010). Teach every child about food | Jamie Oliver. YouTube. Web.
TEDMED. (2013). Is the “obesity crisis” just a disguise for a deeper problem? YouTube. Web.