Question

Is Obesity in school is a public health issue? If we have to implement prevention planning, what will be the target population with this issue? Please include statistical evidence that the claim and provide an explanation.

In order to have a prevention plan for Obesity in School.

Answer 1

Yes obesity in schools is a public health issue.

According to the American medical association (AMA) 18.5 percent of children ages 2 to 19 in America have obesity. Another study conducted in 2018 reported that 14.5 % of children between 2 and 4 had obesity. Not being on a sports and watching television for 3 hours or more per day were significantly correlated with obesity in this study. The study also threw light on the rate of obesity related to education. It was found that College graduates are less likely to be obese than those with less than a high school education, 22.2 percent versus 35.5 percent.

The primary reason for obesity in school going children was over reliance on fast food and unhealthy snacks and bad dietary habits which was the primary reason for obesity. Another factor is decrease in physical activity due to the advent of computer games and preference to stay indoor due to environmental factors such as pollution.

To prevent obesity the target group would be school going children from the age of 5-17 years as if they are physically fit at this stage it would bode well for them in the future. First and foremost would be to do away with any unhealthy snacks and fast foods from the school cafeteria and provide only healthy snacks. Compulsory physical education for all students with minimum preset criterias for physical fitness.

Children spend a large portion of their day in school. Because many of the lifestyle and behavior choices associated with obesity develop during school-age years, schools play a big role in managing obesity of children