Running Head: CHILDHOOD OBESTITY IN AMERICA

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Childhood Obesity in America

Helen McDonald
NUR560 Nursing Research Methods
March 13, 2015
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute Utica Rome

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Working Title

Childhood Obesity in America

Background
Obesity in children has become a concern and substantial public-health problem
worldwide (Cowie, 2014, p. 18). In 2013, the amount of children under the age of five, labeled
obese or overweight was 42 million internationally (WHO, 2015). Nearly one-third of United
States (US) children are obese or overweight (Jackson & Cunningham, 2015, p. 153). Childhood
obesity has risen at alarming rates, nearly doubling since the 1980s and almost 16.9% in 2008
(Grossklaus & Marvicsin, 2014, p. 69). Obese children are more likely to remain obese into
adulthood (Cowie, 2014, p. 18). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2015),
obesity and overweight is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk
to health. Obesity occurs when energy or caloric intake is greater than energy used (Cowie,
2014, p. 18).
Obesity is a modifiable risk factor associated with mental health issues, cardiovascular
disease, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis, and cancers (Cowie, 2014, p. 18). Obesity
has become a frequent, chronic disease seen; its financial implications reaching $75 billion in
2003 (Grossklaus & Marvicsin, 2014, p. 69). The issue with obesity cannot be described as a
single factor or cause, but rather a multifaceted layer with multiple causes. Risk factors for
childhood obesity may include; maternal health and social history, breastfeeding, family
dynamics, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, parental education and competence, neighborhood
dynamics (availability of green space etc.), lifestyle, diet and availability of fresh produce and
healthy choices, childhood social competence and perhaps others.

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Many studies examine childrens body mass index (using height and weight) as an
indicator of obesity, but often times it will miss diagnosis lean or muscle mass for obesity
(Timmermans, Mommers, Gubbels, et al., 2014, p.15). It has been suggest that central body fat
distribution is associated with increased risk of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular
disease; therefore, a better indication of obesity in children may be waist circumference, because
it provides an indication of central and trunk adiposity (Cowie, 2014, p.20).
Problem Statement
In what ways can the nurse impact childhood obesity? There are nurses in schools and in
pediatric or family care practices that work with children every day. They can have a big impact
by influence a positive change with this population through early interventions, education and
community awareness.
The nurse needs to develop an understanding of what risks increase the chances of
obesity and what interventions can be used to decrease that risk. Using evidence based practice
the nurse should question what puts a child at higher risk for obesity. Nurses can then be
effective in assessing children for obesity. They can teach parents about obesity and the risk
factors associated with it. They can monitor the childs progress and continue providing support.
Research Purpose
The purpose of the research is to discover what causes obesity in America and what is
currently being done and what can be done about it. To discern; social, political, economic,
biophysical, psychological and cognitive explanations that contribute to childhood obesity.
Nursing interventions can be applied to assist in the prevention and political reform in the
prevention of obesity.

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Statement of Applicable Theory

Theoretical framework is taken from Modeling and Role Modeling Theory; developed
and published in 1983 by Helen Erickson, Evelyn M. Tomlin and Mary Anne P. Swain (Nursing
Theory [NT], 2013). In this theory, each patient is provided with respect for the individual
uniqueness; mind, body, emotion and spirit (NT, 2013). Maslows hierarchies of needs are met
when the patient feels they are met (NT, 2013). The patients world perspectives are based on the
environment they interact with (NT, 2013). Coping and response to stressors are health and
growth directed (NT, 2013). Self-care knowledge dictates what interventions are needed in
health, growth and development (NT, 2013). Interventions are unique to the patient; implemented
only after the nurse gains knowledge and understanding about the patients personal model of the
world (NT, 2013). Subsystems used in the theory include; biophysical, psychological social and
cognitive (Baldwin, 2004). The nurse models the client world and then assesses possible
interventions, including; finding resources, working through adaption to the environment and
coping with situations (Baldwin, 2004).
Research Question
What are the biophysical, psychological, social and cognitive explanations for childhood
obesity in America? What preventative interventions can the nurse provide to the parents? What
legislative changes can the nurse assist with in the community?

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