Running head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Childhood Obesity
Ann M. Gove
University of Phoenix

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Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to show the methodology and research process regarding my
chosen topic Childhood Obesity." The assignment involved retrieving an article that was peerreviewed and then to apply the research methodology to the study chosen. The chosen study is
Childhood Obesity: A Global Public Health Crisis published and written by Sameera Karnik
and Amar Kanekar in September of 2011 (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012). The information obtained in
this study will be used to determine the methods of defining the problem, the research questions,
and hypothesis, study the variables, a conceptual model, and review of the literature and the
study design of the chosen article.

Definition of the Problem

The article was written to discuss the many factors that are impacting childhood obesity,
and an array of interventions and government roles in concentrating on obesity and the challenge
in controlling this epidemic. This problem is important to study in regards to health care
administrators, as the costs for hospital care and treatment for obese children is rising to crisis
levels. Health care costs for the treatment of "childhood obesity rose to 237.6 million in 2005"
(CDC, 2013, p .1), and is estimated "approximately 17% or 12.5 million children ages 2-19 are
obese" (CDC, 2013, p. 1). The complications of childhood obesity are dangerous and can follow
and impact their health into adulthood
.

Study Purpose

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The main purpose for this study is to make people aware of the growing epidemic that
childhood obesity has risen to. To inform the readers of the staggering statistics and health
complications of this problem, and that these conditions follow them into adulthood. The study
also states the different ways to address and tackle this vital issue affecting the children of our
country (Karnik & Kaneka, 2012).

Research Question
Regarding the main research question for this study would be "what the cause and
treatment of childhood obesity?" With the research question being the first step in beginning
their research, it should be clearly defined and accurate. The research question also known as the
methodological point, with any questions asked, are answered during the research process.

Hypothesis
When a statement is created by the researcher regarding their speculation of what they
believe will be the result of their research, this is the research hypothesis. The hypothesis of this
study that was written by the authors state there can be a way to control the issue of childhood
obesity. The research provided through some statistics and material collected while the research
process shows that with the implementation of the intervention programs, and taking community
action to improve the activity of children can be managed (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012).

Study Variables

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In doing any research paper you will have to study the variables, a variable is something
can be changed, such as a characteristic or value (Cherry, 2014); we looked at the variables of
independent and dependent. An independent variable in an experiment is the variable that is
manipulated and measured by the researcher and is presumed the cause. The dependent is the
response that is measured and is the presumed effect. In the study, the independent variable
would be the surveys that were conducted, and the dependent variable is the participants of the
survey (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012).

Theoretical Framework
In research, the theoretical framework is what guides your research and contains
hypothesis, their definitions, and current theories applied to a particular study ("Usclibraries,"
2014). The theoretical framework enhances the study and bridges the researcher to existing data.
Controlled by a pertinent theory, you are provided with a foundation for your hypothesis and
selection of research methods ("Usclibraries," 2014). The theoretical framework that was
performed in this study was that childhood obesity can be tackled by education, preventable
interventions and lifestyle changes and choices (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012).

Review of related literature

The literature review based upon the assumption that knowledge accumulates and that we
learn from what others have done. The purpose of the review is to document the science, with
respect to a particular subject or problem. This article detailed the result of evaluating the causes
and factors influencing obesity in, genetic, environmental, behavioral, and the impact and

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solutions to change this problem (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012). This article gives insight into the
factors that influence the rise in childhood obesity. Children are consuming more calories than
they are expending due to more sedentary lifestyles. Their diets are higher in fat, calories, and
they are consuming greater amounts of food and calories, leading to obesity (Karnik & Kanekar,
2012). Childhood obesity leads to social issues and discrimination due to their body image. The
stigmatization by their peers and others can create mental barriers for those children and
contribute to their negative body image (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012).

Study design
The research design is a framework for any research project, by providing guidance and
categorizes the research (Blakstad, 2008). Each research design will have its pros and cons. The
method selected hinges upon the direction of your study and the description of your topic. The
method chosen will have an effect on the results and how you will summarize your results
(Blakstad, 2008). The various study or research designs are many, but the right one will be the
key in your research. There is descriptive; the purpose is to observe and describe with case
studies, observation, surveys. Correlational studies; envision, through case control studies,
observational studies, cohort study. Semi-experimental designs aim to determine causes, with
field experiments, quasi-experiments. Experimental designs purpose is to determine causes, with
double-blind experiments, and reviewing other research to explain by reviewing the literature,
meta-analysis (Blakstad, 2008). This article written is with a descriptive design. The information
gathered through surveys of children ages 2-19, from 1963 to 2008 (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012, p.
2). The research is from previous surveys conducted, for this study a detailed search of

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"CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC, Academic Search Premier databases carried out during the period
of 1999-2011 (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012, p. 1). A Boolean search was made with the key words
for the search entered "factors" and "childhood obesity" "interventions" and "governmental
actions" and "economic problems" these were used to retrieve the research used in this report
(Karnik & Kanekar, 2012, p. 2-3). The study subjects were children ages 2-19 with parental
consent. Confidentiality and privacy were maintained through disclosure statements, with the
names of the children remaining anonymous throughout the study. The organization studied was
those at the CDC- Center for Disease Control, and the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES) for approximately 45 years (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012, p. 2).
The study found that childhood obesity is on the rise in developed countries and underdeveloped
countries (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012). Childhood obesity is a significant national and international
public health dilemma, defined with a BMI at or above 95th percentile for children of same sex
and age (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012). The concern over the childhood obesity epidemic has
increased worldwide and is a growing concern in regard to the health and safety of the child.

Conclusion

The study in this article and information gathered was found through research surveys
conducted over 45 year period on children age 2-19. It outlined the problem of childhood
obesity and the solutions to managing this crisis occurring worldwide. The hypothesis is that
there can be a way to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic worldwide. In studying the variables
the independent variable is the surveys that were used to obtain the information used, and the
dependent variable is the children in the survey. The importance of the theoretical framework in

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this study is what guides your research, and in this study it is that childhood obesity can be
controlled through lifestyle changes, education and preventable interventions. The childhood
obesity crisis is causing children to be diagnosed with adult medical conditions that are carrying
over into their adult lives. This study was a lengthy one of surveys over an extended period, with
children as the subjects studied. The Impacts of this problem is one that continues into adult life
and with medical complications costing millions of dollars each year and rising. The variables
were influencing this problem and managing, reducing this global epidemic needs to be taken
serious. The methods evaluated in this study can work to manage childhood obesity, but it takes
the parents, community, schools, and everyone involved in the raising and guiding of our next
generation to be a success.

References

Cherry, K. (2014). About.com Psychology. Retrieved from

http://www.psychologyabout.com/od/researchmethods/f/variable.htm.

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Karnik, S., & Kanekar, A.S. (2012, January). Childhood obesity: A global public health crisis.
International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 3(1), 1-7. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com./docview/1287580461?accountid=35812
Oskar Blakstad (Jun 17, 2008). Research Designs. Retrieved from
Explorable.com: https://explorable.com/research-designs
USCLibraries. (2014). Retrieved from
http://www.libguides.usc.edu/content.php?pid=83009&sid=618409