Literature Review on Childhood Obesity and Treatment

Literature Review on Childhood Obesity and TreatmentObesity has be fix a huge fuss within the Western World over recent years. (34% of the adult population in the US in 2007 (Barness (1986 75)). It is known from the general media that the incidences of childhood corpulency atomic material body 18 also on the make up. This review aims to evaluate the ideas and concepts from two Journals. Barness, L.A. (2007) Obesity in Children. Ells et al, (2005) streak of Childhood Obesity.Childhood ObesityAccording to Barness (1986 75-76), there are a number of tools used to define the obese child. weight for height is the most common used as it uses a chart and the skinfold thickness becomes very inconclusive in the obese child due to errors in measurement. The BMI uses charts to which take into account the gender and age of the child which then encompasses more of the variables within children (not apparent in adults) resulting in increased accuracy. There is nigh debate as to brings of fleshiness. Some causes are thought to be (Ells et al. (2005 443)) gender, race, socioeconomic status, special educational hires, environmental factors and genetics (although Ells et al. (2005 442) states that fewer than 1% of childhood corpulency cases are directly caused by a genetic dis roll).There are also a number of affection states causing alternative obesity which need to be ruled out prior to attributing the unexplained weight gain to the above causes. These include neurological lesions, endocrinopathies and inborn syndromes (Barness (1986 82)). There are various factors affecting the obese child including psychological as Obese children often suffer from low self esteem and some can go on to develop depression (10% become clinically depressed Barness (1986 77)) whereas others comfort eat leading to obesity.There are a number of risk factors which can result from an obese child which include hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. (Chu et al. (1998 1141) Dy slipidaemia includes hyperlipidaemia, elevated low-density lipoproteins, and decreased high density lipoproteins (Barness (1986 81)).Sleep apnoea a common cause of pulmonary insufficiency Barness (1986 77). The child can wake up many times a night resulting in constant sleep deprivation. This can be life limiting as it puts a strain on the heart also. It has been reported that some children can benefit from tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy Barness (1986 77). However, Zafer et al. (1999 33) book concluded that this treatment is associated with an increase in weight, height and BMI.Obesity TreatmentAs the causes of obesity are varied, so the treatment also needs to be varied. As well as dealing with the causes of obesity there maybe other health issues to be dealt with also. (see above) . The major treatment options involve diet, exercise and doings modification (Barness (1986 83). The dietary requirements need to be under strict medical supervisions as the child is still growing and requires essential nutrients for growth. Barness (1986 83) states that a protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) diet has been used and appears synthetic rubber and can stimulate the respiratory system and blunt the appetite due to ketones being released as the diet is also low in carbohydrates. Barnes does not, however, go into expound of behaviour modification or exercise programmes.Obesity PreventionThere a number of factors which cause obesity, as stated above. A holistic nestle is required to ensure obesity does not occur in the child. According to Ells et al. (2005 441) evidence supports measures which ensure physical activity and a healthy diet as well as adequate behavioural support for the child to reduce the risk of obesity. incumbrances which will aid children to live and grow healthily can come from a number of different sources.School InterventionSchools can influence a childs behaviour and therefore help in the health prevention of obesity. Ells et al. (2005 444) tha t a review highlighted a number of health prevention programmes. One of these was based on children being taught via a national curriculum to reduce their sedendatory behaviour. This showed a diminution in obesity. Another two were based on physical activity programmes which showed that there was no significant reduction in obesity over a control group. The multi-faceted approach of nutrition, education, behavioural therapy and physical activity showed that this may help to reduce obesity, especially in girls. Ells et al. (2005 444) concluded that much more research is compulsory in this area. Research carried out by Nauta, Byrne and Wesley (2009 16-17) concluded that school nurses had an awareness of childhood obesity but were unable to set up treatment programmes.Family InterventionThere are a number of different behavioural causes within the family environment, including the mothers knowledge of nutrition and opportunities to share family meals. Ells et al. (2005 445 446) also cited studies undertaken to examine the efficiency of family based behaviour modification programmes and health promotion which did not support any significant decrease in weight in the obese child. Goodfellow and Northstone (2008 117) found out that children from the islet of Man were more likely to be obese than in Avon, showing that external influences will have a bearing on the family and individuals health.Preschool / Anti-Natal InterventionA significant number of children are obese at pre-school age. However there is little evidence to support the need for intervention within the pre-school age chilidren. Ells et al. (2005 446 447) questions whether obesity prevention should begin during the ante-natal period and cited a study finding maternal weight to correlate to preschool obesity but another found that breast ply had a protective effect on childhood obesity. A study by Rossem et al. (2010 7) supports the link between breast feeding and reduced obesity in the child. Mor gan (1986 34)) cited that expectant parents should be alerted to the dangers of childhood obesity as there is a strong link with a parent and childs body weight.Government PoliciesElls et al. (2005 449) indicates that in order to prevent the growing trend of obesity Governments must have a key role. For instance Ells et al. (2005 449) a number of UK police documents including the Health Select military commission Report on Obesity (2004).Monitoring To Ensure Prevention is WorkingIt is vital that preventative measures in place are monitored to ensure that they are trim back both the incidence and severity of childhood obesity so that resources can go to the appropriate measures.Ells et al. (2005 449) stated that monitoring in most countries consists of only everyday surveys. The UK Essential Core Database for child health have recommended that monitoring (BMI) be carried out on children at entry and exit from both primary and secondary schools. Research carried out by Levine et al . (2008 255), however, showed that monitoring of primary school children was achievable but that of secondary schools was not.ConclusionIt can be concluded that childhood obesity is a large, increasing problem within the western world which will follow on into adulthood. This essay has aimed to give an overview of the theories and evidence surrounding childhood obesity including associated diseases, treatments, preventative measures and people involved in supporting the obese child as well as those factors thought to cause the obesity in the premier(prenominal) place. This is a complex issue with evidence currently emerging.This review was mainly focussing on the use of two articles Obesity in Childhood and Prevention of Childhood Obesity which between then cover all the issues surrounding childhood obesity. Where there is further supporting or refuting evidence I have added this. The literature included here is by no means comprehensive and the reader may wish to research an aspec t of childhood obesity in greater depth.