Topic > Obesity: a major public health problem in England

AbstractIntroductionEpidemiologyPublic health interventionsHealth promotion modelConclusionReferencesSummaryObesity is a major public health problem in England as the obese population increases every year. The epidemiology in the report shows that the obese population locally and nationally has increased, however the local statistics are greater than the overall national statistics for the year 2017/2018. Tannahill's health promotion model shows a very important role in ensuring people have a healthier quality of life and avoiding obesity. Interventions are in place to help avoid and reduce the risk of obesity occurring. The responsibilities of the nurse in the community are discussed in more detail. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay IntroductionObesity is defined as an abnormal and excessive increase in fat in the body that can cause adverse health effects such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Weight is measured based on body mass index (BMI) results, weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A body mass index of 30 or higher is classified as obese. Obesity has tripled since 1975 and represents a huge health problem for aging adults. In most countries where they live, more people often die from obesity than underweight people. It is important to know that obesity is a serious health problem not only physically but also mentally. Obesity is caused by more than one factor. There are many factors that can cause obesity. The five main evident factors are biological, physiological, psychosocial, behavioral and environmental. The aim of this report is to discuss obesity and cover the epidemiology of how obesity is a public health issue for England at a local and national level. The report will explain health interventions in relation to obesity and how to reduce and avoid the number of obesity cases in England and around the world. Tannahills' health promotion model will be explained in more detail. The role of the nurse when addressing obesity. Epidemiology Epidemiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the control of a disease in a population. National data shows that obesity is a huge health problem in England. Obesity occurs when calorie consumption from sugary and fatty foods is greater than output. Unhealthy foods are said to be cheaper but higher in calories. People use cars as a means of transport rather than walking as a form of exercise. There are more sedimentary jobs and lifestyles that involve sitting at a computer rather than being awake and active than in previous years. (NHS2019) National statistics for England between 2017 and 2018 state that the highest level of obesity was recorded that year in England. 10,660 hospital admissions due to obesity alone, 711,000 admissions where obesity was a factor. According to the data collected, 287 adults out of a thousand were obese and 36 of them were morbidly obese. The results indicated that 28.7% of adults are classified as obese and 35.6% are considered overweight. Statistics show that 27.4% of men and 30% of women are obese. However, men are said to be more likely to be overweight than women. The ages of 16 to 24 are the only age group in which women are often at greater risk of being obese than men. Adults between 66 and 74 years old run agreater risk of being overweight. In England obesity may affect poor areas more, leaving them 11% more likely to be obese than less deprived areas. Adults who may have a physical disability may also have an 11% greater risk of being obese. In 2017-2018 local data from Hillingdon suggests that life expectancy in the poorer areas of Hillingdon is much lower. In total, women lose an average of 5.6 years and men 7.6. According to Public Health England between 2017 and 2018 62.4% of adults were diagnosed as obese or overweight in the Hillingdon area. However, 27.8% of adults were declared inactive. It is clear that the statistics both locally and nationally are high and that changes need to be made. It is obvious from the statistics that local figures for Hillingdon, being a smaller area, are higher than those for England as a whole. Public health interventions Obesity can have a huge impact on physical and mental health. Unfortunately, obesity is a complex condition and there is no single solution that can solve the problem. (GOV.UK2019) As obesity is a major public health problem, a long-term approach will be needed to see any positive changes in the population. (GOV.UK) Obesity can cause harmful effects for adults, reducing their chances of finding work, increasing the risk of stimulation and discrimination. Obesity can lead to more hospital admissions and can reduce life expectancy by an average of three years and, in severe cases, by up to ten years. Educating is an example of intervention. It is important that nurses are educated about how serious the health risks of obesity are. It is important that they have the knowledge and information to provide their clients with the advice, support and help they may need. It is vital that patients are fully aware of the different services available, such as free online prescriptions, Slimming World, weight watchers or online apps such as the free 'Be Food Smart' app (GOV.UK2019). It is important for people to be educated and monitor the amount of sugars, fats and salts in the food they consume. There are several unhealthy foods that give people the initial energy boost they need, and are often cheaper and more convenient than the healthier option. The environment we live in encourages unhealthy lifestyles. Reducing sugar is an important intervention the government must implement before public health problems worsen. The advantage of this is that it will reduce the sugars in our food by 20% making the product healthier and reducing the risk of obesity. The goal of this reduction in 2020 is for families to be able to eat the same food they eat now, but the products will contain less sugar, so they will be healthier and will help avoid weight gain and other health risks. It is important for nurses to counsel and guide their clients to exercise groups or gyms in hopes that they remain physically active. Health Promotion Model Tannahill (1996) discusses the health promotion model in three aspects. Prevention, positive health education and health protection. Prevention means avoiding or reducing the possibility of diseases such as obesity causing health problems. Positive health education is about communicating to improve positive well-being by avoiding diseases such as obesity that cause health problems and providing advice and information about diseases. Health protection means safeguarding people socially and financially, which means that peers in social groups can influence each other on what they eat and 10-01-2020