Effects of Dietary Changes in Childhood Obesity
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing | Pediatric Nursing | Public Health and Community Nursing
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Childhood obesity is a complicated health-care issue. This rising problem is now deemed a global epidemic that will endanger pediatric health and put a financial strain on the United States' health-care system. This can lead to more complications in the future. Problems that used to be referred to as adult problems are now being diagnosed in children. Some examples are diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. According to the CDC, childhood obesity affects 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States. There are many factors that contribute to pediatric obesity: genetics, medications, health conditions. The more societal factors include dietary habits and amount of physical activity. The purpose of this research is to examine how the implementation of a health promotion program that consists of education of dietary habits and cooking classes compared to written education will prevent the progression and complications of this condition. The focus is on interventions that involve both the child and the parents together. The data shows that when interventions are started early on and target the family as a whole, changes such as decreased BMI results. To evaluate the effectiveness of the changes in dietary habits, we will use pre and post-data that includes BMI.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
Wellstar School of Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Christie Emerson
Additional Faculty
Evah Wangungu, Nursing, ewangung@kennesaw.edu
Effects of Dietary Changes in Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is a complicated health-care issue. This rising problem is now deemed a global epidemic that will endanger pediatric health and put a financial strain on the United States' health-care system. This can lead to more complications in the future. Problems that used to be referred to as adult problems are now being diagnosed in children. Some examples are diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. According to the CDC, childhood obesity affects 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States. There are many factors that contribute to pediatric obesity: genetics, medications, health conditions. The more societal factors include dietary habits and amount of physical activity. The purpose of this research is to examine how the implementation of a health promotion program that consists of education of dietary habits and cooking classes compared to written education will prevent the progression and complications of this condition. The focus is on interventions that involve both the child and the parents together. The data shows that when interventions are started early on and target the family as a whole, changes such as decreased BMI results. To evaluate the effectiveness of the changes in dietary habits, we will use pre and post-data that includes BMI.