Grant Writing: Concept Paper - Essay Example

More than 16% of the children in the United States are considered obese (Friis and Sellers, 2009). On the other hand, 15% of the children in Monore county are obese or overweight. Since children grow at rates that are different, it is sometimes difficult to tell whether a child is overweight or obese. Only when a child’s weight is 10% higher than recommended can is considered obese. Before determining whether one is obese, the doctor takes factors like height and body type in consideration first.

Obesity usually begins at the age of 5 or 6 or at times during adolescence. Unhealthy weight gain caused by lack of exercise and poor diet. Obesity causes other health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, and raised levels of cholesterol as well as type-2 diabetes ((Waters et al., 2011). Additionally, the psychological effects far outweigh the physical effects. Low self esteem, depression as well as negative self image are some of the worst effects of obesity in children. Excess weight in childhood has been linked with early deaths in their adulthood.

The Goals and Objectives The Get On Board Active Living (G.O.A.L) project aimed at reducing obesity among children and shall be implemented in the Monroe County. Friis and Sellers (2009) identify overeating, genetics and lack of exercise as the three main causes of obesity among children. . The family unit is where the foundation of the children. The habits a child forms during their young age are the same ones the child carries throughout their adult life. Evaluation Methodology The people in Monroe County who participate in this activity will then be compared with the rest who did not.

Their health and weight of both groups shall then b determined. Indeed, the ones who participated are expected to be much healthier. Measurable criteria to evaluate their attainment The results of the project will be visible by the number of children able to successfully change their dietary habits and lifestyle as a whole. Families will be each assigned a nutritionist. Their progress will be evaluated on a weekly basis to determine how much weight they have lost. They will also be required to keep a nutrition diary (Yagnik, 2009).

They will be required to keep a record of all the food they eat. They will have been properly guided on how to take care of their nutrition needs prior to this. Therefore, they will have an easy time recording their daily nutrition as well as exercise. The diaries will then be graded by the nutrition expert. At the end of every week, the best performing families will be rewarded $1. The long term goal is to bring about a better and healthier America. When children are healthy, they are happy and in turn their grades are expected to improve.

Their BMI should reduce significantly. Their concentration in class is expected to increase and thus better grades. Less mood swings will be expected and thus they will relate with their teachers as well as their peers better. The children who were obese will no longer be taunted by their peers and thus they can be their very best. Social interaction between them and their