Adult Obesity: A Complex Clinical Problem - Essay Example

This essay "Adult Obesity: A Complex Clinical Problem" outlines the danger and consequences of adult obesity. For several diseases, the more obese the individual, the higher the susceptibility to morbidity. Hence, it is important to determine two factors: (1) is the adult obese? and (2) how obese is the adult? Besides having higher morbidity, obese adults also have a significantly higher susceptibility to mortality (Jelalian & Steele 2008, 12). Hu and colleagues (2004), drawing on the findings of Nurses’ Health Study, discovered that in comparison to individuals who were physically active and slim, inactive and obese women are far more at risk for death (as cited in Davies, Fitzgerald, & Mousouli 2008, 144).

Fontaine and colleagues (2003), in their review of findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, discovered that obesity noticeably shortened life expectancy (Smith 2009, 3). This trend was specifically observed among 20- to 30-year-old white males. An obese 30-year-old white male was predicted to die 13 years earlier than a physically active and lean white male (Smith 2009, 3-4). It has been reported that children and adolescents with greater body mass index (BMI) are more highly susceptible to morbidity than their counterparts at lower or normal BMI (Jelalian & Steele 2008, 12-13).

As stated by the Institute of Medicine, childhood obesity could possibly counteract the encouraging life expectancy patterns that have been attained by way of infectious disease control. (Jelalian & Steele 2008, 13). Relationship between Childhood Weight Condition and Adult Weight Condition Hence, due to the mortality and morbidity related to adult obesity, the connection between childhood obesity and adult obesity becomes of primary importance. Several empirical findings have shown a relationship between childhood weight condition and adult weight condition.

Power and colleagues (1997), for instance, reported that