Policy Priority: Childhood Obesity - Essay Example

Policy Priority: Childhood Obesity Introduction The obesity problem in the United States has escalated to attract the attention of state and federal government systems. With the triple-escalation of obesity numbers in the country over three decades, the effects of the issue has also affected the health care systems and the tax payer. Regardless of the attention placed on the issue, the reduction rate is not enough to minimize the effects of the problem. The slow reduction rate has increased the need to develop more effective policies to curb the problem of childhood obesity. What are the signs that are obesity is a significant health problem in the United States? What evidence could be provided to depict obesity as a massive policy-issue in the country? What is the importance and impact of the issue to nursing? Key Points: Prevalence of Obesity in the United States Since the realization of the problem as significant in 1980, the number of obesity cases has tripled. The numbers are more prevalent in children. The data reported by the CDC depict obesity as one of the greatest health problems in the United States (Frieden, Dietz & Collins, 2010). At the time of realization, effective policies were not realized based on that the problem did not pose much risk as other health disparities. Over the years, the CDC has provided information on the prevalence of the issue in the country. The state and federal expenditure directed towards dealing with the effects of obesity has increased significantly (Frieden, 2010). Medical and educational institutions have also been required to develop to increase expenditure on the policy creation to curb the effects of obesity. At the state level, educational institutions development expenditure on physical education has increased massively. Students are also provided with appropriate diets that would minimize their risks of being obese as a result of poor diet (Frieden, Dietz & Collins, 2010). State policy making processes on the issue has also increased. At the state level, government have realized the need to curb the increased consumption of fast foods and supersized drinks and meals (Frieden, 2010). This has included the creation of policies that cut the production and supply levels of these specified foods. The creation of these policies depict the seriousness of the issue at the state level. In addition, the policy making process has also been realized by the federal government. With the federal government agencies like the CDC stating the impact of the problem, policies to curb the problem may be inevitable. Empirical Evidence Showing the Impact of Obesity in the United States In an argument by the CDC (2014) the rate of obesity cases in the United States is at the highest. This is from the realization that the number of reported cases has tripled since the 1980. From current statistics, one-third of children in America are obese. From the American population, nearly 17 %adolescents and children between the ages of 2-19 are obese (CDC, 2014). From the same age group, 31.7% are either overweight or obese. From a numerical standpoint, obese adolescent and American children are 12 million. The same age also has 23 million obese or overweight Americans (CDC, 2014). Expenditure data on the impact of obesity in the country also depict the seriousness of the issue. According to the NCL (2011) the annual national health expenditure has reached the $150 billion mark. The burden of this expenditure has been passed on to the tax payer. 60% of the $150 billion is paid by the tax payer (NCL, 2011). With the minimizing rate slow than expected, the health care saving could exceed $29 billion. Obesity associated diseases constitute of 27% increase of the United States medical costs (NCL, 2011). Between 1979-1981 obesity related treatment in the United States was only $35million. By 1997-1999 the expenditure had increased to $127 million (NCL, 2011). In 2008, the expenditure has risen to $147 billion. The federal expenditure in curbing the issue depict the effects of obesity in the entire country. In an argument by NCL (2011) the effects of obesity are also significant on national security. Specifically, the military recruitment process has affected due to unfit candidates. From the provisions, it is clear to assert that the evidence to prove obesity is a serious problem in the United States is substantial to depict the massive effects of the issue. Impact and Importance to Nursing The increased prevalence of obese cases has increased the requirements of nursing across the country. There are numerous health risks associated with obesity especially in children and adolescents. For instance, obesity is highly associated to type 2 diabetes, asthma, cancer, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and heart disease. Corkin, Clarke & Liggett (2011) are of the assumption that obesity also has psychological effects of patients. The health risks associated with obesity require extensive care from nurses. Consequently, the burden on care givers increases significantly. With the increasing obesity cases, the demand on caregivers would increase massively. Considering the fact that obese children have a 70% probability of being obese adults, the duty of the care giver extends (Corkin, Clarke & Liggett, 2011). In addition, the health risks associated with obese adults require more extensive medical attention. Consequently, the nursing field would be required to increase the number of care givers allocated to care for obese patients. Considering the requirements, it is accurate to forecast the expenditure of obesity treatment and management to increase the national nursing expenditure. For instance, the 2008 expenditure on obesity related diseases was $147 billion. The massive expenditure requirement and demand from the nursing industry may minimize the quality of services provided by the nursing field (Corkin, Clarke & Liggett, 2011). Conclusion From the arguments and data presented, it is accurate to develop the conclusion that obesity is a significant policy issue in the country. The increasing number of obese cases show how less-effective policies have been out in place to reverse the effects of the issue. In additional, the federal and state expenditure on obese related effects are increasing. Specifically, the national health expenditure depicts the extent of the problem. The burden on the nursing field also shows the extent of the problem. Conclusively, obesity in the United States is a significant policy issue that requires addressing. References Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2014). Childhood Obesity Facts. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm Corkin, D., Clarke, S. & Liggett, L. (2011). Care Planning in Children and Young People's Nursing. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Frieden, T. (2010). A Framework for Public Health Action: The Health Impact Pyramid. Am J Public Health, 100 (4):590–595. Frieden, T., Dietz, W. & Collins, J. (2010). Reducing Childhood Obesity through Policy Change: Acting Now To Prevent Obesity. Health Aff, 29 (3): 357-363. National Conference of State Legislators (NCL). (2011). Childhood Obesity- 2011 Update on Legislative Policy Options. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/childhood-obesity-2011.aspx Read More