Obesity
Public health problems are medical issues that affect significant population size. One growing problem in the American community that affects a significant population is obesity. Obesity is a condition characterized by excessive or abnormal fat accumulation in the body. Obesity is a medical problem that directly increases the chances of one developing other diseases or health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or even heart disease (CDC, 2021). Numerous risk factors can cause obesity. These include poor lifestyle choices, certain medical conditions, and genetics, among others. In the American community, obesity poses a serious concern, as seen by how its prevalence stands at 39.8 percent (CDC, 2021). Obesity has been widely connected to preventable and premature deaths due to conditions such as cancer, among others. As seen from the prevalence rate of 42.4% in 2017-2018 and 30.5% in 1999-2000, there is a steady increase in its prevalence. According to the CDC, the average medical cost spent on managing obesity in 2008 was $147 billion in the US (CDC, 2021). This is a clear indication of how costly it is to manage the condition. Numerous initiatives and efforts have been launched to prevent and manage childhood and adult obesity. This involves support from both the local, state, and national governments. Obesity prevalence varies from one state to another. Some states record high numbers of obesity cases. Michigan is one notable region that has sprung up in multiple debates and research programs.
Obesity in Michigan
With over 10 million people, Michigan stands out as an influential state in America. The state has consistently been ranked among the top 10 most obese regions in the country. With an obesity prevalence rate of 35.2 percent, such numbers pose a public problem in the state and country. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), 3 out of every ten adults are obese in the region. As of 2008, Michigan recorded the 8th highest obesity prevalence rate in the United States. This translated to 65.3% of Michigan adults being obese or overweight. 30.1% of this population were obese, while 35.2% were overweight (Plum Health, 2021). 39.8% were Blacks from the collected data, while 28.8% were Whites. A clear indication of a racial difference regarding obesity prevalence: based on the collected data, obese adults, had a higher prevalence of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, asthma, arthritis, inadequate sleep, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure compared to non-obese adults. Obese adults also reported the highest prevalence of poor mental health, poor life satisfaction, poor physical health, poor general health, and activity limitations compared to non-obese adults.
Population Needs and Assets
It is imperative to rely on evidence-based approaches to encourage weight loss through healthy exercising or healthy eating strategies. The lack of proper intervention programs affects most of the population in the region as they cannot understand which diet options, lifestyle decisions, or activities can put them at risk of developing obesity. Manifestation of chronic conditions in obese patients is higher compared to normal people. Such individuals are at risk of developing other chronic conditions such as diabetes due to obesity. Weight-related comorbidities cause big problems for the population in the region as it negatively affects the people’s emotional, psychological and physical well-being. There are different resources provided by state government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community health centers that focus on addressing obesity prevalence in the community. As seen from the Michigan Health & Wellness website, there are credible and useful resources that help patients create a personalized plan that can guarantee better health. Such resources help patients keep track of daily food intake, physical activity, and nutritional pointers for a healthy diet. Such resources are also provided by public health organizations and practitioners who play an active role in combating obesity prevalence in the region. For instance, The Michigan Nutrition Obesity Research Center (MNORC) offers enrichment programs that promote communication on obesity and nutrition interventions research findings. MNORC ensures public policy decisions and knowledge are disseminated in an informed environment for the benefit of the respective population (Michigan Nutrition Obesity Research Center, n.d.). Such interventions are crucial and effective as they provide seminars and training focusing on nutrition interventions and how to manage metabolic disorders actively.
Health Disparities
There are health disparities that directly impact obesity prevalence in Michigan. These range from race, age, socioeconomic status, and other factors that can impact a person’s ability to lead a healthy life. This can be evident from the racial disparity witnessed in the region regarding obesity prevalence. For instance, as of 2008, 28.8% of obese individuals were Whites, while 39.8% were Blacks (Plum Health, 2021). This can be tied down to the fact that ethnic minorities have higher rates or risk factors for obesity. As seen from how most ethnic minorities have limited access to health insurance services and nutritious food, such factors can emerge as the reason behind the high number of obesity cases being reported amongst such groups. Also, the socioeconomic factor plays a direct role because individuals from lower backgrounds are more likely to find it difficult to afford health insurance, health services, and high-quality education, which can equip them to actively combat obesity in the community. Such disparities can be caused by the system, especially on the racial ground. The majority of Black community members find it difficult to access proper healthcare intervention programs and services that can enlighten them or help them protect themselves from obesity. The biased system makes it hard for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds to access proper services and resources, which can help prevent obesity prevalence within their community.
Cultural Needs
Cultural beliefs and practices have a direct impact on one’s health. As seen from how different cultures might have different family meals, it is crucial to ensure communities adopt nutritious meals that would not pose a health risk to the respective population. Some cultures believe being overweight is a sign of affluence. However, such notions should be discouraged by ensuring respective populations receive the right educational material, which can be used to educate them on which lifestyle habits or nutritional options are dangerous and act as risk factors for obesity. Families need to be educated on critical topics such as gender roles, child feeding, food cost, physical activity, and obesogenic environments to ensure a clear message is passed on across on which decisions and habits should be encouraged and which ones should be discouraged (Chatham & Mixer, 2019, p. 88).
Challenges and Barriers to Addressing Obesity
One barrier to addressing the obesity epidemic is the lack of recognition that obesity is a relapsing and chronic disease (Kim, 2020, p. 245). This poses a problem in the community as no long-term strategies are tailored to maintain weight loss or prevent weight regain. With different attitudes surrounding its management, misinformation from sources such as the internet, television programs, family, and friends pose significant health risks as they can encourage an individual to carry on with their habits and not seek the necessary medical attention needed to address the condition (Kim, 2020, p. 245). Insufficient counseling and training skills for obesity management also emerge as a challenge. Lack of basic knowledge in nutrition and exercise makes it difficult for obese patients to be assisted in the most convenient way possible. This makes it difficult for patients to be taken through a proper diagnosis and management plan. Hence, posing more risks to their condition. Moreover, as seen from how the cost of treatment is high, such factors make it difficult for low-income earners to afford proper treatment programs and interventions provided by medical practitioners and facilities. This is a clear indication of how obesity management faces multiple challenges in the community.
References
CDC. (2021). Overweight & Obesity. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
Chatham, R. E., & Mixer, S. J. (2020). Cultural influences on childhood obesity in ethnic minorities: a qualitative systematic review. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 31(1), 87-99.
Kim, T. N. (2020). Barriers to Obesity Management: Patient and Physician Factors. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 29(4), 244.
Michigan Nutrition Obesity Research Center. (n.d.). Enrichment Programs. MNORC. https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/mnorc/enrichment-programs
Plum Health. (2021). Obesity Medicine. Plum Health, PLLC. https://www.plumhealthdpc.com/blog/tag/Obesity+Medicine
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