Obesity Epidemic In Huntington West Virginia

Huntington West Virginia Demographic Paper

HCS 490

University of Phoenix

Huntington West Virginia Demographic Paper

The United States is facing a growing epidemic of obesity. Obesity affects individuals of any age, gender, or nationality. Diseases increased by obesity are increasing at alarming rates in children and adults. It is thought that children suffering from obesity will not live as long as their parents. Along with health risks in children they have to endure ridicule and teasing from other children at school resulting in psychological problems that can follow them into adulthood (Neighmond, 2010). Americans have a fascination with fast food and consuming too much food in one meal
Observation has proven that the number of fast food restaurants in the area and the prices of cigarettes and alcohol are some reasons for obesity in communities (Yen, Zhuo & Eastwood, 2009). The first step to reducing obesity and improving health would be to increase the prices of the goods that promote unhealthy behavior. Increasing community awareness is important in fighting the obesity epidemic in Huntington West Virginia. Overweight or obese individuals need support through different programs that focus on their disease. According to the CDC (2011) “The Healthy Eating Active Living Convergence Partnership is focused on transportation and food systems to develop active living environments and improve access to healthy foods, and the Common Community Measures for Obesity Prevention also works to hinder obesity through policy and environmental measures” (p. 2). The Early Assessment of Programs to and Policies Prevent Childhood Obesity 's priority is to focus on communities where low-income children live by improving eating habits and physical activity levels at home and school. The CDC 's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity focuses on environmental changes, improving eating habits and exercise habits in obese individuals, although individuals have to take advantage of these
Services are necessary to produce positive results and reduce the poor choices the population is currently making. The community needs to address and find solutions to the obesity problem. A nutritionist is necessary for this community as poor eating has become habit, because the population will need assistance in health eating habits. Community gardens would produce healthy foods and physical activity for Huntington residents in need of it. As the demographic becomes healthier health care marketing will increase in preventative care and less emergency cases of obese individuals suffering from heart