This article discussed a meta-analytic review of obesity in children as well as obesity prevention program for both adolescents and children. According to the article, obesity in both adolescents and children is on the rise. This is especially true over the last 3 decades. There are significant adverse side effects related to health and wellness with an increase in body fat or weight. This is true for adults as well as adolescents and children. Children and adolescents who are overweight tend to be overweight as adults according to the findings in this article. It is an alarming 70% of overweight or obese children and adolescents carry their weight issues into adulthood. The risks for health related problems such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and diabetes mellitus is greatly increased in overweight and obese individuals. These health issues are just to name a few.
There are been several treatments for overweight and obese children and adolescents. However, most of these programs have not been very successful in reducing the weight. Only approximately 10% of overweight and obese adolescents and children seek weight loss treatment. Several types of programs have been tried such as: 1) programs that target obesity along with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, 2) prevention programs that focus only on weight loss and the prevention of obesity, 3) interventions focused on only increasing physical activity, and 4) healthy eating habits to prevent weight gain and maintenance of a healthy weight. There were studies focused on both genders as well as being gender specific. According to the research presented in the article, boys seem to be the most successful in the various types of treatment programs. This is especially true for increasing physical activity programs. However, in order for either gender to be successful there must be the willing participation and desire on the part of the adolescent or child participating in the treatment program.
I found this article slightly difficult to read and understand. There was a lot of data and different research studies discussed. The use of statistical language and massive amounts of data made it difficult to understand and keep my attention while reading it. However, I did find a lot of useful and alarming information relating to adolescent and childhood obesity. This is an area in health prevention that must be addressed and focused on in the future.
In conclusion, this meta-analytic review indicates that most weight gain treatment programs and intervention do not prevent weight gain in adolescents and children. Unfortunately, the small portion of programs that are slightly successful, do not have great results. The rate of adolescent and childhood obesity continues to be on the rise with significant negative impact on the health and wellness of children leading into adulthood. There has been significant progress in the health prevention programs related to obesity but there is still more to do. The link between obesity and disease must be considered and addressed in weight reduction and maintenance programs.
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