Introduction

Being overweight has been an ongoing problem for ages in the territory of the United States. All layers and age groups of the state fall under the issue; however, they do not receive enough help to overcome it. Even though obesity is a real threat to a third of the entire American population, people are still reluctant to take action to deal with it. Therefore, medical centers and associations may suggest specific interventions for fighting this acute disease.

Problem Statement

Obesity among teenagers has been a severe issue in the United States for several decades, and now it is getting worse. It was estimated that around 35% of the American population is currently facing the problem of being overweight (CDC, 2019). Multiple American health associations admit that obesity is a threatening disease that can lead to miscellaneous implications. It affects not only physical well-being but also worsens mental and metabolic conditions. Therefore, the acuteness of obesity should be addressed by healthcare organizations to prevent the population from any further complications.

Population of Interest

The population of interest is the American teenagers most likely to neglect to eat healthily and refuse to follow exercise patterns. Undoubtedly, genetic, biological, and other factors influence weight gaining, and the causes are often complex (Sanyaolu et al., 2019). The studies show that overweight teens aged between 10 and 13 are 80% exposed to becoming obese when they are adults (CDC, 2019). Thus, teenagers’ obesity must be treated to avoid health implications.

Key Concepts

Social determinants of health (SDH) play an essential role in identifying the causes of obesity. SDH is the environmental conditions in which people are born, raised, live, work, and play (Lakerveld & Mackenbach, 2016). Moreover, they determine risk factors and affect health outcomes. NCHS defined obesity as a BMI, which equals or exceeds 30 (Lakerveld & Mackenbach, 2016). Maria’s situation is worsened by several risk factors: lack of insurance, her mother’s lipid disorder, and her father’s cardiovascular problems and diabetes, which may complicate Maria’s well-being. Therefore, in Maria’s case, such SDHs as economic stability and health care access are crucial in defining the causes of her condition. However, risks can be reduced by health-promoting interventions that aim to take control of health to improve it. The community nurses may impact obesity by educating families and acting as role models for eradicating overweight-related issues. They provide physical and psychological support to help people fight the disease.

Theory of Reasoned Action

Theory of Reasoned Action (ToRA), developed by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen, can be useful in Maria’s case. This framework implies that a person should have a serious intention to change their behavioral patterns to improve life quality (CDC, 1999). Attitudes include beliefs, values, and views on the outcomes of a specific behavior. Therefore, implementing ToRA in Maria’s case may determine her conduct patterns and define if she is ready to control her situation.

Planning community intervention/Funding

There is a particular need to create intervention programs due to the rise in the level of obesity in the United States. In 2017 CDC measured that almost 40% of adults and 20% of children suffer from obesity (CDC, 2019). The most appropriate community-based intervention is promoting a healthy lifestyle among youths and adults. Such a program would include dietary prescriptions, implementing exercise plans, and motivating patients to think that every change is for the better. The suggested intervention would be more productively performed when multiple individuals and organizations work together to be promoted in many locations (Luecking et al., 2017). Therefore, it will demand funding arrangements from medical associations and the government to keep the nation healthy.

Evaluation of the Community-Level Intervention

The proposed intervention is likely to affect many youths and adults suffering from obesity and significantly impact the quality of their lives. Community-based interventions are more efficient because they affect one’s well-being and impact public health values. Furthermore, a complex approach to promoting a healthy lifestyle will be the most appropriate for overweight people because they need both physical and mental support. The collaboration of medical organizations will prepare an elaborated plan which is expected to be productive.

Social Marketing / Resources

Social marketing has been incorporated into multiple community-based obesity interventions to promote health-restoring behaviors. Social marketing is a tool aimed at influencing and facilitating individual and society’s actions and perceptions (Sanyaolu et al., 2019). Therefore, it may be useful in promoting a healthy lifestyle for those suffering from being overweight. Multichannel messages may be delivered to encourage healthy lifestyle habits. They would include advertising food containing less fat and carbons, outdoor exercising, and other tools for avoiding weight gain. Moreover, the ads would demonstrate a scene with people who chose to lead the unconsciously unhealthy way of life and its implications. The main recourses for delivering this message will be different strategies addressing obesity, managing the brand, literature reviews, and others.

Research Studies

Many researchers have been investigating the issue of obesity for many years to establish its causes, trace statistics, and suggest interventions. Some frameworks define obesity as a medical condition of having an extra weight that harms health (Sanyaolu et al., 2019; Lakerveld & Mackenbach, 2016). However, certain interventions may help solve the problem and improve both individual and public health. Moreover, social marketing programs are the key to addressing obesity among youths and adults (Luecking et al., 2017). In general, only a complex approach may change the present situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it seems reasonable to state that obesity is an acute problem that demands much attention in the United States. The genetic, biological, cultural, and other aspects cause this issue; however, it can be overcome. Community-based interventions directed towards promoting healthy lifestyle techniques may help the overweight population change their behavioral patterns. Moreover, social marketing is likely to affect people’s views on their well-being.

References

CDC. (2019). Data & Statistics. Web.

CDC. (1999). Surgeon general report. Understanding and Promoting Physical Activity (pp. 211-259). Atlanta, U.S.A: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Lakerveld, J., & Mackenbach, J. (2016). The upstream determinants of adult obesity. Obesity Facts,10, 216-222. Web.

Luecking, C. T., Hennink‐Kaminski, H., Ihekweazu, C., Vaughn, A., Mazzucca, S., & Ward, D. S. (2017). Social marketing approaches to nutrition and physical activity interventions in early care and education centres: a systematic review. Obesity Reviews, 18, 1425-1438. Web.

Sanyaolu, A., Okorie, C., Qi, X., Locke, J., & Rehman, S. (2019). Childhood and adolescent obesity in the United States: A Public Health Concern. Global Pediatric Health. Web.