Childhood Obesity

Podcast: Research developments

Derived from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/Documents/NICHD_Research_Dvlpmts_032414.mp3

The podcast involves a study that has been carried out to determine the weight at which children can be predicted to be heading towards childhood obesity. The research found that more children who were overweight at the age of 5 later on became obese by the time they reached grade 8 than those who had normal weight. The research was carried out to by following up on children from the time they were in kindergarten to the time they reached grade 8 to find this trend.

Bias, validity, and applicability

Obesity has been associated with lifestyle for along time. This article fails to acknowledge this fact. The article is however offers valid information regarding the time at which parents should start protecting their children from obesity. The earlier children start engaging in a healthy lifestyle, the higher the chances that the risk of obesity will be combated. The information is highly applicable in terms of protecting children from obesity.

Video: Childhood obesity in America: This is injustice

Derived from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yb77kDq-Zo

The video blames the high rate of obesity on parents’ lack of education, stress and high preference for convenience for the rising rate of obesity. The video also argues that parents who breastfeed their children for longer periods help protect them from obesity. According to the video, research has associated obesity with poverty. The research ahs shown children from poor families are more susceptible to poverty.

Bias, validity and applicability

The information provided shows bias against poor parents. They are not the people who should be blamed for being poor though it contributes to their children’s risk of obesity. A research by Levine (2011) confirms the report by this video that obesity is linked to poverty. The study shows that a higher percentage of children who suffered from obesity came from families which belonged which took advantage of the government funded insurance scheme. The video shows highly applicable information as far as preventing obesity by adopting a healthy lifestyle is concerned. It suggests simple measures such as avoiding junk food, and engaging in exercises.

Blog: Three steps you must follow to avoid obesity posted by Michael Adams

Available at: http://childhood–obesity.blogspot.com/2010/04/three-steps-you-must-follow-to-avoid.html

The article at this blog discusses the three steps that parents should use to prevent childhood obesity. First, the article argues that eating dinner together a minimum of five times a week would help to reduce the risk of obesity. Second, the article prescribes at least ten and a half hours of sleep each night. Thirdly, children are requires that children watch no more than two hours of TV per day. The article is based on a study by Sarah Anderson, Ph. D, which found that children who followed theses three steps were found to be 40 % less likely to be obese than children who did not do any of these things.

The article is based on measures that would be able to improve a child’s lifestyle. If applied, a child will have more time to engage in healthy activities such as exercising. The article offers valid information that is backed up by research materials. The article also offers information that is applicable towards combating obesity. The article suggests simple measures which include sufficient sleep time, a less sedentary lifestyle evidenced by less time watching TV and having dinner together which may prompt parents to ensure their parents are eating healthy foods.

References

Adams, M. (2010). Three steps you must follow to avoid chilhood obesity. Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from http://childhood–obesity.blogspot.com/2010/04/three-steps-you-must-follow-to-avoid.html

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development,. (2014). Research Developments. Retrieved 12 August 2014, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/Documents/NICHD_Research_Dvlpmts_032414.mp3

Levine, J. A. (2011). Poverty and Obesity in the US. Diabetes, 60(11), 2667-2668.

Spaulding, C. (2013). Video: Childhood obesity in America: This is injustice. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yb77kDq-Zo