Childhood obesity is a huge problem nationally because the number of obese and overweight kids is alarming and there are signs that it is increasing instead of decreasing (CDC, 2016). First, it is paramount to define this problem. Childhood obesity, according to (CDC, 2016), denotes the condition in which children and adolescents have a weight that is higher than the normal weight that is clinically defined as healthy at their age.
Consequently, the children develop overweight-associated problems that initially were thought to affect only the adults. It is important to note that childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term complications. Amongst the top immediate effects include a predisposition to cardiovascular diseases, for instance, high cholesterol and hypertension (CDC, 2016). Up to 70 percent of kids that are obese end up having cardiovascular diseases (CDC, 2016). They may also have pre-diabetes. Thirdly, they have bone and joint problems, psychological and social problems, and sleep apnea. In the long-term, complications such as cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bone and joint issues and diabetes advance into serious illnesses (Mayo Clinic, 2016).
However, this problem can be minimized through proper selection of nutritious meals coupled with regular exercise. A number of studies have reported that lifestyle is the principle factor that contributes to childhood obesity (Han, Debbie & Sue, 2010). Although genetics play a role to some extent, lifestyle has been found to be the main factor. In other words, most kids that are obese have poor eating habits in that they feed on fast foods regularly and do not exercise on a regular basis, and for that matter, their bodies do not burn the high calories in their bodies which are then converted into fats (Han, Debbie & Sue, 2010).
This proposal aims at evaluating the impact of poor eating habits and a lack of regular exercise collectively contribute to obesity and this is in line with Evidenced Based Practice (EBP). Evidenced based practice is that which is supported by empirical evidence. For that matter, the proposal intends to formulate evidence-based recommendations. It will intend to collect data from four groups of representative samples: kids with poor diet and no exercise, kids with poor diet, but with some exercise, kids with better eating outcomes, but with no exercise, and finally a group of kids with better eating habits and regular exercise. The aim is to show the linkage between eating habits and exercises collectively have on obesity development. This is quite different from a research paper that simply studies a phenomenon without collecting primary data.
In my case, primary data will be collected over a specified period and the findings will be analyzed and compared to previous periods and recommendations drawn from the evidence that the data will present. With EBP, all recommendations are drawn from tested and proven empirical evidence, and for that matter, this proposal will take that route. The paper will seek to compare the weight outcome of the four groups of kids under study in order to show the role that both feeding habits and exercise have on the development of obesity. It is anticipated that kids that feed on nutritious meals and exercise regularly will have better outcomes than their compatriots who do the opposite. After that, a future study will examine the barriers that limit healthy feeding and regular exercising with kids and offer succinct, evidence-based recommendations.
This proposal is a good training as it will help me develop research skills and put to test the concept of evidence-based practice. In other words, it will help me come up with recommendations that are backed by empirical evidence, and this is the first step to embracing EBP offers me the necessary blue print as I advance my career.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2016). Childhood Obesity Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm
Mayo Clinic (2016). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/childhood-obesity/home/ovc-20268886
Han, J., Debbie L., and Sue, K. (2010). Childhood Obesity. The Lancet 37AA5 (9727), pp. 1737–1748
