Public Health Issue In England
This essay aims to discover and analyse adult obesity as a public health issue in England that has gained attention as it has a detrimental effect on society. The rationale for choosing adult obesity as a public health issue is to comprehend and develop the knowledge of its impact and promote good health. In this essay brief description of obesity, its trends and the bio-psychosocial factors that determine their health and wellbeing will also be covered along with health inequalities an obese or overweight individual. Furthermore, this essay will also highlight relevant health policies and legislation that aims to tackle the health risk and needs of an obese adult. Lastly, this essay will explain the role of a nurse in both promoting and assessing
…show more content…
NHS (2014c) identifies that individual lifestyle, housing, environment, culture, socioeconomic status and access to the health care system can determine the health and wellbeing of an individual and the community. Individual’s lifestyle and behaviour choice often trigger in influencing weight status (Sines et al.). In today’s life, people tend to have less time to cook their own meals, do exercise and usually eat ready meals or other junk foods (PHE 2016d). Unhealthy lifestyle is the key risk factors for developing obesity as well as long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease and mental health problem (Nhlbi.gov 2016). Excessive calorie intake is often caused by high level of energy intake, such as eating processed or energy-dense food, drinking alcohol and sugary drinks and eating big portions of the meal (NHS Choice 2014c). Moreover, individual’s lifestyle and behaviour also relate to ethnicity, people with different ethnic background have their own eating habits and own certain types of food they prefer to eat in their meal (National Obesity Observatory (NOO) 2011). (NOO 2011) further explained in some cultures, view of healthy weight varies, overweight or obese seen as a sign of strength or wealth Referring to a report published by the Health Survey for England 2004, the prevalence of obesity is higher among Black African women (38%) and least prevalence among Chinese and Bangladeshi men (6%) (PHE 2016c). Likewise, regular physical activity such as walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, playing a sports game and gardening helps to balance energy and weight control Public Health England (PHE) (2016b). In addition, the way communities, workplaces, and schools are structured can affect the health of an individual. For instance, living in a depressed area that has limited access to healthy foods
NHS (2014c) identifies that individual lifestyle, housing, environment, culture, socioeconomic status and access to the health care system can determine the health and wellbeing of an individual and the community. Individual’s lifestyle and behaviour choice often trigger in influencing weight status (Sines et al.). In today’s life, people tend to have less time to cook their own meals, do exercise and usually eat ready meals or other junk foods (PHE 2016d). Unhealthy lifestyle is the key risk factors for developing obesity as well as long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease and mental health problem (Nhlbi.gov 2016). Excessive calorie intake is often caused by high level of energy intake, such as eating processed or energy-dense food, drinking alcohol and sugary drinks and eating big portions of the meal (NHS Choice 2014c). Moreover, individual’s lifestyle and behaviour also relate to ethnicity, people with different ethnic background have their own eating habits and own certain types of food they prefer to eat in their meal (National Obesity Observatory (NOO) 2011). (NOO 2011) further explained in some cultures, view of healthy weight varies, overweight or obese seen as a sign of strength or wealth Referring to a report published by the Health Survey for England 2004, the prevalence of obesity is higher among Black African women (38%) and least prevalence among Chinese and Bangladeshi men (6%) (PHE 2016c). Likewise, regular physical activity such as walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, playing a sports game and gardening helps to balance energy and weight control Public Health England (PHE) (2016b). In addition, the way communities, workplaces, and schools are structured can affect the health of an individual. For instance, living in a depressed area that has limited access to healthy foods