Introduction
Childhood obesity is a major global health problem. It is linked to several metabolic illnesses and ailments, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and adolescent psychosocial issues that cause cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as increased adipose tissue that adversely affects human health (Vazquez & Cubbin, 2020).
The theory which should be applied is Homeostatic Theory of Obesity by Marks. Food and beverage companies use various methods to influence purchasing behavior, preference, and consumption of unhealthy foods. Although the obesity problem is unquestionably urgent, there is still a lack of public understanding and attentiveness.
Overview and Guiding Propositions Described in Theory
Therefore, the way to solve problems is to increase parents’ awareness about the problems that excess weight can lead to. Children cannot independently monitor their regimen and lead an active lifestyle without the influence of their parents. Another factor is promoting a healthy diet and active lifestyle through media, music, and films (Nelson et al., 2020). Instead of advertising harmful drinks and food on television, a healthy lifestyle should be promoted.
Thus, recommendations may include the development of primary and secondary prevention of obesity. The primary one is aimed at preventing obesity in people with normal body weight, but for certain reasons, prone to the appearance of this type of metabolic disorder. Secondary prevention is a set of measures for people with existing excess body weight. The main task here is to prevent the progression of obesity in the future.
Application of Theory
The theory will be applied to childhood obesity research as data on the amount of junk food advertising targeting children will be used. Information on how the increase in the number of advertisements is correlated with the growth in childhood obesity will provide an opportunity to assess the impact of media on the problem. The theory also offers options for advocating a healthy lifestyle among parents that will lead to a reduction in childhood obesity.
Conclusion
Given that the basis of any form of obesity, one way or another, is the alimentary (food) factor, attention should be paid to the quality and quantity of food consumed. In this regard, the application of the theory includes drawing attention to the issue of food intake. It should include an informational aspect, namely, widespread information about the benefits and harms of different types of food.
References
Nelson, C. A., Scott, R. T., Bhutta, Z. A., Harris, N., Danese, A., & Samara, M. (2020). Adversity in childhood is linked to mental and physical health throughout life. BMJ, m3048. Web.
Russell, S., Croker, H., & Viner, R. M. (2019). The effect of screen advertising on children’s dietary intake: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 20(4), 554–568. Web.
Vazquez, C. E., & Cubbin, C. (2020). Socioeconomic status and childhood obesity: A review of literature from the past decade to inform intervention research. Current Obesity Reports, 9(4), 562–570. Web.