Obesity in children
Introduction
The obesity epidemic continues to threaten public health across the United States. In East Los Angeles, the prevalence of obesity among the children increased from 8.9% in 1999 to 23.0% in 2007 (Kipke, 2007). However, recent research indicates a possible leveling of the obesity trends among the children in Los Angeles. Therefore, continued efforts are required to prevent the future decrease in obesity levels and eliminate the obesity levels below its current levels. The common causes of overweight and obesity in Los Angeles among the children include genetic factors, lack of physical activities, unhealthy eating patterns, or the combination of all the above objectives (Wright and Aronne, 2012). Therefore, the paper evaluates program objectives on reducing obesity in children aged 10 – 14 in East Los Angeles by employing SMART program objectives.
Program objectives
The program objectives are relevant in achieving the primary goal understudy aiming to reduce obesity in children aged 10 – 14 in East Los Angeles. These program objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Thus, they are divided into three categories as process objectives, impact objectives, and outcome objective. In this study, two program objectives, three impact objectives, and one outcome objective will be employed.
By September 5, 2020, the program facilitators will sample out 100 children between the ages of 10-14 who are at risk of obesity. This sampling process will occur across all areas of East Los Angeles to achieve the first process objective. Secondly, the second process objective will state as follows: By August 26, all the program facilitators will be trained adequately on how to use the body mass index (BMI) and growth charts. The body mass index tools provide a guideline of weight to the participant height; hence the program facilitators will be knowledgeable on figuring out the participant’s weight concerning obesity. After completing the program, 35% of the participants will be in the apposition to identify food types and other factors that highly contribute to obesity among the children. This impact objective forms the cornerstone of the program’s obligations.
After that, by October 6, 2020, two-thirds of the participants will be able to check their obesity levels using the body mass index correctly. This impact objective will enable the program facilitators to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in achieving its intended goal. After completing the program, at least 40% of the participants will report eating 55% a few high fatty and unrefined carbohydrate foods than before the program. By the year 2024, the incidence of fatty and unrefined carbohydrate foods among the children of ages 10-14 in East Los Angeles will be reduced by 7%. This estimated decrease in fatty food consumption and other unrefined carbohydrates to reduce overweight and obesity levels.
The program’s objectives will be significant in achieving the issue under study: obesity in children since they rely on epidemiological and educational assessments on eating habits (Darling et al., 2020). BMI will be the primary tool to use in evaluating obesity. The data collected from 2007 – 2019 on obesity levels in East Los Angeles will be significant in relating the mortality rates for diabetes, stroke, and other obese-related consequences will be addressed.
Conclusion
In summary, the program objectives being SMART, as stated, enables the program facilitators and participants to provide the required data on obesity and eating habits. The goal understudy will be adequately addressed to eliminate obesity and its consequences among the children in East Los Angeles. The study, therefore, will provide a lasting solution to obesity control in East loss Angeles and other states.