Community Health

Obesity Prevention in Children by Physical Health and Nutrition Student’s Name Institutional Obesity Prevention in Children by Physical Health and Nutrition Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Obesity Prevention in Children by Physical Health and Nutrition Problem Description Over the last 30 years, the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has increased significantly. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the total number of children (aged below 18 years) suffering from obesity worldwide at 180 million. This health concern is most prevalent in upper-middle-income nations, with low-income countries recording the lowest obesity rates. However, overweight is increasing in almost every state, with pervasiveness highest in lower-middle-income countries. The commonness of overweight and obesity among children increases the risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as coronary heart diseases, type two diabetes, and cancer. These illnesses expose the victim to the risk of untimely death and chronic morbidity. Moreover, obese children are more susceptible to occasional maltreatment, bantering, and social seclusion. Presently, the high prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity makes the issue a serious public health concern of the 21st century. The costs of overweight and its consequences continue to strain the public health resources both financially and physically. This paper aims to apply the principles of epidemiology to prove that proper nutrition and physical activity can help to prevent obesity or overweight among children. Mainly, this study will analyze this issue among communities living in Clark County (Las Vegas), Nevada where obesity is a primary health concern among teenagers. The state of Nevada covers an area of 110,000 square miles with Las Vegas, its most populous city, housing over 1.35 million residents. The youth under 18 years of age account for 25% of the total population in Las Vegas. Even though the childhood obesity rate in Las Vegas i