In
Arizona, it is estimated that 20% of children aged 2 to 19 years suffer from
obesity. Obesity has serious and lasting health effects. Through this project,
I will examine the factors influencing obesity, as well as the factors
influencing a society’s success at reducing the childhood obesity rate. Working
closely with Dr. Tamir Milo at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I will develop
a plan for families and schools to counter childhood obesity.
In addition to my work with Dr. Milo, I will be conducting my own research on the psychological effects of obesity so that I may fully understand the kids I will work with. Furthermore, I will personally be researching why some states have a drastically higher obesity rate than others, focusing on Mississippi, which displays the highest rate of obesity amongst children, and Colorado, which has the lowest. Furthermore, I will be researching why Utah, so very near in demographics to Arizona, has a lower childhood obesity rate than Arizona. In my comparison of these states, I want to find out how some states regulate their obesity. I will include this research in my development of a healthy lifestyle campaign for children.
I am interested in this topic because I believe it to be worthwhile to pursue. Obesity leads to many critical health problems such as diabetes, heart problems, and even cancer. Currently, obesity is the number one preventable cause of death in the United States. Children who suffer from obesity have a drastically increased rate of becoming critically overweight as adults. Alarmingly, adolescents who are obese develop major health problems usually associated with adults.
However, research to stop obesity and efforts to make a change work. New York City recently brought their obesity rate down drastically after sustained efforts to educate people on healthy eating and regulate food products. Philadelphia has also shown success in lowering their obesity rate through similar efforts. Clearly, efforts to reduce obesity are effective. In the research I do with Dr. Milo, I will be helping him augment his study of Hepatology, the science of diseases associated with fatty livers. I hope that this research will further the national discussion on health concerns. The research I do personally will directly help children in Arizona, as my plan for healthy living will hopefully make a positive difference in the lives of kids and their families. Lastly, as I work with children, I hope to make a positive difference in their lives as I educate them on how to take care of themselves, and make them aware of what they put into their bodies.
I am extremely excited to begin work on this project. I love working with children, and believe that the work I do will really make a difference on a local scale, and perhaps even on a national one.
