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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Childhood obesity: a Wilsonian concept analysis
Carolyn Montoya1, Marie L Lobo
1University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA. cjmontoya@salud.unm.edu
Insights
Childhood obesity rates have tripled since 1980, affecting 17% of U.S. children. This analysis clarifies the definition of childhood obesity to improve intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Concept Analysis
Background:
- Childhood obesity in the U.S. has tripled since 1980.
- Approximately 17% of children aged 2-19 years are obese.
- Existing interventions lack a unified definition of childhood obesity.
Observation:
- The term "obesity" lacks a clear, consistent definition in pediatric contexts.
- This ambiguity hinders the development and evaluation of effective interventions.
- A Wilsonian concept analysis is employed to clarify the term.
Findings:
- The concept analysis defines "obesity" in children.
- Identifies key attributes and characteristics of pediatric obesity.
- Establishes a clearer framework for understanding and addressing the condition.
Implications:
- Improved understanding of childhood obesity can lead to more targeted interventions.
- Enhanced clarity aids in research and clinical practice.
- Potential for more effective prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric obesity.
Abstract:
The rate of childhood obesity in the United States has tripled since 1980, with approximately 17% of U.S. children between the ages of 2 and 19 years currently identified as obese. Although a multitude of programs have been implemented to prevent and treat childhood obesity, no single strategy has been identified as the most effective method. Part of the problem in identifying successful interventions is clarifying what is meant by the term obesity as it applies to children. This article provides a concept analysis of the term obesity in relation to children using a Wilsonian approach.
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