COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Demographic Information
Obesity does not discriminate in age groups. However, what is interesting is to know is that obesity in the older adult population has a high percentage rate. To read that my generation, the baby boomers will have a much higher obesity rate than the older adult generation of today was difficult to take in. There were no differences in the demographics because of globalization. Western Countries numbers are increasing in obesity as well as the United States.
Description Of The Problem
Individuals obese or morbidly obese believe they have been discriminated against when applying for a job or promotion. Others say, they have been socially shunned or felt they've been discriminated against when being seated in theaters or restaurants. There is a pervasive stereotype about obesity in American society. People who are obese are often perceived as lazy, unsuccessful, and weak-willed. These beliefs about individuals with obesity are often translated into discrimination, and verbal and physical assaults. Such bias can have severe psychological consequences, including increased vulnerability to depression, and lower self-esteem, self-acceptance, and life satisfaction.
Biological Factors
Biological factors are similar when it comes to genetics in obesity. Family history of imbalance is passed on to the child. Body Mass Index end result is the same in calculating obesity for adults and children,and both are being diagnose with diabetes as well. However, most of the symptoms are the same but the adults and older adults have more symptoms of chronic the disease.
Psychological
Obesity in adults whether young or old all
experience symptoms of depression, are ostracized, show lack of interest, sleep
apnea discriminated and terrorized against. Depression in older adults is more
closely monitored because a lot of older adults don’t realize they have the
symptom. Depression in older adults is accompanied by unexplained aches and
pains, memory problems, and even slowed movement and speech. Depression can
cause binge eating, which is a problem that is more prevalent in young obese
adults.
Cultural Factors
Whether young or old, poverty and lower levels of
education causes obesity. Obesity is still more prevalent in women in both
young and late adulthood. African Americans obesity rates are still higher
followed by Hispanics than Whites in both young and late adulthood. Young
adults associated higher rates in obesity in urban areas among married couples
consuming higher daily calorie intake or higher percentages from fat. Older
adults have higher mortality rates associated with higher BMI.
Family Issues
Although genetics likely play a role in whether or not someone becomes overweight or obese, a family's lifestyle also has a major impact on the chances
of a teenager winding up overweight, a new study shows. Adolescents tended to be heavier in families that frequently missed meals or spent several hours a day in front of the TV or video games.Obese adults have an increased risk for many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some forms of arthritis, and several cancers. Overweight and obese young adults are more likely to become obese during middle and late adulthood. Obese young adults are also more likely to have increased risk of heart disease. Young adults that are obese have been found to display early physical signs of heart disease due to obesity. In addition to the physical health consequences, severely obese young adult report a lower health-related quality of life.
of a teenager winding up overweight, a new study shows. Adolescents tended to be heavier in families that frequently missed meals or spent several hours a day in front of the TV or video games.Obese adults have an increased risk for many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some forms of arthritis, and several cancers. Overweight and obese young adults are more likely to become obese during middle and late adulthood. Obese young adults are also more likely to have increased risk of heart disease. Young adults that are obese have been found to display early physical signs of heart disease due to obesity. In addition to the physical health consequences, severely obese young adult report a lower health-related quality of life.
Social Structures
Although people of all ages live together in the same society today, the way that those people have been raised is an environment that is always shifting. From following trends, to cycles that society goes through, there can be shifts in the way that people think and act upon it that cause change. It is these environmental factors that shape a person’s tendency towards obesity and unhealthy living or healthy living. The biggest difference for young adults is that for many of them, they have now moved away from home and have become more independent. It is then left up to the individual to decide what road they will take. The community and culture this young individual lives in brings influence. The fast pace is often conducive to bad eating habits. As a person grows older they tend less to look at society and look at what is happening to their own personal health to be the judge of what they will do, as they begin to see those around them declining or prospering. The older adult’s circle of friends become smaller and relationships become more concentrated on a fewer really close friends. Outside of these relational influences there are economic factors that affect people of all ages and directly influence the types of food that are accessible. For all people there is a need for healthy food.
Ethical Considerations
Ethically there are many factors that are the same for all people who struggle with obesity. The question arises if factors such as when size should limit activities that a person can do, such as riding a bus or an airplane. Also young or middle adults might experience discrimination in the work place due to their size, but for the severely obese middle adults and the elderly the risk factors become even greater. These groups often have to look to someone else to help care for their needs. This takes proper equipment and proper training that are often not available. There are risk factors not only for patients, but also staff in caring for obese patients in Nursing home or community living settings. The lack of research leaves a gap in what it takes to care for this population. Many ethical concerns can arise in an environment where little is known about what is needed. The good news is as the problem of obesity has grown that there are organizations shifting their focus to look at these issues. Issues arise surrounding whether obesity is a personally induced problem and what insurance companies are willing to pay for. In many cases care could be withheld that is necessary for the patient’s survival.