Applying Epidemiology to Program Design for Obesity and Overweight Chronic Health Issue

Obesity and overweight are major serious, chronic diseases of adults and children whose prevalence continues to rise in the United States. Obesity is costly, as it has huge financial implications for patients, healthcare organizations and the nation. This chronic disease affects the overall health of individuals, productivity, costs of healthcare, and military readiness (CDC, 2022). In every five children, one is likely to suffer from obesity. The prevalence is higher in adults such that one in every three adults is likely to have obesity (). Obesity is detrimental among children and adolescents as children with obesity are more likely to be obese in adulthood. Obesity costs in the United States healthcare are estimated to be $173 billion annually (CDC, 2022). In children, obesity is a concern as it paves the path to health problems that are associated with obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypercholesteremia. Obesity also has physical complications such as joint pains,breathing problems, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Obesity during childhood is also associated with mental health concerns such as self-esteem and depression. Obesity among childhood and adolescents stems from poor eating habits and physical exercise routines (CDC, 2022). It results from the consumption of too much calories from drinks and food and too little physical activity. However, genetic and hormonal factors also contribute to obesity. The risks of being obese or overweight also increase due to socioeconomic factors that limit access to resources such as food stores and supermarkets. Population The target population for this epidemiological project are adolescents aged from 10- 19 who have a BMI measurement that falls above the 85th percentile and has been determined as obese or overweight by a healthcare provide

Geographic Region and Population Characteristics Kennesaw is a city in Cobb County that is situated within the Atlanta Metropolitan area. And is bordered by Acworth to the North West. It is located five miles Northwest of Marrieta, and 23 miles northwest of Atlanta. Its 2020 population was 33686, making it the 32nd largest city in Georgia. The average household income in Kennesaw is $87,078 with a poverty rate of 12.49%. The median rental costs in recent years come to $1,347 per month, and the median house value is $215,800. The median age is 33.3 years, 31.1 years for males, and 36.5 years for females (US Census Bureau, n.d..). The population of Kennesaw is diverse ethnically and racially whereby the White have the highest population, followed by Blacks or African Americans (61.69% and 23.27% ) respectively. The races most likely to be in poverty in this city are Hispanics (38.30%) below the poverty level (US Census Bureau, n.d.). The population for this epidemiological project are adolescents aged between 10 to 19 years and attend schools in Kennesaw city. The adolescents to be included in this project as the sample population will have a diagnosis from healthcare providers confirming that they are obese or overweight. The adolescents will be of the Hispanic race. Patterns of Disease The patterns of obesity in children and adolescents are characterized by a high prevalence in certain subgroups. The prevalence of childhood obesity is influenced by socioeconomic factors such as race and ethnicity. The prevalence is higher among children who represent ethnic and racial minority groups compared to children in the United States (Isong et al., 2018). Obesity is more among Hispanic and Black children as is linked to genetic, biological, social, and environmental factors. Childhood and adolescent obesity are also more prevalent among families with low incomes, and education statuses. The rates of obesity vary from place to place within a geographical region such that it is more prevalent i