Research Proposal

Scope and nature of the problem- Childhood obesity is rapidly causing more children to develop Type-2 Diabetes. Research has also shown that overweight children are at a higher risk of developing the disease in adulthood. Children who are obese are also more likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and other chronic diseases in addition to Type-2 Diabetes.

Specific Claim- For children that do not suffer from obesity because of predetermined genetics, changes in behavior and environment can greatly reduce obesity in adolescents. Examples of behavior would be: 1. Eating habits. 2. More physical activity, such as sports, playing outside, exercising. 3. Less sedentary activity, such as television and video games. Examples of environment would be: 1. Parental or adult involvement. 2. Education of both children and adults. 3. Better health care.

Justification of claim- Research has shown that by educating children in school and at home, it can greatly reduce the amount of children suffering from obesity. Educating

not only the children, but also their parents has an even bigger effect. When children have everyone close to them showing and providing healthy habits, children will follow by example. A contributing factor to obesity is consuming too many calories and not getting enough physical activity. Calories come from the food that is eaten. If adolescents are more educated in their dietary choices and eat healthier foods while not over eating, all the while adding more physical activity, they can hold a healthier weight.

Method of data collection- To find sources, government websites will be used. Scholarly articles within Ashfords library will and have been used. The internet will be used for the majority of research.

Preliminary Findings-The findings so far have come from The Center for Disease Control, showing that calorie intake versus physical activity is a primary role in preventing childhood obesity. National Institutes for health has broken down Michelle Obamas We Can campaign and research showing that parental and adult involvement greatly reduces obesity in childhood.

References

Why obesity is a health problem. National Institute for Health. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/healthy-weightbasics/obesity.htm

Ploeger,B.(2012). Healthy Kids Learn Habits at Home. Broomfield Retrieved from

Enterprise.

http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=12&did=2601181911&SrchMode=1 &sid=2&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&T S=1331600944&clientId=74379

Over Weight and Obesity. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/causes/index.html

Kaiser Permanentes Educational Theatre Teaches Kids About Healthy Eating and Physical Activity. PR Newswire. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=3&did=2607429561&SrchMode=1&s id=2&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS= 1331605586&clientId=74379