This focus will allow the group to study childhood obesity to find out the psychological, sociological and

health related causes, in order to understand the effects on children in Florida

By

David Broad, Christopher Brown, Matthew Collins, Marcella Pereira, Charles Phan, Nancy Rios, Tara Smith, Michele Sojka,

and Trevor Zarnowiec

We will use the interdisciplinary concept of Biopsychosocial Model to discover the cause and effect of childhood obesity.

The BPS model posits that biological, psychological (which entails thoughts, emotions, and behaviors), and social factors, all play a significant role in human functioning in the context of disease or illness. Indeed, health is best understood in terms of a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors rather than purely in biological terms.

The BPS model applies a new approach to the relations between biological, psychological, and social dynamics in health and illness. The model assumes that a human being acts as an shared system in which biological factors interact with psychological factors and social factors within the social context of human activity and existence.

The Biopsychosocial Model (BPS)

The model depicts as the holistic functional approach. The term refers to the structure of the model, and describes its purpose in maintaining inner equalization of a human being and his or her effective adaptation to the demands of the external upbringing.

The BPS model is a scientific model that was constructed to take into account the missing lengths of the biomedical model. The model relates to aspects of everyday practice and patient care before another time reckoned accessible to a scientific approach.

Enables physicians to extend application of the scientific method

A physician uses the BPS model to study components of an organized whole with the risk of neglect or injury concentrating on the patient.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) began a new initiative to speed up the process of improving public health.

From the BPS model, The program “NIH Roadmap” stretches out 28 cross institutional projects especially designed to tackle the complex issues such as obesity.

The Biopsychosocial Model (BPS)

Biopsychosocial Model of Health (South Wales Osteopathic Society) Health Care concept that determines various disease factors from the

results of psychological, social, and biological factors

Basically states that diseases and illnesses can be result with correlations of psychological and social influences, rather than just biological influences (genetics, bodily factors, etc…)

Relation to Childhood Obesity?• Showcases that childhood obesity isn’t just physical or biological• Also influenced by social and psychological factors from one’s self and others• To fully understand the interdisciplinary aspects of childhood obesity, we begin by explaining how the individual discipline’s causes and effects.

The Biopsychosocial Model (BPS)

Social Economic Status - Poverty• Most associate poverty and hungry children to thin kids. In actuality it can

lead to children having a diet of mostly fast food or other unhealthy, cheap, low quality food. This can lead to improper nutrition and obese impoverished children.

• “Non-Hispanic white adolescents from lower income families experience a greater prevalence of overweight than those from higher income families.”

• Being overweight is not limited to industrialized countries.

• According to Laura Wimberly, “Children that come

from lower- class are much more prone to being

overweight due to unhealthy convenience food”.

• The higher-class children tend to not experience the

obesity issues as often.

• Children who come from extreme poverty are less

likely to be overweight than the lower-class.

Membership of certain ethnic groups• The percentage of overweight children are higher in certain ethnic groups. At

this time there is no hard evidence, as to why this is the case. One theory goes back to the lower than average social economic status these groups typically possess. “For boys and girls, overweight is highest in Mexican American children, intermediate among non-Hispanic black children, and lowest in non-Hispanic white children.” (Deckelbaum, Nature.com)

• “Mexican American boys tend to have a higher prevalence of overweight than black or white boys.“ (www.surgeongeneral.gov)

• “Black girls tend to have a higher prevalence of overweight than Mexican American or white girls.” (www.surgeongeneral.gov)

• “Although certain people are predisposed to being

overweight, obesity is seen in all races, gender and ages.”

(L. Wimberly)

Family practicesDiet• Family can often influence a child’s eating habits. These examples include: parents

eating, and feeding their children unhealthy food such as fast food, extra helpings food, and parents being obese themselves, giving a false impression that being over weight is normal.

• The growing decline of the traditional nuclear family, has led to both parents entering the work force. “Fear of children playing outside without adult supervision has led many parents to admonish their children to stay inside after school. Children are thus spending more time watching television and playing on the computerthan exercising.” (Miller, jcem.endojournals.org)

Social Influences• T.V. commercials promoting candy and fast foods• Parents are not helping the situation. They are making bad

choices and teaching their children habits that may not be able to be broken. Children are a product of their environment!”

Social Discrimination• Over weight children face cruel teasing and ridicule of their obesity by their

peers. Social discrimination is a possible effect on an obese child, that may influence their psychological, and sociological development. A child is likely to blame themselves for the harsh treatment.

• Negative stereotyping, Social marginalization

• “Being overweight effects friendships and relationship from childhood all the way to adult hood.” (L. Wimberly)

• “People are often judged by their appearance and

it is no different with children”. (L. Wimberly)

Lack of Socialization• Obese children tend to suffer from a lack of social skills and anxiety. This leads

some children to misbehave in school, be disruptive and destructive. Other children withdraw and become anti-social. Children with anxiety often do not do well in school.

• Children are less likely to participate in certain activities to avoid being ridiculed or put down.

• “Children resort to spending more time in front of the T.V.

and on the computer.”

• “Due to technology, children don’t socialize in person as

much to begin with. Too much socializing is done via

technology which creates a decrease in social skills.”

Laura Wimberly: Elementary school teacher, Campus Charter School; Florida In your interaction with children, why do you think there are so many obese children?

-Children are not getting enough exercise, playing too many video games and the parents are not helping them make good choices.

How can a parent help aid their children in becoming healthier?

-Give them less convenient foods, send them outside to play, and eat fast food in moderation.

How can the schools help children in becoming healthier?

-More afterschool sports and activities, healthier food choices in the schools and teaching awareness.

In your opinion, do you think being overweight is becoming more acceptable and there will be a shift in bulling over to thinner children instead of overweight children?

-Being overweight has become more accepted because you are seeing it much more often. The parents are overweight so the children become overweight! Super thin kids are getting bullied more, but obese children are bullied as well.

What advice would you give an obese child's parent and their child?

-Parent: I would encourage healthy food choices and try to motivate them to help their kids try new foods and activities.

-Child: Choosing my words wisely in order to not offend them, but id try to bring awareness of their choices, get them involved in activities and help them pick healthy foods.

Health is an interdisciplinary concept in itself. Health often includes biology, physiology, wellness, fitness, and diet.

Genetics• There are certain genetics factors that can lead to obesity in children (CDC)

• Some notable diseases related to obesity:

• Bardet-Biedl syndrome: disorder that affects many parts of the body, mostly linked to blindness and abnormal weight gain throughout entire life span (Genetics Home Reference)

• Prader-Willi syndrome: rare disorder dealing with the 15th chromosome, which can result with a chronic feeling of hunger and slow metabolism, along with influencing excessive eating and life-threatening obesity (GDF)

• Even though genetics can influence childhood obesity, that doesn’t mean it is the only factor.

• Assistance from environmental (low physical activitylife style) and behavioral (high-calorie intakes with low energy to compensate) factors are important (CDC)

Nutrition• Children are consuming more sugary, unhealthy foods, and not maintaining

a balance among the food groups (ASPE)

• Calorie intake is unbalanced; taking more calories in than burning them off (CDC; ASPE)

• Causes: Easier to buy “take out” food, eating at restaurants, “saving money,” lack of influence to eat well, etc… (ASPE)

• Ex: Parents, teachers, educational authority figures, etc…

School Nutrition• “Even though portion sizes in school lunches are acceptable,

sometimes the choices are not very healthy. Some schools are

better than others. Breakfast is usually loaded with sugar and

lunch has a lot of starch foods.” (L. Wimberly)

Physical Inactivity• Children are not getting the daily recommended amount of exercise (ASPE; CDC)

• Children not motivated enough (at home and at school) to apply themselves towards physical activities

• Many schools in Florida are removing recess from the daily schedules and reducing Physical Education.

• Schools are attempting to fill every minute with academics

but when you look at academic scores non-obese children

have higher scores.

• Afterschool activity funding is being cut leaving children

with fewer sports options.

• The recent public view of "physical type" sports and games

(dodgeball, bombardment, etc.) during recess has removed it as an

option for students, therefore the schools change to much less active

things in gym class, like book work about being fit.

• Physical Effects

• Lack of stamina and endurance

• Decrease of energy to perform daily tasks

• Another term: being out of shape

• Long Term Effects (CDC)

• Coronary Heart Disease

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Cancer(s)

• Endometrial (lining of the uterus *female*), Breast (*female*), Colon

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Stroke

• Dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol)

• Liver and Gallbladder Disease

• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

• Osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)

• Gynecological problems (abnormal menses *female*, infertility)

Depression• Can be caused by early trauma in life such as neglect, abandonment or

abuse, family instability, anxiety, parental depression or genetics

ADD/ADHD• One of the most diagnosed disorders diagnosed in children would be

ADD/ADHD which often times leads doctors to prescribing medication that can change eating habits, eating patterns, increasing hunger which often times leads to more snacking which typically includes high calorie or high fat foods.

Medications• Medications are used for children with many disorders such as

ADD/ADHD, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar.

• Some of the medications used to treat these disorders can lead to weight gain and obesity such as: risperidone and a few antiepileptic medications.

Environmental Influence• Many children seek parental approval for finishing their meal and others are

not allowed to leave the table before they have finished everything that was placed on their plate or were told “there are many children that don’t have the luxury of having this food so you have to eat what you are given”

Comfort Food• Replace absent parents, absent friendships, and any other growing pains with a

desire to eat constantly.

Mental• Depression

• Low self esteem

• Low self confidence

• Lack of motivation

• Decreased energy

• Negative self or body image

Charles Negy Professor at University of Central Florida; Psychology Department Joined the University of Central Florida in the fall of 1998 Licensed clinical Psychologist (state of Florida) Received Ph.D. (clinical) from Texas A&M University in 1994 2008-2009 Teaching Incentive Awards recipient

How would you define the role that Psychology plays in childhood obesity? Obesity (with children and adults) have multiple “causes” Psychological factors may include: -Low self-esteem -Depression -The need to “nurture” oneself by eating -And plain “ignorance”

What role do the different emotions play on childhood obesity? There are individuals who have emotional problems (depressed emotions, self-esteem issues, etc.) These individuals find that eating is a comforting way to get some relief from those unpleasant emotions It’s not a good strategy for dealing with unpleasant emotions, but it’s the way some people “cope”

In your professional opinion, why are children obese? There are multiple reasons: -I’ve already mentioned potential causes such as depression and self-esteem issues -But we live in a culture where food and eating are promoted by companies that stand to profit from selling their food -Half of our television commercials are designed to entice viewers to eat -Restaurants are eager to serve larger portions of food for slightly more money, to augment their profits -Typically customers receive more food than you should or could eat; but, our society has been taught to “clean our plates” despite being “stuffed” -Also, obese kids tend to have obese parents (not always, but commonly); parents are being poor role models

What do you think parents can do to help their kids deal with weight issues? Serve as a good role model Parents should maintain a “normal” weight, and encourage their kids to eat healthily and within normal limits Parents ought to understand that their kids will suffer in school, because other kids will be making fun of their child; and even ostracizing

him/her

Do you think that a child’s psychological state plays as big a role as diet and fitness? A child’s psychological state is very important, but you absolutely need to exercise For reasons I don’t understand , most schools have eliminated Physical Education And most schools that still offer it, frequently will have kids just sit and do nothing during that period Kids ought to be exercising in schools and parents, again, ought to be encouraging their children to get out and exercise Obese parents are poor role models for their children

Is it possible for a child to lose weight simply by being happier or in a better state of mind; or does it just work in accordance with better fitness and nutrition? Directly: No, exercise and appropriate eating habits are key Indirectly: Being psychologically “well-adjusted” influences whether one wants to exercise and eat healthily

What advice would you give an obese child, or their parent, to help them have a healthier body? That without realizing it parents are causing their kids to: - Be teased at school - Feel badly about themselves -Be passed over (ignored) for being invited to dances -Be passed over to be someone’s girlfriend or boyfriend; or even just a friend Without being a nag, parents need to: -Motivate their children to exercise -Monitor their food-intake And take pride in their appearance, *within reason*

Interdiscipinary – Causes and Effects

Exercise• Exercise, in relation to any type of obesity is not a new concept. In this case it

is new when viewed by an interdisciplinary perspective. Health, psychology, and sociology, all can be blended together in exercise, to explain the cause and effects of childhood obesity.

• Children who lack enough exercise could become obese. They may not get enough exercise because social psychological influences, such as their peers pressuring them to play the latest video game. Other children may cause another to feel inadequate at sports, causing them to remain on the sidelines, instead of participating.

• Psychological health could be improved by exercising, increasing their self esteem. The act of exercising , can relieve stress, and improve the overall health of an obese child. It can also improve their social life, as it may cause a child to meet other children while engaging in activities.

Family Influence• Family interaction and influence, can be an interdisciplinary cause of

childhood obesity. A family with bad eating habits can pass on the psychological habits onto their children. The bad habits may cause the child to become obese, and will effect their health in a negative way. The family setting is sociological group, drawing emotional needs and influences from each other.

• Psychological effect of the parents, such as low self esteem, can be passed on to the children by example. Low self esteem, can lead to overeating, or indulging in unhealthy comfort foods. The improper diet, can cause obesity, and health related problems. The child being over weight , could cause social instability with other children, even with other family members.

Interdiscipinary – Causes and Effects

Childhood obesity has biological, psychological, family and social components. Along with seeking help from a physician to diagnose and address any physical problems, there are other effective treatments of obesity that can involve a collaboration of professionals.

People in the following professions deal with childhood obesity on a regular basis. Many of them are educated with a combination of disciplines that makes them interdisciplinary.

Pediatrician (nurses) Focus on physical, development, emotional, and social health of infants to young adults. Give care to obese children and their families.

Dietician (WIC, School food manager) Expert in food and nutrition to help promote good health through proper eating and educating families.

Psychologist (Counselors, therapists) Help modify negative attitudes or behaviors and provides support. Also helps children cope with emotional effects

Specialists (Endocrinologist, Cardiologist) Obesity often has physical effects that go0 beyond the realm of a general Dr or Pediatrician. Specialist deal with more specific health related issues

Educators (Teachers, counselors, caregivers) People in these positions become like second parents to children and they can help influence children to make good choices and bring awareness to the families.

Interdisciplinary Professions Related to

Childhood Obesity

• Companies are beginning to offer families with obese children, health coverage for at least four follow-up visits with a pediatrician and four visits with a registered dietician a year. (Insurance companies, Doctors, Dietitians)

• Accordingly, we will have the greatest chance to successfully reverse the obesity epidemic if we consider it a crisis, make it a funded government and public health priority, and join forces across disciplines to mount an effective public health campaign in the prevention and early treatment. (Deckelbaum & Williams)

• "Childhood obesity is an epidemic. There's no single cause or single solution. We need everyone at the table to really solve this in this country." (Ginny Ehrlich, executive director of the Alliance)

• Earlier this month, Michelle Obama launched a wide-ranging "Let's Move" campaign aimed at curbing childhood obesity

Pediatrician

Dietitian

EducatorsPsychologist

• “Bardet-Biedl syndrome.” Genetics Home Reference. 7 Nov. 2010. Retrieved 20 Nov. 2010.

• <http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/bardet-biedl-syndrome>.

• Batch, Jennifer A., and Louise A. Baur. " Management and Prevention of Obesity " MJA PRACTICE ESSENTIALS – PAEDIATRICS. Web. 21 Nov. 2010.

• <http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/182_03_070205/bat10421_fm.pdf>.

• “Biopsychosocial Model of Health.” South Wales Osteopathic Society. 2009. Retrieved 22 Nov. 2010. http://www.osteopathywales.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=15:osteopathy-articles-&id=175:biopsychosocial-model-of-health

• Negy, Charles. Personal interview. 9 November 2010

• “Childhood Obesity.” APSE.hhs.gov. Date Range Apr. 2004-Feb. 2005. Retrieved 20 Nov. 2010.

• <http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/>

• Conner, Deirdre. Poverty but Obesity: The Hunger Paradox of Northeast Florida. 17 Apr 2010. 15 Nov 2010

• <http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-04-17/story/poverty-obesity-hunger-paradox-northeast-florida>

• Deckelbaum, Richard J., and Christine L. Williams. "Obesity - Childhood Obesity: The Health Issue." Nature Publishing Group : Science Journals, Jobs, and Information. Obesity A Research Journal, 2010: Web. 16 Nov. 2010.

• <http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v9/n11s/full/oby2001125a.html>.

• Gerencher, Kristan., “Coverage for treating kids' obesity gets more comprehensive” MarketWatch, 2010: Web Retrieved 27 Nov. 2010.

• <http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tackling-childhood-obesity-at-the-doctors-office-2010-02-23>

• Hofferth, Sandra L., and Sally Curtin. "Poverty, Food Programs, and Childhood Obesity “ Journal of Policy Analysis and Management. Wiley Online Library. 1 Sept. 2005: Web 16 Nov. 2010.

• <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pam.20134/pdf>.

• Miller, Jennifer, Arlan Rosenbloom, and Janet Silverstein. "Childhood Obesity -- Miller Et Al. 89 (9): 4211." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. The Endocrine Society, 11 June 2004: Web. 16 Nov. 2010.

• <http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/short/89/9/4211>.

• Overweight and Obesity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 30 Sept. 2010. Retrieved 20 Nov. 2010. • <http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html>.

• “Prader-Willi syndrome.” Genetic Disease Foundation. 2010. Retrieved 20 Nov. 2010. • <http://www.geneticdiseasefoundation.org/genetic-diseases/prader-willi-syndrome/?gclid=CKmH-5mgsKUCFQm87QodaT3OYg>.

• Puhl, Rebecca, and Kelly D. Brownell. "Obesity - Bias, Discrimination, and Obesity "Nature Publishing Group : Science Journals, Jobs and Information. 4 Sept. 2001: Web 16 Nov. 2010.

• <http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v9/n12/full/oby2001108a.html?referer=www.clickfind.com.au>.

• Sokolova, Irina V. "Depression in Children: Causes and Interventions." Great Ideas in Personality--Theory and Research: Web 21 Nov. 2010.

• <http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/sokolova.html>.

• “The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity." Office of the Surgeon General (OSG): Web 15 Nov. 2010. <http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/fact_glance.htm>.

• Wimberly, Laura . Personal Interview. Elementary school teacher, Campus Charter School; Florida

Adorno, Theodor W. Introduction to Sociology. Cambridge: Polity, 2002. Print.

Introduction to Sociology distills decades of distinguished work in sociology by one of this century’s most influential thinkers in the areas of social theory, philosophy, aesthetics, and music.

“Bardet-Biedl syndrome.” Genetics Home Reference. 7 Nov. 2010. Retrieved 20 Nov. 2010.

<http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/bardet-biedl-syndrome>.

This site presents us with a look into the Bardet-Biedl syndrome. It is stated as a type of genetic disorder that could result in life-

threatening obesity. It is extremely rare, but prone to happen to anyone, be it male or female. It also results in extreme vision loss that start

in mid-childhood and stem into adulthood, extra fingers and/or toes (also known as polydactyl), intellectual disabilities, and genitalia

abnormalities. Along with a brief description of the syndrome, this site also provides several sub links to different parts of the page to help

further enhance knowledge of the genetic disorder. The links range from the mere description of it to the genetic changes, to the inheritance

of the disorder, and to several different links for treatments used to help cure it or hold back the symptoms. This web site was reviewed in

May 2010, and then published on November 7th, 2010.

Batch, Jennifer A., and Louise A. Baur. "3. Management and Prevention of Obesity and." MJA PRACTICE ESSENTIALS –

PAEDIATRICS. Web. 21 Nov. 2010.

<http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/182_03_070205/bat10421_fm.pdf>.

Management and prevention of obesity is a journal article that was found online. It is a very specific and factual

summary of various aspects of obesity and health. The article begins by stating that there is an “escalating global epidemic” of

obesity and its “one of today’s most blatantly visible — yet most neglected — public health problem”. This statement ties into this

research project perfectly and I found this source to be highly informative and educational. It shows how obesity is growing by

listing various percentages through the last 25 years. The authors clearly define necsasary terms such as overweight and obesity.

Then they explain BMI (body mass index) and why that is important. The rest of the article is a rundown of numerous effects of

obesity on the body and different factors that vary from genetics to environment. In conclusion, the article states different ways to

manage obesity including food choices, lifestyle, drugs and exercise.

“Biopsychosocial Model of Health.”* South Wales Osteopathic Society.* 2009.Retrieved 22 Nov. 2010. http://www.osteopathywales.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=15:osteopathy-articles-&id=175:biopsychosocial-model-of-health

This site presents us with an overview of what the Biopsychosocial Model of Heath is and how it is used to help in the study of various health conditions, including obesity and depression. It represents how other factors, such as psychological and sociological, are also determinants, along with biological factors, in classifying various health inflictions. The website was created at least a year ago, with a reliable source that provides information about the association from various other links. The information isn’t an extremely detailed representation of theBiopsychosocial Model of Health, but it does give a good basis of background to assist in describing the merging of biological, psychological, and social factors to give a well-rounded analysis on different health conditions andissues.

“Childhood Obesity.” APSE.hhs.gov. Date Range Apr. 2004-Feb. 2005. Retrieved 20 Nov. 2010. <http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/>.

This site provides us with a look into different factors causing Childhood Obesity. There are various charts giving detailed looks into the percentages involved in the rise of Childhood Obesity. These charts show a decrease of numbers of healthy nutritional intake, the range of overweight children ages 6-19, the increase of lack of physical activity in adolescents, and the percentages involved in participating in free time over planned physical activity. This web site gives readers a detail analysis on different factors influencing obesity, several different causes, different roots of these causes, and possible solutions to help the childhood obesity epidemic. There are even links provided to back up the research and claims stated within this site. Even though there isn’t a clear date stating when this site was created, the research from the links show that the data was obtained between the years 2004-2005 from several accredited and reliable sources.

Deckelbaum, Richard J., and Christine L. Williams. "Obesity - Childhood Obesity: The Health Issue." Nature Publishing Group: Science Journals, job and Information. Obesity A Research Journal 2010. Web. 16 Nov. 2010 <http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v9/n11s/full/oby2001125a.html>

This online journal article examines obesity in Americans as well as other group of people internationally. It begins by stating that the number of

overweight people has doubled and tripled in the last few decades. The findings relate to our project because the increase in obesity is from preschool children to adolescence. It defines different ethnic groups and genders to be predisposed to obesity more or less than others. Also, how nutrition during pregnancy can influence weight as an adult. Information in this article ranges from predictors of obesity as well as factors that contribute to being overweight. Included in this article are research findings from many countries about various effects of obesity. Although there are some differences in biological effects between ethnic groups, many of the long term effects on health are the same. The article ends with a section about different prevention methods and treatments of obesity.

Annotated Bibliography

Gabler, Jay. Sociology for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub., 2010. Print

This book entails the basic principles, concepts, history, and an easy-to-understand explanation of Sociology. The book also contains the subjects: historical studies in sociology, social movements and political sociology, important contributors, methods for sociological research and as well roles in sex, race, and religion in the sociology perspective.

Gerencher, Kristan., “Coverage for treating kids' obesity gets more comprehensive” MarketWatch 2010: RetrivedNov 27 2010. <http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tackling-childhood-obesity-at-the-doctors-office-2010-02-23>

This article involves a multidisciplinary concept that relates to childhood obesity and the large problem it has become. Big companies are choosing health insurance that will include a dietitian for families of overweight children. Insurance companies and employers are giving this a three year trial to see how it goes. This includes several disciplines working together for a common goal. The article talks about the rise of obesity and how the health care system does little to provide help to parents of overweight children. Both president Obama and his wife, Michelle, are advocates of reducing obesity in children. The author discusses how obesity canlead to diabetes. Also, that obesity is one of the main factors of the rise in health care costs. One of the biggest challenges is educating people and getting them motivated to be healthier. Children don’t need to go to a gym and work out, they just need to get out and play.

Inkeles, Alex. What Is Sociology? An Introduction to the Discipline and Profession. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1964. Print.

This book reveals how sociology as both an intellectual discipline and a research enterprise cross-section posed by responsibility.

Janowski, Konrad, and Stainslawa Steuden, eds. Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health and Disease. Vol. 1. Lublin, Poland: CPPP Scientific, 2009. Google Books.

This book, prepared in English, comprises the concentration on such issues as the mind and body relationships, psychological factors in the course of somatic diseases and mental disorders. As well, concentrate the focus on the psychological aspects of health in children and adolescents, existential and religious aspects of disease, as well as health promotion and psycho-education.

Miller, Jennifer, Arlan Rosenbloom, and Janet Silverstein. "Childhood Obesity -- Miller Et Al. 89 (9): 4211." Journal of

Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. The Endocrine Society, 11 June 2004. Web. 16 Nov. 2010.

<http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/short/89/9/4211>.

According to this journal article, childhood obesity has become a pandemic. It affects more than 30% of children in America and the

numbers are increasing world wide. Findings show that over 2/3 of children who are obese will be obese as an adult. This decreases their

expected life span. This article is mainly about the differences in nature verses nurture in regards to obesity factors. A lot of our sociological

effects information came from this article. It goes into detail about family influences, social norms and technology and how they affect health.

Also, how the lack of physical activity at home and in the schools increases likeliness of unhealthy children. It explains how the

Neuroendocrine controls different aspect of a persons physical make up and how obesity effects metabolism. At the end there are more facts

and opinions about the treatment and prevention of obesity as well as the benefits of being and staying healthy.

Mitchell, G. Duncan. A Hundred Years of Sociology,. Chicago: Aldine Pub., 1968. Print.This book entails the concise chronicle of major figures, philosophies, and institutions of sociological thought. The purpose for the book was to acquaint people with the intellectual history of discipline, to reveal the fundamentals problems of sociology are not new, and to nurture a critical awareness of the relationship between and resent concerns and the heritage of the past.

Negy, Charles. Personal interview. 9 November 2010.In this insightful interview; Professor Charles Negy, of the UCF Psychology department, offers his opinions and advice on the psychological

factors in childhood obesity. Professor Negy discusses a wide array of topics; ranging from the roles that different emotions can play in

childhood obesity, to his opinions on the cause of childhood obesity, and as well as advice to children and to their parents to help them

overcome obesity. With this interview, we now have a better understanding of the role psychology plays in childhood obesity.

“Overweight and Obesity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 30 Sept. 2010. Retrieved 20 Nov. 2010.

<http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html>.

This web site showcases a lot of information on Childhood Obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site has a lot of useful

information, and was even cited in the ASPE source used earlier. The site starts off with a summary on obesity, than goes into childhood obesity. From there,

different links are provided for different parts of the web site. Some of these links list causes for childhood obesity, goes into depth about different genomics

involved in obesity, and showcase different statistics over a period of time to back up the increase of childhood obesity in the United States. There are even

other links provided to help broaden the information given on the web site, or to cite where they may have received some of their information. This site was

first started in the year 2001, but has been reviewed and updated as of September 30th, 2010.

.

“Prader-Willi syndrome.” Genetic Disease Foundation. 2010. Retrieved 20 Nov. 2010. <http://www.geneticdiseasefoundation.org/genetic-diseases/prader-willi-syndrome/?gclid=CKmH-5mgsKUCFQm87QodaT3OYg>.

This web site provided information about a genetic disorder linked to obesity: the Prader-Willi syndrome. This genetic disorder is a rare case which can come from anyone, male or female, from all races. It’s a defect in the 15th chromosome that causes low muscle tone, short stature if not treated quickly enough, incomplete sexual development, and a development of life-threatening obesity. This obesity results from a chronic feeling of hunger that evolves from this genetic disorder, along with a slow metabolism. This disorder shares a lot of similarities with the Bardet-Biedl syndrome, which was cited earlier and also results in obesity. Still, the Prader-Willi syndrome doesn’t result in vision loss, but is rarer than the other genetic disorder. This link only states that it was created and updated in 2010, but it does provide various links describing what the Genetic Disease Foundation is and information relevant to the web site.

“The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity." Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). Web. 15 Nov. 2010.

<http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/fact_glance.htm>.

This source is an information based website provided by the Office of the Surgeon General. The Surgeon General is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human services. The website is basically a list of facts and percentages related to obesity and being overweight. The information is provided from several data collecting surveys that were done in a study from 1988 to 1994 and also includes info from 1999. Although the collected data was from over a decade ago, most of the information is still relevant today. Included in the website are details about different ethnic groups that were sampled along with members of different economical status. Their research includes info about causes and effects of obesity. It lists how much physical activity children and adults should get verses how much they actually get and consequences of their inactivity. Also, about how watching T.V. is an increased reason why children don’t get enough exercise and how much television is too much.

Wimberly, Laura. Personal Interview. 17 November 2010 Elementary school teacher, Campus Charter School; Florida

An elementary school teacher with an inside opinion on activities of children and why they may be obese because of her teaching position