Adolescents’ Attitudes About Obesity and What They Want in Obesity Prevention Programs

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8. What are the key points in the discussion? (What was the main point of discussion?)

Wilson (2007) pointed out that obesity among adolescents is considered epidemic in the United States and around the world (as cited in Freedman & Stern, 2004). This trend continued to double in the past thirty years (as cited in Deckelbaum & Williams, 2001). Overweight and obese adolescents are more likely to have the same weight problem when they reach adulthood. Intervention is needed to address this growing health problem. However, there is no precise solution in dealing obesity with this specific age group (as cited in Stuart, Broome, Smith, and Weaver, 2005). This study will help the researcher identify the possible resolution.

The research is designed for middle school students to determine their attitudes towards obesity and how they feel about the prevention programs. Based on the results, the middle school students already know that being overweight is not healthy (Wilson, 2007). Therefore people should lose weight. Their opinions whether if it easy or hard to maintain a healthy weight are almost even. Most of the responders agree that a physical activity should be considered. They prefer an enjoyable group exercise with their peers (Wilson, 2007). A program on how to eat healthy is also preferred. Most of the responders agree that family support will make their goal of losing weight easier (Wilson, 2007). Wilson suggested the school nurses should play the role in guiding the middle school students in promoting healthy lifestyle. Further research like this will encourage the school nurses to expand their strategies on how to guide the students on how to eat right, exercise, maintain healthy weight, and continue with their healthy lifestyle (Wilson, 2007).

9. How is the information useful for your research project?

The literature review helped gain skills on how to assess, compare, and learn the procedures on how to deal with the human subjects. Acknowledgment of the authors of the secondary and tertiary data should be properly cited. In collecting primary data, a protocol should be properly observed. I learned that I need to tailor my questionnaires in accordance of the developmental stage, cognitive ability, and other aspects that will affect my research and my participants. Questionnaires need to be reviewed by another person, pilot tested, and revised if needed before distributing it to the participants. Samples need to be correctly determined and informed consent should be collected prior to the distribution of the questionnaires (L. Lopena, personal communication, February 9, 2017).

My research is about diabetes among older adults. It is as relevant as obesity. I learned from this information that it is important for any research project to educate the readers, the researchers, and the participants. As Wilson (2007) suggested, research should be testable and be continued by health professionals or other researchers to monitor the trend and determine the intervention and prevention of any health promotion and programs.

References

Jacobsen, K.H. (2017). Introduction to health research methods: a practical guide. (2nd

ed.). Burlington, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Wilson, L.F. (2007 August). Adolescents’ Attitudes About Obesity and What They Want in

Obesity Prevention Programs. The Journal of School of Nursing, 23(4), 229-238.

10.1177/10598405070230040801.