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Biopsychosocial Model Of Childhood Obesity

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Evaluation of Literature After breaking down the components of the biopsychosocial model in respect to childhood obesity, the literature contained some strengths and weaknesses. In the past, heredity and environmental factors were known to operate separately, however research indicates that genes affect psychological and social factors, promoting the biopsychosocial model. The Human Obesity Gene Map, published in 1994 provided research regarding the origin of obesity to mutations in genes, disorders, obesity phenotypes, or heredity. This collection of specific genes is annually updated and provides current information regarding obesity. This is a strength to the ongoing research of the etiology of obesity and how it may cause other …show more content…

Some obese and overweight individuals have single mutations in their genes, although this is uncommon in the population. Most obese individuals have mutations on multiple chromosomes, which interact with one another. Of the few reported cases of monogenic obesity, the primary cause was a mutation in the melanocortin 4 receptor gene. These mutations account for 6-8% of severe inheritable obese symptoms, with the common variant of the MC4R gene being carried by 22% of the general population. With a loss of function in the gene, it has led to an increased appetite in childhood. Treatment for MC4R deficiency or other mutations has not be done yet, due to the low prevalence of variants in the general population. There is a need for future research to identify which specific genes or groups of genes have a link to obesity. It is recommended the testing will have practical implications for the mechanism-based therapy as well as effective and specific protocols. This should be the case for individuals who have the muted mutation and the protocols should be based on lifestyle intervention and pharmacological or surgical …show more content…

This is a weakness because the data may have changed due to the rising endemic of childhood obesity in the United States. Focusing on the ideas of “toxic environment”, there has been no research conducted on the relationship to genotype. It is unknown if certain individuals, who have obesity-predisposing genes, are likely to expose themselves to the toxic environment. Concerning socioeconomic status, it is difficult to classify the mechanisms that underlie it, as research has some suggestions, but no definitive proof. Several studies in poor SES areas had a higher exposure to fast-food outlets, which contain calorically dense inexpensive foods. Many low SES communities are situated in high frequency areas, therefore less space for parks or recreational centers. Some researchers claim limited access to resources, differential costs of nutritious foods or access to recreational facilities all play a role in the inverse relationship between obesity and SES. There is little research on how family home nutrition and physical activity influences food insecurity and childhood obesity in rural settings. It is difficult to gain this information, as many people want to live private lives and not be the center of an ongoing research

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