The Incidence of Childhood Inactive Behavior Growing at an Alarming Rate

Introduction/Overview

It is accepted that the incidence of childhood inactive behavior is increasing at a disturbing rate. The physical activity level and health behavior of the youth population has the capability to be a valuable instrument in countering this undesired behavior and the obesity pandemic as well as lowering all-cause mortality (Tudor-Lock et al., 2011). According to the center for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity rates have doubled among children since 1980 (McNamara et al., 2010). Being obese as a child amounts to having a 17% higher incidence of being obese as an adult then those children of healthy Body Mass Index or “BMI” (Tudor-Lock et al., 2011). It is documented that obesity in children is linked to genetic, familial and environmental influences however, youth lifestyle behaviors largely determine the extent of adult obesity (McNamara et al., 2010). The purpose of this paper is to review Health Education Behavioral Theories used and to what effect it has made on childhood obesity. Although, most studies include no behavior theory utilized, this research paper will demonstrate an important trend that interventions developed with behavior theory are more successful in accomplishing their studies intent than without utilizing behavior theory. Theories such as the Transtheoretical model of change and the Health Belief Model are becoming increasingly valuable in quelling the youth obesity epidemic. Additionally, theories such as the Social Ecological model outline the objectives and methods for acquiring change. Many of the studies in focus demonstrated that the use of Health Theories was utilized to influence and support long-term healthy lifestyle of youth (Gortmaker et al., 1999). By address...

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...oups to encourage, support and reinforce healthy behaviors within the school. Other studies utilized the Social Learning theory, Social Cognitive Theory and Theory of Locus of Control to promote a healthy diet, physical activity and classroom curriculum as well as internet counseling and education through its prevention program. These studies were successful as a result of having important communal and ecological components that impact both psychosocial and behavioral risk issues for obesity (Gortmaker et al., 1999). Additionally, studies such as the S.P.A.R.K Youth Obesity intervention by Sallis, et al. (1997) were unsuccessful due to the lack of Health Theory use. Utilizing a Health Theory in an intervention is a successful approach when working towards addressing a significant health issue because of the outlining of objectives and methods for acquiring change.