Nursing Intervention for Healthy Eating Among Teenagers

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This assignment is geared toward developing a nursing intervention to encourage healthy eating habits among teenagers. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “obesity has more than tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years” (Adolescent and social health). Using a grounded theory study, I aim to determine how this astronomical increase has managed to occur, and explore strategies to reduce the risk as well as promote prevention of adolescent obesity through encouragement of healthy eating habits. The Mayo Clinic suggests that “the best strategy to reduce childhood and adolescent obesity is to improve the diet and exercise habit of the entire family” (Mayo Clinic Staff). Through this analysis of qualitative data, a nursing intervention with evidential backing could address and attack this serious epidemic.
Keywords: health, promotion, teenagers, obesity, eating, habits

Midterm Paper
Developmental Efforts Related to Adolescent Obesity Qualitative Research
“More than one third of our children and adolescents in our country are now overweight or obese” (Kids and Obesity). This epidemic is also skyrocketing the occurrence of disorders and other health issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma and bone and joint problems (Weight problems and obesity). But obesity can also effect adolescents on a deeper level, especially those of lower socioeconomic classes. Depression and low self esteem is also directly related to obesity and has high tendencies to lead to substance abuse is males and eating disorders in females (Weight problems and obesity). Adolescent obesity is a very serious issue and the need for nursing interventions has never been more prominent. The majorit...

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...heir teens adopt better habits. Interventions that promote more time outdoors and active compared to time in front of a screen have also proved to not only decrease BMI over time, but promote self-esteem in adolescents (Weight problems and obesity).
Conclusion
Nursing thrives on evidence-based practice and continual implementation of the nursing process. Evaluation and reassessment are key components to the success evolving and adapting nursing interventions have had. After reviewing all the data, there is a trend that catches the eye. The most successful interventions are those that are incorporated within a family or group setting (Mayo Clinic Staff). The development of a new nursing intervention to encourage healthy eating habits among teenagers and combat the epidemic of obesity should not only be targeted to the teens themselves, but also their families.

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