Childhood Obesity and Motivational Interviewing
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Authors
Manneh, Mariama
Date of Issue
2022
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a public health problem that is increasing at an alarming rate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) by 2056, the number of school-age children and adolescents aged 5-19 with obesity would rise from 11 million to 124 million (WHO, 2021). Today 1 in 5 children in America suffer from obesity with 1 in 4 adults being too heavy to be eligible to enlist in the military (WHO, 2021). The aim of this research is focused on exploring the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a tool to help reduce obesity amongst the adolescent population aged 12-19 years. MI is defined as an effective nonjudgmental, patient-centered counseling approach to losing weight that can be delivered by a non-mental health provider. Decreasing the trend of childhood obesity in adolescents’ results in better physical health and broader benefits for society. Obesity in children can cause impaired physical and mental challenges. It increases a child’s risk for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes as well as lower self-esteem and being at a greater risk for bullying. Through the utilization of MI, nurses can empower patients by helping them manage their own care to build a healthier future and decrease childhood obesity.