Introduction
The studies of Foreyt et al. (1999) and Olstad and McCargar (2009) both present the idea that childhood obesity begins from the ages of 2 to 5 and can actually be prevented provided that it be detected early on and proper methods of behavioral, physical and nutritional intervention are put into practice before early onset obesity takes hold. One interesting aspect of the Foreyt et al. (1999) study is that it actually compliments the study of Olstad and McCargar (2009) in the sense that Foreyt et al. presents methods on how to detect whether a particular child was at risk of becoming obese in the future while Olstad and McCargar present various methods on how prevent early onset obesity through dietary, physical and parental intervention (Foreyt et al, 1 – 5) (Olstand and McCarger, 1 – 5). By combining both studies a distinct procedural methodology actually emerges wherein early detection and methods of prevention can be combined in order to prevent a child from becoming obese.
Hypothesis of both Studies
From the perspective of Foreyt et al. (1999) detecting whether or not a child will become obese in the future can actually be accomplished utilizing a combination of BMI, logistic regression parameters, and cross sectional samples of data over a period of several years (Foreyt et al., 1 – 4). By utilizing their proposed method of probability calculation Foreyt et al. presented a procedure that hypothesized all children between 2 to 5 years old can actually be tested in order to determine whether or not they will become obese. The study of Olstad and McCargar (2009) also presented a similar hypothesis yet included in their study the idea that by adjusting parental involvement in a child’s health practices which include adhering to proper diets, physical activity and presenting oneself as a proper role model, early onset child obesity can be constrained and prevented (Olstand and McCargar, 4 – 6).
Participants and Data Collection Methods
The participants for the Foreyt et al. (1999) study were primarily Mexican-Americans aged 2 – 5 within an elementary school in the U.S. While the Olstand and McCargar (2009) study didn’t use any participants they did however focus on the prevalence of childhood obesity within children in Canada. As such both studies when combined produced an array of different perspectives from two different countries regarding childhood obesity. Data collection for the Olstand and McCargar study consisted primarily of academic research utilizing, statistics, books and journal articles while the Foreyt et al. study utilized raw data collected from school records dating back to 1996 and used in 1999 (Foreyt et al, 3).
Results of both Studies
As mentioned in the introduction of this paper the statistical results of both studies show that early onset childhood obesity develops from ages 2 to 5 and as such prevention at this particular age is critical in ensuring a child doesn’t become obese. From the data obtained from Foreyt et al. (1999) it becomes clear that from ages 2 to 5 subsequent abnormal weight gain and the propensity to become obese can be detected which when combined with historic data actually becomes an accurate method of calculating the probability of a child becoming obese as proven by the results of their study. In fact when comparing both studies it becomes clear that both have nearly the exact same conclusions and assumptions regarding the reasons behind childhood obesity, when it occurs and how it can be prevented. It is only in the case of Olstand and McCargar (2009) that the methods of prevention and solutions to the problem are further expounded upon.
Discussion of Importance and Application of Results
The application of both studies in the realm of parental awareness should not be underestimated. By informing parents of their roles as nutritional role models as described by Olstand and McCargar (2009) preventive practices involving proper nutrition, exercise and behavioral attitudes can be adopted early on so as to prevent obesity. Furthermore, based on the data from Foreyt et al. (1999) children at risk for developing obesity can be detected and parents can be informed as to what particular age they should implement methods of obesity prevention so as to safeguard their children from this debilitating condition that has claimed the lives of millions of adults so far.
Works Cited
J P Foreyt, et al. “Early identification of Mexican American children who are at risk for becoming obese.” International Journal of Obesity & Related Metabolic Disorders 23.8 (1999): 823. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web.
Olstad, Dana Lee, and Linda McCargar. “Prevention of overweight and obesity in children under the age of 6 years.” Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism 34.4 (2009): 551-570. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web.