Reference no: EM133572436

Case Study: There are so many theories about obesity and why it is more of a problem now than in generations past. One theory points to the influence of our socio-economic environment, including the social determinants of health and more.

By socio-economic environment, all parts of it are included: the built environment, our other surroundings, habits & trends - health-related and not-so-healthy, business, access to healthcare & education, the way we eat/play/work, and any other factors that are part of how our lives are affected by the world around us. And, in addition to this long list, the social determinants of health are different from one person to the next based on their lived circumstances.

Give some thought to what is different in your world now compared with 25, 50, and 75 years ago that may relate to obesity risk. Every 25 years is considered a generation - so you are comparing your generation to your parents' and grandparents' and great-grandparents' generation. Think about what has changed.

Questions:

1. Compare your lifestyle - all aspects of it - with your grandparents'. What has changed that could influence health and risk of obesity? Explain how any changes impact energy balance.
2. Think of your 'built environment', meaning how our communities are built and laid out and what community resources you have or do not have. What aspects of our built environment could contribute to obesity risk? Explain how any of these aspects impact energy balance.
3. Consider the social determinants of health. This topic is finally getting discussed in the news due to the disproportionate amount of people of color who have had COVID. Race is a social construct and is not a biological one. It is racism and not race that has contributed to health risks, including obesity. Discuss how the social determinants of health could cause an individual to be at risk of obesity. Be sure to read both links above on social determinants of health and the Scientific American article before answering this prompt.