REPLIES: Reply to two of your classmates that live in different states. Compare and contrast your state’s obesity data to theirs (see attachment for my initial discussion) and discuss obesity preventi

POST # 1: PRESTON

I picked this picture because I feel it demonstrates the deeper issue with obesity which is that of addiction. The over consumerism of the United States includes advertising to our vulnerable population, including our children. A food like french-fries are addicting and deadly with mass consumption, just like cigarettes. Yet we do not put disclaimers or warnings on these unhealthy foods and allow our children to consume them.
According to the State Obesity Data in Massachusetts about 14% of children ages 10-17 are obese (2019). This ranks Massachusetts 25/51 for this age range among the nation and 47/51 for adults (State of Obesity Data, 2019). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has data on adult obesity that revealed that Massachusetts has approximately 25-30% of its population suffering from obesity (2019). It was also noted that all states in the United States (the District of Columbia and US territories) had at least 20% of its population of adults with obesity (CDC, 2019).
In my own community I do not witness a high rate of obesity. We live in an active area that is filled with outdoor activities as well as health conscious stores/food options. Most obese patients I see are of the elderly population or are young adults attending our local university but from other areas of the world, especially cities. This exemplifies common disparities in health for our elder and for those with either less access to activity or more access to poor food choices.  
Our older population goes through normal degenerative changes occur creating a shift in fat mass. By 70 years of age most will have a 40% decrease in skeletal muscle (McKee, 2018). A combination of reduced energy/activity, and redistribution of fat mass create this population to be put at a higher risk for obesity. Another obstacle is that a lot of this population reside in nursing homes in our community. Our nursing homes being understaffed also gives a huge disadvantage to this population who would greatly benefit from more time with physical therapy and daily encouragement of activity. A study illustrated that in just one decade the rate of moderate to severe obesity in nursing homes increased by over 10% (McKee, 2018).  
With regards to the younger population in our community suffering from obesity there are many disparities that could be the catalyst for this trend. For example, where I reside, the closest fast food chain is at least 40 minutes away from me. People who live in the city however are likely to pass at least three on their daily commute. Living in unsafe communities leads to less walking/riding bikes. Also being a student at our university is expensive and strenuous. It is often easier to order take-out than to prepare a fresh and healthier meal. Finances may also be a factor for this disparity. It has been researched and proven in various studies that processed foods that are typically high in calories are quicker and cheaper than that of fresh produce (Newman, 2009).
References 
CDC. (2019, October 29). Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps. Retrieved May 30, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/prevalence-maps.html
McKee, A. (2018, October 12). Obesity in the Elderly. Retrieved May 30, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532533/
Newman, A., (2009) "Obesity in Older Adults" OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 14, No. 1, Manuscript 3.
State Obesity Data. (2019). Retrieved May 30, 2020, from https://stateofchildhoodobesity.org/states/ma/