RLO: Childhood obesity

Biomedical model

The biomedical model looks at the effect obesity has on physical health.

Carrying extra fat can affect the child in many ways – creating complications or problems in a variety of organ systems. These include: iron deficiency anaemia, the early onset of menstruation and joint or chest pain, particularly on exertion.

Studies have found that childhood obesity can be linked to the early development of risk factors for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It can lead to: musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, some cancers (such as endometrial, breast and colon cancer), complications in pregnancy, high blood cholesterol, menstrual irregularities, psychological disorders, and increased surgical risk. These conditions can cause substantial disability and/or premature death.

The medical model would treat the child’s symptoms with drugs and/or a strict calorie controlled diet – under medical supervision of course! It would possibly dismiss as irrelevant the socio-economic circumstances of the child, and/or their cultural heritage.

 

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