RLO: Childhood obesity

Socioeconomic model

The socioeconomic model looks at the constraints placed on individuals by their material circumstances.

For example, children are at the mercy of parents when it comes to what they eat. Most parents know already what constitutes a healthy diet; many simply lack the ability, for reasons beyond their control, to put that knowledge into practice. Fatty foods fill children up, pre-prepared food - or food you know your child will eat - prevents waste. Fizzy, highly sugared drinks cost less than their sugar free alternatives, as do fruit drinks made from concentrates rather than the real thing!

Physical activity might be limited by street crime, a lack of garden space or other safe place to play. Perceived dangers are often reinforced through the media. Consequently, they affect parents’ willingness to allow their children to walk to school, play outside or ride a bike.

In schools, vending machines bring in much needed revenue, contracted caterers need to make a profit, and timetables are dictated by the need to meet government targets rather than to promote health.

Outside of school, crèches are expensive to manage and run and physical activity, in a safe environment, is rarely free.  The cost of public transport is often prohibitive and accessibility may be an issue if buggies or wheelchairs are involved.

The link between childhood obesity and deprivation therefore comes as no surprise.

According to this model, the obese aren’t lazy or ineffective - they merely lack the financial or material resources needed to behave in a different way.

Treatment here is more radical, involving the redistribution of wealth, client advocacy and community work. At grass roots level, strategies implemented might include: exercise prescriptions, free crèches, and food co-operatives, and at national level, the creation of the legislation and monetary measures needed to make the healthy choice an easier choice.

 

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