A problem is easier to solve when the root causes are known. Even in healthcare setting, a disease is best treated after identification of the underlying causes. Through this course, I have discovered the critical role human behavior plays in development and spread of public health issues. Generally, public health problems occur when people do the wrong thing or ignore what is considered healthy. Obesity, for example, is the increase in bodyweight which develops when people rely on poor diet and disregard physical activity.
The poor habits that result in adolescent obesity are responsible for its symptoms. These include breathing issues, diabetes, depression, coronary heart disease, and particular forms of cancer (Xu & Xue, 2016), among other chronic health conditions. Forman, Evans, Flack and Goldstein (2016) revealed that the existing intervention methods for obesity do not deliver satisfactory results and have negative side-effects. Thus, there is a need for future healthcare advancements in this area.
Advances in molecular genetics, for instance, could enable understanding of interaction between behavioral traits and genetics. This will aid the recognition of appropriate obesity treatment options for every person. Pediatric obesity treatment often focuses on behavioral therapy. The practice is founded on cognitive behavior theory which argues that learning a new behavior does away with the old one.
However, Bouton’s argument is that an old behavior is likely to re-emerge when an individual is exposed to the environment in which the habit was born (Epstein & Wrotniak, 2010). This is what causes relapse. Advances in behavioral science can end this problem through discovery of treatments that alter food cravings permanently.
Incorporation of technologies such as Exergames will also encourage physical activity by making exercising fun (Forman et al., 2016). Sensor-based tracking devices may as well help to establish the balance in food/drink intake and exercising that encourage weight loss.
