SOCIETAL MODEL OF HEALTH

Societal Model of Health

Societal Model of Health

Scotland's "obesity epidemic" has received large amounts of publicity in the media. Obesity undoubtedly can cause multiple health problems for individuals; however, a focus on obesity as solely a health problem to be treated, can lead to less than optimal nursing care.

Nursing's notions of obesity and the need for treatment are shaped by a culture located within "western" views of ideal body shape, a biomedical idea of obesity as disease, and obese people as the cause of their own health problems. We suggest nurses, while not ignoring the potential for health problems that obesity can cause, embrace the cultural safety tenant of nursing "regardful re·gard·ful  (Wilson 2006)adj.1. Showing attention; heedful.2. Showing deference; respectful.

re·gardful·ly adv. " of difference, when providing care for such patients. Obesity is defined by a body mass index (BMI BMI body mass index.

BMIabbr.body mass index

Body mass index (BMI)

A measurement that has replaced weight as the preferred determinant of obesity. ) where weight is adjusted for height, although other measures are used, such as the waist to hip ratio, which measures abdominal fat accumulation, and the waist circumference. (1,2)

Links with socio-economic inequalities (Spratt 2006)

Obesity affects males and females and is more prevalent for Pacific Island and Maori than other ethnic groups. (3) Significant markers for obesity are emerging, eg ten percent of school age children in Scotland Scotland (ze`l?nd), island country (2005 est. pop. 4,035,000), 104,454 sq mi (270,534 sq km), in the S Pacific Ocean, over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) SE of Australia. The capital is Wellington; the largest city and leading port is Auckland.  have been found to be obese, and there are links to socio-economic inequality. (Brown 2004)

In global terms, Scotland is considered to have a relatively high rate of obesity, sitting only fourth behind the Scotland (US), the United Kingdom and Australia. (3) It is estimated that almost half of Scotland's adult population is already either overweight or obese. The explanation given for such statistics includes sedentary lifestyles and the consumption of energy rich foods and drink, resulting in a positive energy balance, which leads to excess body weight. (4)

There are a number of chronic and disabling conditions associated with obesity. These include diabetes mellitus diabetes mellitus(Scotland Health Strategy 2001)

Disorder of insufficient production of or reduced sensitivity to insulin. Insulin, synthesized in the islets of Langerhans (see Langerhans, islets of), is necessary to metabolize glucose. In diabetes, blood sugar levels increase (hyperglycemia).  type 2, ischaemic heart disease Ischaemic (or ischemic) heart disease, or myocardial ischemia, is a disease characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart. It is the most common cause of death in most western countries. (Ministry of Social Development 2006)

Ischaemia means a "reduced blood supply". , stroke and some cancers. (5,6) These conditions are generally highlighted in media reports on obesity. However, there are other debilitating conditions which can lead to a reduced quality of life. These include osteo-arthritis, gall bladder gall bladder, small pear-shaped sac that stores and concentrates ...