Addressing a Health-Based Social Issue: STOP Obesity Alliance

Addressing a Health-Based Social Issue: STOP Obesity Alliance

STOP Obesity Alliance concerns with addressing the issue of overweight and obesity. In the United States, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among demographic groups experiencing serious health, economic and social problems (STOP Obesity Alliance, n.d.). Reports show that approximately 69% of adults and 32% of children are suffering from obesity or overweight in the U.S (Gabel, et al., 2009). Obesity increases a person’s risk of health problems including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and osteoarthritis. Moreover, overweight and obesity may result in psychosocial problems, which may harm the functioning and quality of life. The Alliance aims to drive innovative and practical strategies to combat overweight and obesity thus changing American’s approach to the health problem.

Collaboration encompasses a relationship in which organizations use joint resources to accomplish shared vision and mission. Groups and organizations that constitute the STOP Obesity Alliance collaborate through forming the Alliance Steering Committee. The committee entails private and public sector organizations selected based on diverse expertise in overweight, obesity and other health care problems (STOP Obesity Alliance, n.d.). Second, the Government Liaison Members offer guidance on activities of the Alliance. Third, the Associate Members provide substantive views on the fight against obesity through internal communications and public events. Lastly, the State-Level Members are representatives from organizations, and their aim is to provide insights into the research focused on reversing the obesity trend.

Stakeholders of STOP Obesity Alliance include consumers, government, providers, health insurers, business, and labor and quality-of-care organizations. The problem of obesity is significant to stakeholders because it is extremely important for people to maintain a healthy weight. Being obese results to numerous health conditions that limit the quality and length of life. Stakeholders collaborate to improve the health of people in communities by increasing healthy choices (STOP Obesity Alliance, n.d.). Moreover, they identify and address cultural barriers that prevent individual’s success in eradicating obesity.

Stakeholders will work together by providing a clear mission objective. They will address the issue of overweight and obesity by defining their goals and responsibilities. Also, they will communicate how to make decisions. Citing Baker, Day and Salas (2006), partners will experience a successful collaboration when they embrace communication and understand how they can best help each other. Second, stakeholders will create an environment of safety, trust, and respect. Addressing overweight, obesity and other related diseases requires multiple perspectives and creativity; therefore, collaboration keeps members energized through quality discussions.

The Alliance addresses the problem of obesity by continuing to lead and encourage innovation in the treatment and management of the disease. The Alliance supports and offers best practices aimed at treating and preventing obesity (STOP Obesity Alliance, n.d.). Second, the Alliance strengthens systems of care for individuals with obesity. Since few health care facilities provide effective screening and treatment, STOP Obesity Alliance aims to promote the highest standard of care (Gabel, et al., 2009). Third, the Alliance focuses on reducing stigma to improve health outcome. The role of the Alliance is to cultivate a positive environment by encouraging open discussions on the consequences of stigmatizing individuals with overweight and obesity.

The community should aim to promote healthy eating and active living. Some of the community supports that will make the alliance successful include the physical activity community strategies (Gabel, et al., 2009). These strategies including media campaigns, school-based physical education and the use of walking trials will help reverse the obesity epidemic. Second, communities also play a significant role in creating healthy community food environments that include supporting nutrition standards and offering incentives for supermarkets to operate in underserved regions. Lastly, community efforts also include healthy hospitals that promote wellness programs and healthy food and beverage options.

 

References

Baker, D. P., Day, R., & Salas, E. (2006). Teamwork as an essential component of high‐reliability organizations. Health services research, 41(4p2), 1576-1598.

Gabel, J. R., Whitmore, H., Pickreign, J., Ferguson, C. C., Jain, A., Shova, K. C., & Scherer, H. (2009). Obesity and the workplace: current programs and attitudes among employers and employees. Health Affairs, 28(1), 46-56.

STOP Obesity Alliance. (n.d.). About the alliance. Retrieved on June 5, 2017 from http://stopobesityalliance.org/about/

 

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