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Essay On Health Disparities Among Young Adults

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Health Disparities Among Young Adults with Overweight/Obesity
Introduction
Overweight/obesity is a growing public health concern among young adults, defined as people between the ages of 18 and 35. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, nearly 40% of young adults are classified as overweight or obese. This population is a critical period for health promotion and disease prevention, as the habits and behaviors adopted during this time can have lasting effects on health outcomes. In addition, young adulthood is a time of significant life changes, including transitioning to adulthood, starting a career, and potentially starting a family. The presence of overweight/obesity during this period may …show more content…

In addition to the built environment, access to healthy food options, and access to healthcare, other SDOH can impact weight status and health outcomes. For example, social norms around body weight and shape can influence young adults' perceptions of their own bodies and their behaviors related to eating and physical activity. In particular, young adults who feel stigmatized or discriminated against based on their weight may experience poor mental health outcomes, which can further contribute to weight gain and other negative health outcomes (Puhl & Heuer, …show more content…

These nurses can work in a variety of settings, such as community health clinics, schools, and public health departments, to provide education, counseling, and support for young adults with overweight/obesity. Public health nurses can also work with community-based organizations to develop and implement interventions that address the social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities in this population.
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), public health nursing practice is guided by the principles of social justice, respect for human dignity, and the right to self-determination (ANA, 2013). Public health nurses apply these principles by working with individuals, families, and communities to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities. The ANA (2013) notes that public health nurses must be knowledgeable about the social determinants of health and be able to apply this knowledge to their practice. This includes understanding how factors such as income, education, and access to healthcare influence health outcomes and

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