Innovative Solutions to Combat the Disease Presented by Amir, Brandon, Justine and Laurel OBESITY:

Presentation Outline: 1.Background context of our research 2.Causes of Obesity Poverty Emotion and Behaviour Family Influence Adolescence 3.Proposed Solution and Positive Impacts 4.Budget

Mississippi: The Most Overweight State in America American dietary lifestyle Focus: Jackson, Mississippi Why we chose Obesity?

Problem #1: The paradoxical correlation between poverty and obesity Inverse relationship between energy density of food and their energy cost Estimated that overnutrition will surpass undernutrition as the leading cause of death in low- income communities by 2015 Bottom line: obesity is an economic problem

Problem #2: The emotional and neurological relationship to obesity Neurological dysfunction – Serotonin defects can lead to depression, extra appetite and dysfunctions in energy balance Depression influence – Depressed individuals are less likely to exercise Emotional overeating – Negative emotions lead to overeating

Problem #3: Parenting and household influence on obesity rates in children Home environment as a major influence – Cognitive engagement – Availability of low activity outlets – Availability of “junk food” Parents as the “role model” – Food choices and eating habits – Activity choices

Problem #4: Childhood Obesity and its effects Higher percentage of obesity in children than adults – 40% of Mississippi children are overweight or obese – “Obesity Epidemic” since 1980 Childhood obesity is a severe cause of death – Increased risk for early development of chronic diseases Correlation between childhood and adult obesity – 80% to become obese as an adult

Innovative Solution Phase 1: Building an educational obesity prevention facility in Jackson, Mississippi – Headquarters – Food Bank – Education on exercise and healthy eating – Exercise Gym

Innovative Solution Phase 2: Implementing improved health and physical activity policies into public school system – Healthier Vending Machines and Cafeterias – Combi-Ovens in School Kitchens – Increased number of school Nurses – Fitness Testing in Schools

Innovative Solution Phase 3: Documentary – Document efforts over a 1 year period: capture effects of the facility and public school programs on the citizens of Jackson – Educate and broadcast on a broader spectrum – Raise enough awareness so the government becomes involved and joins us in our mission to eradicate obesity

Solution Budget: Setup:Cost: Public School Cafeteria Food Remodeling$4 million Facility Building and Land$5 million Food Bank/Gym$5 million Documentary Production (and advertisement)$3 million Staff Wages (nurses/facility staff)$3 million Total: $20 million

Thank You for Listening