Introduction
In the past few decades, obesity in the world has increased dramatically in my hometown and around the world, while the number of obese people has almost doubled in the past twenty years. The problem is exacerbated even more by its prevalence among children, as one in five children suffers from obesity. This increase is due to the lack of movement of children, malnutrition, and finally, the excessive use of technology. According to many studies, doctors have confirmed that obesity leads to many diseases. most notably, cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer, or type 2 diabetes.
Question
Therefore, I would like to ask a question to the students:How can they develop technology to aid in the fight against obesity in their community and school?
ISTE Student Standard 4, “Innovative Designer,” contains the statement that “students use a variety of techniques within the design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful, or innovative solutions.” The videos from the ISTE Playlist for Standard 4 show examples of problem-based learning where students use a variety of techniques within the design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful, or imaginative solutions. by identifying the problem of obesity and searching for solutions such as knowing the ideal body weight, calculating calories and the steps you need in your normal day, collaborating in designing and building prototypes, and conducting discussions to solve problems. “4.7.2.3 The design attempts to exploit the affordances of either existing or emerging technologies” . Bates, A. W. (2022)
Solution
The most significant amount of weight loss is achieved with bariatric surgery, but it also carries the risk of serious medical issues and is frequently followed by weight gain [2, 3]. Medication for weight loss has significant side effects and is only marginally effective. Weight loss from dieting, whether done independently or with professional assistance, is minimal, and weight gain is the rule. The first line of treatment for weight loss is structured behavioral therapies that incorporate psychological techniques, behavioral change principles, and nutrition education. These therapies produce clinically significant weight loss. These procedures are costly, call for highly skilled medical professionals, result in many people losing weight in an unsatisfactory manner, and seem to work only as long as frequent doctor visits are kept up, after which the majority of participants regain most or all of the weight lost.their weight loss. Visit: Physical activity is usually necessary for weight control exercises, especially for maintaining weight loss. Most days of the week, 1 hour of moderate to vigorous activity is a typical prescription. Completing computerized inhibitory control training has been shown to alter eating habits and promote weight loss. With the help of apps and devices that make it relatively simple to track physical activity and calorie intake, smartphone apps that can offer real-time interventions, exercise games that make physical activity more motivating and rewarding, and customized control training, technology offers exciting solutions to help promote weight-control behaviors. tele-obesity interventions, which can deliver efficient, affordable interventions regardless of location, and computerized training can help people lose weight through specially designed computerized algorithms.programs that enhance the fundamental mental skills required to practice behavioral self-control.(Forman, E.M. et al.2016)
The Colleges of Social Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and College of Health Solutions recently joined forces to sponsor a university-wide competition to combat childhood obesity, which was inspired by ASU’s Changemaker Challenge. Challengers were asked to approach the issue critically and globally, keeping in mind that, in addition to other factors, obesity is influenced by the environment, genetics, culture, socioeconomic status, and education. The winning student teams, FantasyXRT, Nutritional Health Awareness, and Partners in Empowerment, used a variety of viewpoints and academic specialties to come up with creative answers to important problems related to the obesity epidemic. The FantasyXRT team has concentrated on using the same tools that frequently keep youth inside and seated to turn the tables on the more sedentary youth. Ruben Garcia (Kinesiology) and David Ballard (Psychology) develop a fantasy sports website and mobile app that links users to the action of the games through wearable technology. Perks in fantasy sports are acquired throughout the day and include draft order, roster changes, and salary caps.( Rebecca Howe, 2015)
7+1 Techniques for Fighting Obesity with Digital Health Technologies:
- Activity monitors! You immediately think of it when you hear the words “digital,” “health,” and “gadget,” don’t you? These wearables, like the Gym watch or Polar chest strap, can provide useful information on the exercises and offer pointers on how to get better. These devices measure vital signs in addition to exercise, unlike a personal trainer (unless they are exceptionally enthusiastic). It is important to collect accurate data about our lifestyle to monitor any changes and, more importantly, the effects of those changes on our overall weight. Without data, it is incredibly difficult to embark on a weight loss journey alone.
- Sleep monitors, the weak should not sleep, right? no! Without adequate rest, people are more likely to put on weight, eat more, and lose motivation. A good night’s sleep has many health advantages. We’d first recommend Sleep as Android to those who have never used a sleep tracker; it’s a great app with useful data on REM and the stages of light and deep sleep. And we decide on the Fitbit Ionic as a watch that tracks sleep.
- technological advances in mental health, chronic stress has a detrimental effect on health, even though brief periods of stress may be good for motivation and creativity. Keeping an eye on mental health can be a game-changer for obese people because it affects metabolism and makes it difficult to lose weight. for calming down and meditation, PIP or Headspace are both great options.
- Digital scales, people who keep track of their weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and lean mass are better able to comprehend how diet and exercise affect the body, which is essential for progress. Smart scales like the Fitbit Aria 2 may be the necessary enemy for everyone.
- Food scanners, it’s so simple to believe what you’re eating is healthy until you read the articles, advertisements, and conflicting advice from experts, loved ones, and friends. Even though eating is a vital aspect of our lives, we sometimes get it wrong. Nima, for instance, can measure micronutrients and ingredients for a more mindful dinner. Fortunately, food scanners are here to ease your life a little.
- Microbiome tests, did you know that you carry around 2-3 kilograms of bacteria in your gut? Not only do these microorganisms affect how food is processed, but they also affect your immune system and cognitive function. Microbiome tests can indicate change in homeostasis and composition (and ultimately function). Some companies even help make recommendations on what to eat for a healthier life.
- blood tests, they track a few crucial markers of general health. Screening is crucial to avoid comorbidities since obese people are more likely to develop some diseases. Ima ware is one of the options available today for doing this from the convenience of your home. It only takes a few minutes and is intended for initial disease screening or vital sign monitoring.( The Medical Futurist, 2019)
Resources
7+1 Ways Digital Health Technologies Help fight obesity (2019) The Medical Futurist. Available at: https://medicalfuturist.com/71-ways-digital-health-technologies-help-fight-obesity/ .
Forman, E.M. et al. (2016) Could technology help us tackle the Obesity Crisis?, Future science OA. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5242208/
Howe, R. (2015) ASU students create innovative solutions for Childhood Obesity Challenge, ASU News. ASU News. Available at: https://news.asu.edu/content/asu-students-create-innovative-solutions-childhood-obesity-challenge\
Bates, A. W. (2022). Teaching in a digital age. Retrieved from https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev3m/
ISTE student standards. Available at: https://iste.web.unc.edu/