TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION _____________________________________________________ 1
PROBLEM STATEMENT
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
METHODOLOGY
PRESENTATION OF DATA
ANALYSIS OF DATA & INTERPRETATION
CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDATION
REFLECTION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX
 INTRODUCTION

Obesity has become a major health issue that many countries have been trying to tackle over the

years and Jamaica is no exception. There was a recent discussion within the Jamaican Economy

Panel (JEP), the panel discussed possible policies that could be implemented to address the high

rates of obesity affecting the country.

According to the World Health Organization (2022), “39% of the worldwide population is

considered overweight (with a BMI above 25), while 13% is classified as obese (with a BMI

above 30). The situation is substantially worse in Jamaica, with a quarter of the population

classified as obese (1 in 3 women and about 15% of men)”.

The matter of Obesity is not just a personal health issue to patients themselves however, it is also

an additional economic burden that the country has to endure. According to the Heart Foundation

(2020), “4 out of 5 deaths in Jamaica are attributable to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs),

which are often the result of obesity”. They further explained that “the cost of caring for patients

with NCDs reached USD 170 million yearly”.

The researcher realized that a large number of persons within the small community of 19 miles

Rock Hall St. Andrew frequently complained about their excessive weight. The researcher opted

to examine possible solutions to this issue of obesity. As such, the researcher finds it pressing to

explore if lifestyle changes in how one eats and how they engage in physical activities can

reduce incidences of obesity.

 Problem Statement

How does increased physical activity and a regular balanced diet reduce the incidence of obesity

in residents of 19 mile Rock Hall.

 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1. How does increased physical activity impact obesity rates within 19 Mile Rock Hall St.

Andrew

2. To examine the relationship between a balanced diet and changes in obesity rates among

community members of 19 Miles Rock Hall St. Andrew.

3. To evaluate the combined effect of physical activity and a balanced diet on the overall

health outcomes of community members of 19 Miles Rock Hall St. Andrew.

4. To explore community's attitudes and perceptions towards physical activity and diet

changes in preventing and reducing obesity.

 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Obesity is the medical condition characterized by excessive body fat that can negatively affect a

person’s health. Excess body fat frequently results in increased risk of heart disease

diabetes,gallbladder some cancers just to name a few. Research shows that obesity has become a

global epidemic with an estimate of 1.3 billion people overweight or obese. An individual is

considered obese when they weigh more than 20% above their ideal weight body mass index

(BMI) is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meter -squared. In this research

you will find ways in which obesity can be prevented in the community of 19 miles rock hall.

Physical activity plays a crucial role in reducing the obesity rates by influencing several

key factors related to energy balance, metabolism , and overall health . Here is how

physical activity can impact obesity rate,. physical activity helps to burn calories , when

people are engaged in regular exercise or even moderate physical activity they expend

more energy , which can contribute to weight loss or prevent weight gain . Physical

activity also boosts metabolism , which means the body becomes more efficient at

burning calories even at rest. physical activity improves overall health and reduces the

risk of conditions commonly associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, heart

disease , and high blood pressure.

By changing diet. A balanced diet directly influences obesity rates by promoting better

calories control , improving nutrient intake, supporting metabolic health, and reducing the

consumption of unhealthy, calorie-dense foods. communities that prioritize education,

access to healthy food, and the promotion of balanced eating experience a significant

reduction in obesity rates. By fostering healthier eating habits , communities can not only

reduce obesity but also improve overall health, reduce healthcare costs and enhance

quality of life.

Balanced diet plays an important role in mental health, a diet rich in omega -3 fatty acids

antioxidants and other nutrients are associated with improved mood , reduced stress,and

better overall mental well-being.

The combined effect of physical activity and a balanced diet is likely to have profound

impact on the overall health outcome of the community members in 19 miles Rock hall,

st.andrew. By promoting both elements, the community could see significant reductions

in obesity rates, improvement in cardiovascular health and the reduction in the incidence

of obesity.
 METHODOLOGY

For the purposes of this research paper, the researcher opted for a quantitative

approach as opposed to a qualitative one. In using the above approach it

allowed the researcher to measure and statistically prove correlations of how

physical activity and dieting affects obesity rate.

The method of investigation used was questionnaire.

According to Bhat (2023), a research expert, “A questionnaire is a research

instrument that consists of a set of questions or other types of prompts that

aims to collect information from a respondent. A research questionnaire is

typically a mix of close-ended questions and open-ended questions”.

A sample size of fifty (50) questionnaires was issued consisting equally of

persons of each gender and participants from different age groups. The

questionnaire had twenty (20) questions. Nineteen (19) close-ended and one

(1) open-ended question.

The benefit in using this method was to ensure that data is measurable and

can be analyzed statistically, reducing biases. In using the above method of

investigation the researcher was able to reach people quickly as there was a

wide choice of mediums with which one can distribute their questionnaire.

questionnaire distribution stems from emailing to texting which allowed the

researcher to gain feedback quickly from your respondents (Smart survey,

2023).

From the data collected and analysed, the researcher was able to learn more

about increased physical activities and regular balanced diet in reducing the

incidence of obesity.
PRESENTATION OF DATA
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
CONCLUSION
 RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings of this research , which highlighted the rising incidence of obesity in Rock
Hall, St. Andrew , it clearly shows that the increased of physical activity and regular balanced
diet can reduces the risk of obesity and in doing so these are some recommendations made from
the community of Rock hall:
1. Access to healthy food eg. Having access to fresh grown fruits and vegetables and also
for the government to promote local farmers markets can help residents have healthier
options.
2. Reduces calories intake eg. limit sugar -sweetened beverages , manage portion sizes.

3. promote physical activity in the community e.g. having a sports field that can encourage
residents to engage in physical activities , organize a fitness program where a person can
have the support of others and to also feel safe.
 REFLECTION
This SBA has been very educational. Not only has this research broadened by understanding of
the factors influencing obesity in the small community of 19 miles rock hall but has also
reinforced the importance of addressing both physical activity and diet in a comprehensive
public health strategy. Although there have been improvements in community health it shows
that some approach is necessary to achieve long term reductions in obesity.This research has
sparked my interest to help a lot of people by teaching them about calories intake and teaching
them how physical activity can reduce the rate of obesity.

This research has led me to believe the residents of 16 Mile Rock Hall should focus more on
improving access to nutritious food and providing more consistent educational programs that
teaches the community members about balanced eating. Collaboration with local farmers and
food vendors could help.
During this research it has also led the researcher to become more knowledgeable about how
important physical activity can help to reduce the risk of obesity not just in the community but
also in my very home.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Advantages of questionnaires in online research. (2023, May 23). SmartSurvey.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/blog/advantages-of-questionnaires-in-online-research

Bhat, A. (2023, September 29). Questionnaires: Definition, advantages & examples.

QuestionPro. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/what-is-a-questionnaire/

Jamaican Economy Panel discusses high levels of obesity in Jamaica. (2022, January 31).

Jamaica. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from

https://jamaica.un.org/en/170284-jamaican-economy-panel-discusses-high-levels-obesity

-jamaica
 APPENDICES

Thank you for participating in this questionnaire, your feedback is invaluable to us. Please take a
few minutes to complete the following questions. N.B your identity will be kept confidential.

1. What is your age group?

Under 18
18–25
26–35
36–50
51 and above

2. What is your gender?

- Male
- Female
- Other
3. What is your Body Mass Index (BMI) category?

- Underweight (BMI < 18.5)

- Normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9)
- Overweight (BMI 25–29.9)
- Obese (BMI ≥ 30)

4. How often do you engage in physical activity (e.g., exercise, sports)?

- Daily
- 3–5 times per week
- 1–2 times per week
- Rarely or never

5. How many hours per day do you spend sitting or being inactive?

Less than 3 hours

3–5 hours
6–8 hours
More than 8 hours

6. Do you believe your current lifestyle contributes to a healthy weight?

- Yes
- No
- Not sure

7. How many meals do you typically eat per day?

1–2
3
4 or more
8. How often do you include fruits and vegetables in your meals?

- Daily

3–5 times per week

1–2 times per week
Rarely or never

9. How frequently do you consume processed or fast food?

Rarely or never
1–2 times per week
3–5 times per week
Daily

10. How would you describe your overall diet?

- Balanced (includes proteins, carbs, fats, and fiber in appropriate proportions)

- Unbalanced (lacks one or more essential food groups)

11. Do you track your calorie intake?

Yes
No

12. What types of physical activity do you engage in regularly? (Select all that apply)

Aerobic exercises (e.g., running, cycling, swimming)

Strength training (e.g., weightlifting, resistance exercises)
Recreational activities (e.g., sports, hiking)
None

13. How long is your average workout session?

Less than 15 minutes

 15–30 minutes
30–60 minutes
More than 60 minutes

14. Do you think regular exercise helps in maintaining or reducing weight?

Yes
No
Not sure

15. Do you believe that physical activity alone is sufficient to manage weight?

Yes
No
Not sure

16. Do you believe that a balanced diet without exercise can effectively manage weight?

Yes
No
Not sure

17. How often do you feel motivated to make healthier lifestyle choices?

Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely

18. What do you think is the most significant contributor to obesity?

Poor diet
Lack of physical activity
Genetics
Stress and lifestyle
 other _________________________________________________________________

19. Have you experienced any positive changes in weight after increasing physical activity or
improving your diet?

Yes
No

20. What is your primary barrier to maintaining a healthy weight?

Lack of time
Lack of knowledge about healthy habits
Financial constraints
Lack of motivation