Risk Factor
Bart - Overweight
Bart Simpson is a fictional character from the popular T.V. show, “The Simpsons.” He suffers numerous possibly life-threatening health problems which may be detrimental to his health both physically and mentally. Bart is the eldest of his three siblings and is a rebellious fourth grader who indulges heavily on junk food which ultimately may throttle him onto a path of obesity, much like his Dad, Homer.
There are a plethora factors that contribute to Bart's growing weight problem. He spoils himself in fatty foods and drinks such as slushies, Krusty burgers, chocolates, sweets and chips. Apart from the occasional skateboarding and odd physical activity, he does seem to participate in physical sports or activities - lack of exercise. He mainly catches the bus to and from school rather than riding his bicycle and walking and this has aggravated his situation. Bart lives a "couch potato lifestyle" living for his favourite television programs including “The Krusty the Klown Show” and “Itchy and Scratchy”. This sedentary lifestyle is a catalyst to a deteriorated health when combined with his unhealthy, unbalanced diet.
Bart's unbalanced diet, dominated by foods and drinks high in saturated fats, trans fat, sugar, salt and cholesterol, and lack of exercise, has led to an energy imbalance - “When the number of calories consumed is not equal to the number of calories used” (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention 2007). Judging by his size, he seems to be overweight, increasing his susceptibility to a range of short-term and long-term risks which can affect him both physically and psychologically.
Bart has various health problems with his lifestyle. They pose many short-term and long-term risks both physically as well as psychologically.
The most immediate effects of obesity are usually psychological. Short-Term psychological health problems are -
- Low self-esteem - Bart is likely to do more poorly in his academic studies and become socially isolated amongst his peers. “Research shows that obese children feel that being over-weight is a worse disability than losing a limb.” (Healy 2004, p.12)
- Psychological distress - in a culture where overly thin people are considered more attractive than overweight, it is common for obese people to be targeted at school, the workplace and in general society. In turn, they may be teased, pinpointed and discriminated in school. A sense of uselessness and worthlessness sometimes arises.
There are various long-term consequences for his behaviour, apart from the increased chances of becoming clinically obese:
- Increased blood pressure: Bart's extra fat tissue requires oxygen and nutrients which means that blood vessels must circulate more blood to these areas. This not only increases the strain on the heart, but adds pressure to the artery walls which in turn increases blood pressure. “Extra weight can raise the heart rate and reduce the body's ability to transport blood through the vessels” (Stanford Hospital & Clinics 2007). Increased blood pressure increases his risk of cardiovascular diseases such as angina, stroke and heart attack, as well as severe kidney damage and impaired sight.
- Type 2 Diabetes:Obesity can affect the regulation of blood sugar through its resistance to insulin. In turn, this increases blood sugar levels. “People with Type 2 Diabetes…were significantly more likely to be either overweight or obese…” (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2002). This can lead to cardiovascular diseases, blindness (retino pathy), nerve damage (neuropathy) and kidney damage (nephropathy).
Sleep apnea and Respiratory Problems: Obesity adds weight to the chest wall, squeezing the lungs that restricts normal breathing. This can interrupt sleeping rhythms at night which can cause fatigue during the day.
- Stroke: The build-up of fatty deposits in arteries such as the brain can lead to a stroke. Bart's brain cells may be permanently damaged and so will its function. A minor stroke will cause Bart to have small disabilities that may eventually disappear, but if he has a major stroke he may be permanently paralysed or even killed.
- Depression: With Bart's size, bullying could be a major issue, as he will be targeted by his peers
Bart Simpson must undergo numerous radical changes in his lifestyle to improve his health and lower his risk of death. The key to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is to eat a healthy balanced diet. He should also opt to be more physically active.
Bart should consult a dietitian and learn to change his behaviour towards food. Most obese people over eat food that is high in fat and sugar. The majority of the fat is stored in the body for insulation and energy. Bart must lower the amount of high GI and fatty foods that he consumes, eating them only in moderation (lower the amount of fats and glucose entering his body). He must be wary of foods marketed low fat as they are usually high in sugar and encourage healthy foods to be eaten at school. Instead, he should consume fruits and vegetables and carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, salts and fibre in moderation. He should choose alternatives to sugar, such as foods with complex carbohydrates, “alternatives to sugar such as raw honey, rice syrup…complex carbohydrates, such as cereals and bread products” (Adamson 2004).
