Drawing from a number of bases, author Robert Peralta assembles the underpinnings to the insinuation against that of the individual determination of fate, with special emphasis on the obesity epidemic. Assistant professor of Sociology at the University of Akron and with a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of New Mexico, Peralta wields his insight in order to better allocate the true origins of the near exponential growth in body size throughout the years ("Member Profile…” np). In his opus “Thinking Sociologically about Sources of Obesity in the United States,” Peralta effectively perpetuates the mantra of societal responsibility and of demographic divergences as a filter for sources of obesity.
In a manner of speaking, the only fashion by which the rise of obesity may be stifled is not by saving society from the insatiable individual, but by saving the individual from an insatiable society. Such is the assertion held by the Peralta. Beginning upon the basic affirmation that a more “holistic” understanding of obesity is required to further its end, Peralta insists upon a greater sociological approach (Peralta 330). According to Peralta, mere medical postulation fails to elaborate upon the most striking of differentiations within the overweight and obese populations; rather, it is the existence of certain social patterns that leads to such disparity (Peralta 335). Those unable to ascertain vital resources to aid in healthy living, whether they be education or knowledge, generally weigh more than those who are so able (Peralta 332). According to the author, more than mere socioeconomic status (SES) determines one’s weight, but dynamics such as gender and race exist along its side; however, in spite of said distinctions, Per...
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...ightloss. Healthy Journey and TalkStory Media. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
"Member Profile - National Hispanic Science Network - Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami." Home - National Hispanic Science Network - Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. National Hispanic Science Network. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
"Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Data and Statistics: U.S. Obesity Trends DNPAO CDC." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
Peralta, Robert. “Thinking Sociologically about the Sources of Obesity in the United States.” Writing & Reading for ACP Composition. Eds. Thomas E. Leahey and Christine R. Farris. New York: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2009.176-184. Print.
"State and County QuickFacts." State and County QuickFacts. U.S. Census Bureau. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
Brody, Jane E. “Attacking the Obesity Epidemic by First Figuring Out Its Cause.” New York Times. 12 September 2011. Print.
Robert L. Peralta, author of "Thinking Sociologically about Sources of Obesity in the United States", includes his perspective on obesity in his article. He reveals to the readers that obesity is due to social aspects affecting weight gain; it is not solely due to genetics, as other articles state. Throughout the article, Peralta includes numerous examples and studies on different aspects of society which have an impact on rising obesity rates. As the article progresses onward, Peralta demonstrates how obesity is in fact correlated with "money, knowledge, power, prestige, and interpersonal resources" (Peralta 204). Peralta 's article effectively conveys that society is to blame for obesity by indirectly stating it and also how social aspects
This documentary shows great examples on how obesity is a rapidly growing epidemic as important as terrorism according to Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona. He stated, “Obesity is a terror within. It destroys our society from within….” If we don’t take responsibility and change our horrible eating patter we are going to be doomed. One of the main reasons for obesity other than the lack of a healthy diet is the modernization of our world. In the years when our parents...
In “Don’t Blame the Eater”, by David Zinczenko and in “What You Eat is Your Business”, by Radley Balko both authors discuss and make their stance’s clear on their believed cause of obesity in America. On one hand, Zinczenko argues that it is not the consumers fault for putting themselves at risk of becoming obese or being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but that it is the fast-food companies fault. While on the other hand, Balko argues that we as individuals hold responsibility on whether or not we are putting ourselves at risk for obesity.
Interest in the social aspects of obesity is nothing new. Jeffrey Sobal has written extensively about the social and psychological consequences of obesity , including the stigmatisation and discrimination of obese and even overweight individuals (Sobal 2004).
In order to take a sociological viewpoint into account when one examines obesity, first it is important to understand how obesity is recognized in current society. According to today’s news articles and magazines and advertisements and other mass media about health and healthy life, one can easily realize that a great number of people have an eagerness to be healthy. Also, one can assume through these mass media about health that everyone wants to be attractive, and they are even prone to transform their own behaviors to gain attractiveness. This is because most people live a life where social interaction is frequently required and must engage themselves into social interaction every day of their life. Therefore, based on these ideas and proofs throughout this mass media, obesity is regarded as one of the characteristics that is disgraceful and undesirable in society.
Obesity in America is a very serious problem affecting many Americans currently and is a problem that continues to grow each year. “Over the past 40 years, the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in the United States” (Wimalawansa). This issue is known to many but believed not be an issue to care much about but this is not true. Obesity in America affects everyone regardless if they are obese or not. In order to resolve the problem, we can slaughter all the adults that are currently obese in America.
Engler, Yves. “Obesity: much of the Responsibility Lies with Corporations.” They Say I Say. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russel Durst. New York. W.W. Norton, 2009. 172-181. Print.
"Obesity." Current Issues: Macmillian Social Science Library. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.
In 1990, obese adults made up less than 15 percent of the population in most U.S. states. By 2010, 36 states had obesity rates of 25 percent or higher, and 12 of those had obesity rates of 30 percent or higher. (CDC) Today, nationwide, roughly two out of three U.S. ...
Flegal, K. M., Carroll, M. D., Ogden, C. L., & Curtin, L. R. (2010). Prevalence and trends in obesity among U.S. adults, 1999-2008. Journal of Medical Association. 303, 235-241.
Balko’s use of informative statistics makes the reader think about government’s role with obesity, and how much they should to do with it being solved. For example, President Bush put $200 million into his budget for anti-obesity measures, and some Senators, including Joe Lieberman, made the call for a “fat-tax” on high calorie foods. Although it appears these politicians and government officials are all trying to help society and this growing problem in America, many would agree they are just hurting the cause. I remember when I
Obesity in the United States continues growing alarmingly. Approximately 66 % of adults and 33 % of children and teenagers in the US are overweight. Obesity is the result of fat accumulated over time due to the lack of a balanced diet and exercise. An adult with a BMI (body mass index) higher than thirty percent is considered obese (Whitney & Rolfes, 2011, pg. 271).
4. "USA QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau." State and County QuickFacts. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2012.
Obesity is a serious condition that has generated a discussion on whether or not to be classified as a disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is the body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which is calculated based on the person’s height and weight. For years, our society has been facing the obesity challenge, which can be extremely costly once it leads to several diseases. Thus, because of the constant increase of percentage of people with obesity, the American Medical Association (AMA) proposed in June 18, 2013 to classify obesity as a disease. Their argument was that obesity increases the risks of countless health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension etc. Moreover, it increases morbidity and mortality. By considering obesity as a disease, their aim was to maximize researches and funding, which will focus on obesity from different medical and health approach levels. Their idea of classifying obesity as a disease was in accordance with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s declaration of 1995. The institute declared, “ Obesity is a complex multifactorial chronic disease developing from multiple interactive influences of numerous factors.” In 2012, the CDC data showed 34.9% of adults obese and 17% of obese children. These numbers are very alarming especially since the struggle to deter certain factors contributing into this condition is still a challenge. Among the struggles, there are the people’s rights versus health regulations to keep them as healthy as possible like the former mayor Bloomberg regulation on soft drinks size cut. During CNN’s show GPS of Sunday 2, 2014, the host Zacharia...