A Helpful Program Gone Wrong: Food Stamps

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Obesity is an epidemic in America, greatly impacting youth, the health care system, and economically vulnerable populations. Among all of the high-income countries in the world, obesity rates remain the highest in the US. According to Harvard, US obesity rates have more than doubled since 1980, although they have remained the same since 2003. (Harvard School of Public Health) Approximately 31.9% of children and adolescents from the ages of 2 to 19 are obese or overweight (NPLAN), while roughly 69% of adults fall into the category of overweight or obese. (Harvard School of Public Health) With obesity rates this high, America is facing a huge crisis that could become greater in the future.

“My country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of obesity” may be a more accurate depiction of the song “America” in today’s society (Fen). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 34.9 percent of adults in America were obese in 2011-2012, and the number of young people who are overweight has tripled since the 1980’s. Obesity is an epidemic that not only causes many health problems, but also puts people at a much higher risk for several other dangerous health issues. Obesity is affected by and effects many different aspects in one’s life. In the simplest terms, obesity is an abnormal increase in fat cells that causes a person’s weight to be more than what is considered healthy for their height (Obesity: MedlinePlus).

Food. Often a symbol of nurturance, wealth, relief of tension and comfort has now been distorted into the villain of a terrible condition, a condition that affects one out of every three adults in America (Raj). Society has taken advantage of the resources available such as the media and larger dinnerware pieces. Food has been used to lure people, not educated about the detrimental effects of overeating, into a marketing trap of “the bigger the better” (Young). Due to the epidemic rise in obesity among Americans, the NEH needs to fund education regarding portion sizes and obesity.

Society should consider the physical and emotional problems of obesity in our nation. “Obesity is defined as an excess proportion of total body fat (Mayo Clinic).” American society has become increasingly obese, “characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, unhealthy foods, and physical inactivity (cdcinfo@cdc.gov).” Our nation increasingly has become consumers of a fast food diet. It is so simple to just pick up food on the go and not deal with the hassle of cooking and cleaning up afterwards. What are nation needs to acknowledge is the health risks they will obtain if they do not acquire a healthy life style. Overweight people are affected by physical and emotional health problems.

In 1990 only 20-30% of Americans are classified obese, in the 2000 that rate increased up to 30%, by 2009 it passed up to 30-40% of the population. (e.g figure 1) This actually raise the question of “what factor causes it” that make America this way and how it impact the world; the consequences of having heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. In Fast Food Nation, “ In the United States people have become increasingly sedentary- driving to work instead of walking, performi... ... middle of paper ... ... people in America. Food play a big role as well, it can help prevent illness as well as stop the spread of obesity. Works Cited "Health Effects of Obesity."

SURGEON GENERAL PROJECT Childhood Obesity Over the last few decades the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has been steadily increasing in the United States drawing immediate concern for the coming generations and the overall health and well-being for society. While addressing this concern, a matter of significance has to be reviewed to undoubtedly warrant the attention of the nation and propose factors of government, community, organizational, and individual involvement. According to the Society of Behavioral Medicine, “Since 1960, overweight prevalence rates among children and adolescents have increased more than threefold. In 2003-2006, 16.3% of children and adolescents aged 2 – 19 years were at or above the 95th percentile and 31.9% were at or above the 85th percentile for age and sex based on the 2000 CDC growth charts.” (SBM). Below in Figure 1 taken directly from the CDC, is a chart helping put into perspective the dramatic increase of child and adolescent obesity from 1963 – 2008.

According to the film Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood, advertising has caused increased obesity in children. As reported by CBS news, “Obesity rates have doubled in children and tripled in young teenagers”. This rise in obesity has been directly linked to advertising; in that, children who spend much time on media are likely to have obesity related disorders such as depression and anxiety (Juliet Schor). Obesity is one of the many life threatening disorders today. According to Pam Belluck a reporter of New York Times, children’s life expectancy is being cut short by obesity (Belluck).