Obesity, a Genuine Disease
opinion Essay
1396 words
The problem of obesity plagued has this Nation for many years. It is a disease that has affected many adult Americans, now it has spread to our children, and at their young age obesity can be threatening, according to the CDC “childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 year,” (CDC). Children’s obesity is a problem in America causing major health issues like high cholesterol, hypertension, respiratory ailments and other major health issues. Obesity also costs our society $223 billion per year and some of those costs come from Medicare and Medicaid (Harvard Men Watch). Solution have been offered, like having schools change they food the serve, being active, and eating healthy foods. These proposals have failed because they did not address one of the major causes of the growing number of obese children, which is fast-food. There should regulation for fast-food restaurants to make changes to their menu choices an example of this would be adding more vegetables, fruit, as well as having smaller proportions and foods with fewer calories. The solution I am proposing will work where others have failed because it will attack one of the unhealthiest places many American eat and that is at fast food restaurants. One of the reasons that obesity is so out of control in the country begins with the fact that parents live busy lifestyles. Hustling and busting from work to home parents have less and less time to cook food for their children, so the next choice is to take them to McDonalds. The decision is bad because most children meals that are served by theses places like the happy meals from McDonald contains 600 calories per serving according to Journalist Jacques Renee. Consuming this ma... ... middle of paper ... ...en, Gregory, Clarence Riley, and Brenda Hargrove. "Physical Activity And Childhood Obesity: Strategies And Solutions For Schools And Parents." Education 132.4 (2012): 915-920.Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Mar. 2014. Jacques, Renee. "11 Unsettling Facts You Should Know About McDonald's Happy Meals."The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 13 Mar. 2014. Web. 07 Apr. 2014. Strachan, Maxwell. "McDonald's Billion-Dollar Profit Is Awkwardly Close To The Amount It Costs Taxpayers Every Year." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 21 Oct. 2013. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. Obesity in America: What's driving the epidemic?' 2012, Harvard Men's Health Watch, 16, 7, pp. 5-7, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 18 March 2014 Wong, Venessa. "Happy Meals With McNuggets Dominate Children's Advertising."Bloomberg Business Week. Bloomberg, 13 Nov. 2013. Web. 07 Apr. 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity has plagued america for many years, and now it has spread to our children, causing major health issues like high cholesterol, hypertension, respiratory ailments, etc.
- Explains that obesity is out of control in the country due to parents' busy lifestyles. mcdonald's meals contain 600 calories per serving, which is unhealthy for children and adults alike.
- Explains that children spend less time outside and more time inside watching tv and playing video games instead of burning the calories accumulated from that day.
- Explains the health issues brought on by obesity can be life threatening to children. hypertension and diabetes were two of the 15 leading causes of death in the united states in 2010.
- Opines that the health costs of obesity are incredible and that if obesity isn't lowered, these costs will increase as obese children become obese adults.
- Opines that schools should change the foods they serve to combat obesity, but the truth is that children don't eat healthy at home. fast food restaurants offer free toys and happy meals.
- Explains that mcdonalds distributes 1.5 billion toys worldwide, which is more than hasbro and mattel. the harvard school of public health education estimates that healthy whole grain food costs $1.50 per day.
- Proposes forcing fast food chains to switch from trying to trick kids and parents with unhealthy foods to spending all that money offering healthy foods.
- Argues that people's health is their own concern and it’s not the responsibility of the fast food industry to take care of these health issues.
- Opines that unless we attack and regulate the fast food industry, we will never lower childhood obesity.
- Cites centers for disease control and prevention's "adult obesity facts" and "eating healthy vs. unhealthy diet costs about $1.50
- Summarizes the centers for disease control and prevention's "facts." green, gregory, riley, and hargrove. "physical activity and childhood obesity: strategies and solutions for schools and parents."
- Opines that mcdonald's billion-dollar profit is awkwardly close to the amount it costs taxpayers every year.
Related
- explanatory
- analytical
- argumentative
- opinion
- Childhood Obesity: Fast Food Companies Are To Blameexplanatory essaySince the fast food industry is targeting America’s youth, providing healthier options on children’s menus will reduce the rate of childhood obesity and allow for a healthy future.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that fast food industry targeting america's youth will reduce the rate of childhood obesity and allow for a healthy future.
- Explains that commercials make the viewer think about the product being advertised. the two biggest companies, burger king and mcdonalds, are the largest spenders for ads.
- Explains that eating unhealthy fast food has changed the dietary habits of many people. deep-fried, breaded, creamy, and crispy are all words that automatically describe a food that is unhealthy.
- Explains that salt should be avoided because it contributes to high blood pressure. the american heart association has come up with a range of acceptable sodium consumption.
- Explains that diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are common when a child is overweight.
- Opines that focusing on the well-being of customers should be the main focus of any major company, especially fast food companies. by reducing unhealthy choices for children and replacing them with nutritional foods, the nation's youth will benefit.
- Describes the works cited in "burger battles," weekly reader, and sirs discoverer.
904 wordsRead More - Linking Childhood Obesity to Fast Foodanalytical essay...ume. It is important, therefore, to encourage healthy eating choices to others. Parents must do more to educate their children about advertising and healthy eating. They should reward children for good behavior with something other than food and should be encouraging when a child makes a healthy eating choice. Furthermore, strides must be taken to educate the population about the dangers of fast food through the use of warning labels. If these small steps are taken, a difference can be made, and children will not have to worry about suffering from the physical, mental and financial consequences of consuming fast food. Ultimately, our futures are at stake. Will children of our society be controlled by obesity, or will they live healthy lifestyles and reap the rewards of doing so? The problem of childhood obesity can be solved, and it starts with individual choices.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the effects of fast food on children's health.
- Explains that fast food can severely impact a child's mental health and can lead to psychological disorders.
- Explains that eating fast food on a regular basis can cost more money and harm than making meals at home. an overweight child will have more physical health problems and psychological problems.
- Opines that measures must be taken to solve the problems associated with childhood obesity. parents must educate their children about advertising and healthy eating.
- Analyzes how the fast food industry has revolutionized our children's thinking, eating habits, and economic choices.
- Explains that fast food consumption has been linked to depression in children.
1701 wordsRead More - Obesity: An American Epidemicargumentative essayThe last decade has welcomed, with open arms, a new epidemic: obesity. Currently in the United States, more than one-third of adults, 35.7%, and approximately 17% of children and adolescents are obese. Obesity is not only a problem in the US but also worldwide with its prevalence doubling in high income and economically advanced countries and is also growing in under-developed areas. Its incidence rate is continually increasing with each successive generation and in each age group, including the elderly (Byles, 2009; Dorner and Rieder, 2011).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is a problem in the us and worldwide with its prevalence doubling in high income and economically advanced countries and growing in under-developed areas.
- Explains that an individual's body mass index (bmi) is a reliable indicator of body fat and is calculated using his or her height and weight.
- Explains that the council of the obesity society has officially declared obesity as a disease. it is associated with increased mortality rate, reduced longevity, and premature death.
- Explains that fat tissue is the largest organ in humans and is involved in mechanisms and pathways that deal with longevity.
- Explains that obesity in aging individuals has been associated with increased survival time. the "obesity paradox" describes the relationship between mortality and obesity and how it is weaker in older individuals.
- Explains that obesity research may play a crucial role in longevity in the aging population. clive mccay's experiment showed that caloric restriction in rats resulted in an increase in maximum lifespan.
- Opines that overweight and obese elderly have a decreased rate of morbidity, which does not mean that they are less prone to the preceding list of diseases.
- Argues that obesity plays a detrimental role on the maintenance of healthy aging. an elderly individual is said to be able to extend one’s life by postponing and eliminating causes of morbidity.
- Concludes that the aging population is constantly at risk for diseases because of the changes that are transpiring in their bodies.
- Explains that the ‘obesity paradox’ is a parsimonious explanation for relationships among obesities, mortality rate and aging.
1206 wordsRead More - The Obesity Epidemicanalytical essayMillions of Americans and people worldwide are overweight or obese. Obesity develops when “calories consumed exceeds calories expended” (“Obesity and Genetics”). “Obesity rates have more than doubled in adults and children since the 1970’s,” and in the present day it is estimated that “two – thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese” (Ogden). Being overweight or obese highly increases the risk of deadly health problems, therefore this statistic states that the majority of the United States population is at risk of obtaining life–threatening diseases. Around forty years ago obesity would not effect this abundant number of people; however today’s society consumes more fast food in addition to spending most of their hours doing sedentary activities (Green). There are now many causes of obesity such as environment, genetics, bad habits, culture and economic level. Obesity has many negative impacts on the human body. It can very likely cause diabetes, joint pain, sleeping problems, depression, and many hazardous diseases (“Explore Overweight”). In contrast to this, there are some possible solutions to obesity such as physical activity, dieting, and surgery. Obesity is a widespread epidemic that unfavorably affects the body, but with exercise fused with dieting the disease could be kept to a minimum.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is a widespread epidemic that unfavorably affects the body.
- Explains that today's society is continuing to gain weight because of technology, fast food, high calorie foods, and the shortage of physical activity.
- Explains that genetics and medical history play a critical role in the obesity epidemic. hormone problems such as underactive thyroid and cushing's syndrome can lead to obesity.
- Explains that genetics and medical history impact the development of obesity, but it is not the only potential cause of it.
- Explains that social and economic environment plays a huge role in the development of obesity.
- Explains the health risks associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure, strokes, kidney disease, and blindness, as well as depression and psychosocial effects.
- Explains that physical activity reduces obesity and recommends a healthy diet. the gastric bypass surgery is recommended for people who are extremely obese.
- Opines that there should be procedures put in place to raise the awareness of obesity.
- Analyzes the journal of economic perspectives' article, "more obese."
- Explains the national institutes of health's "explore overweight and obesity."
- Explains that obesity strategies and solutions for schools and parents. education 132.4 (2012): 915-20.
- Analyzes ogden, c.l., m.d. carroll, b.k. kit, and k.m. flegal's "overweight and obesity in the us."
1899 wordsRead More - Obesity: America's Major Issueopinion essayMore than a third of U.S. adults and nearly 17 percent of children are obese (Brody 1). Obesity remains a significant health problem in the United States. It has affected millions of Americans and the effects are gruesome. The United States is the fattest nation among 33 countries with advanced economies (Murphy 60). There are many things that can lead to obesity and the state of the economy in our country is not helping fight this issue. If the government does not create stricter food policies and restrictions then people will suffer from the effects of obesity and eventually die.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that obesity remains a significant health problem in the united states, and the state of the economy in our country is not helping fight this issue.
- Explains that obesity is a serious and deadly problem in the united states.
- Explains that obesity is unpredictable and can happen to people who are not cautious of their life and how they live it. advertising brands to children and even preschoolers are dreadful.
- Explains that excessive eating and little exercise have become a major influence on childhood obesity, as well as from their personal problems and emotions.
- Explains the effects of obesity on the body, including diabetes, heart disease, and heart problems.
- Opines that exercise is the only vital solution to obesity that takes true self-motivation and a decision to be made.
- Opines that obesity is a serious problem and needs to be treated before more people are affected by it. if the government doesn't create stricter food policies and restrictions, people will suffer from the effects of obesity and eventually die.
- Analyzes brody, jane e., “many fronts in the obesity war.” new york times.
1438 wordsRead More - Childhood Obesityexplanatory essayOver the past thirty years, childhood obesity has doubled among young children and adolescents in the United States (National Institute of Health, 2014). It is becoming a great concern for parents as children are getting heavier and heavier (Eberstadt, 2013). Fast food restaurants, among other reasons, can be to blame for this. Obesity, which should be identified before any problems can occur, has many causes which has lead it to become an epidemic in the United States, however there are several preventions and treatments that parents can execute to help their children live healthy lives. Nevertheless, this requires parents to educate themselves about obesity.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the factors that contribute to a child becoming obese at an early age, including genetics, eating habits, and lack of regular physical activity.
- Explains harris, keecha, new approaches to meeting the demands of child health and nutrition in the 21st century. the usda school lunch program.
- Explains that childhood obesity has doubled among young children and adolescents in the united states.
- Explains that there are many treatment programs and forms of intervention a parent may want to consider using for their overweight child.
- Explains that the u.s. general accounting office reported on the extent to which school lunches, nation-wide, were meeting nutrition standards.
- Explains that brown, kay e., miller, robert b. and whitman-miner, dianne l. (2003). school lunch prgram: efforts needed to improve nutrition and encourage healthy eating.
- States koplan, jeffrey, the surgeon general's call to action to prevent and decrease overweight and obesity, us department of health and human services.
2396 wordsRead More - Obesity: Disease or Choiceanalytical essayIn 2008, the American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease claiming that “Recognizing obesity as a disease will help change the way the medical community tackles this complex issue that affects approximately one in three Americans,” said AMA board member Patrice Harris, M.D. While this may be true, is that a justifiable reason to classify obesity, a result of unhealthy decisions, as a disease? The fact is obesity is the consequence of choosing an unhealthy lifestyle. True the unhealthy lifestyle may not be chosen on purpose but “The choices we make by accident are just as important as the choices we make by design” – Anonymous. Therefore if obesity is a consequence of choices then I feel obesity itself has to be a choice, not a disease.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american medical association recognized obesity as a disease in 2008, stating that obesity is the consequence of choosing an unhealthy lifestyle.
- Explains that obesity is an excess of energy, potential energy that is. fast food restaurants, such as mcdonalds, are the main reasons behind people's unhealthy choices.
- Explains that calorie intake is not the only factor in obesity, but lack of exercise is another one.
- Argues that obesity is a condition that prevents the body from working properly, but using that criteria would call for the classification of many other things as diseases.
- Explains that obesity is the result of unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, and little else. the question is what do you choose?
779 wordsRead More - Childhood Obesity in Americaopinion essayObesity is becoming a big problem in America especially among young kids. In last decade, childhood obesity has tripled which causing this country millions of dollars. Who should we blame for this issue? One says we should blame on schools or parents and others say food industry should be blamed. Many parents worried about this problem including Michelle Obama. She says, “Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese” (Michelle Obama). As we see, obesity is causing so many kids with health problems such as heart diseases, diabetics, cancers and some other health issues especially among low income families. In the article, “Obesity In Young Is Seen as Falling in Several Cities,” by Sabrina Tavernise the author talks about the rate of child obesity has fallen in some states but the drops are still very small. The rate of childhood obesity is still high because children are eating junk foods and doing less physical activities in school and home which causing them to become overweight.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that obesity is a big problem in america especially among young kids. in last decade, childhood obesity has tripled which causing this country millions of dollars.
- Analyzes how the article "obesity in young is seen as falling in several cities" states that schools made money on sugary drinks and set up rogue drink machines.
- Explains that kids are eating junk food and doing less physical activities in schools because schools do not provide a physical education much.
- Opines that michelle obama is concerned about childhood obesity. she named her campaign "lets move" to support the idea of "eat healthy" and "get active."
- Opines that parents should take a responsibility to watch what their kids are eating and doing. they argue that blaming schools can't prevent childhood obesity.
- Concludes that there is progress to prevent childhood obesity in schools and home. they say that schools are providing healthy foods for kids and parents are trying to control what they give to their kids.
- Cites al, baker, web.nemeshy, alysha, and sabrina tavernise. "obesity in young is seen as falling in several cities."
932 wordsRead More - Childhood Obesity in African American Childrenexplanatory essayIt is apparent that living an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as eating poorly, negatively affects one’s health. From a young age it is quickly learned which foods are considered healthful as opposed to junk food. It is a parents responsibility to supervise the intake of their child's food, however there is a higher risk than ever before of childhood obesity.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that poor diets are a huge factor, but eating habits also come into effect. the u.s. recession has hit the african american population disproportionately.
- Explains that 25 percent of children's waking hours are spent watching television, using the computer, and playing video games to occupy free time.
- Explains that genetics and culture play a role when the race is observed. african americans have the highest pancreatic fat fraction besides hispanics.
- Explains that childhood obesity affects the youth and adolescence of society.
- Explains the centers for disease control and prevention's "preventing obesity and chronic diseases through good nutrition and physical activity."
- Describes the income, poverty, and health insurance coverage in the united states, according to the u.s. census bureau.
1313 wordsRead More - Obesity in Americaopinion essayObesity can be seen across the faces of every American if they themselves are not obese; they are related to or know someone who is. It is a taxing epidemic, with society spending their hard earned wages on food that are just fillers with no nutritional value what so ever. There is nothing healthy about fast food. It has been said that, if it goes bad, it is good for you. Some health effects of obesity are cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and premature death. (Wexler, 2007) The new generation’s life expectancy may be lower than their parents. “Children are exposed to tens of thousands of ads each year on television alone, the majority of which are for fast food, junk food and sugared cereals.” (Miller, 2010)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is taking over the united states, and that fast food advertising and consumption is becoming more important and acceptable.
- Opines that obesity is a taxing epidemic, with society spending their hard earned wages on food that are just fillers with no nutritional value.
- Explains that advertising to children can be seen in television, online, and huge billboards posted across skyline. fast food is consumed daily by the billions.
- Explains that food companies don't have the same nutritional standard, which makes a huge impact on what can be advertised. they label products healthier because they've had an unhealthy ingredient taken out of the product.
- Explains that in 2012, adults above the age of 18 spent four hours and thirty three minutes a day using digital equipment.
- Explains that food prices rise and fall, but the obesity problem seems to stay the same if not proceed to get worse.
- Explains that a family of four from mcdonalds ate $28.55 of mcdonald's fast food. each person tried to eat the healthiest meal possible.
- Argues that convenience is the answer to the obesity problem. parents are lazy and/or constantly on the go. they do not have time to sit down every night for a family dinner or care about nutritious habits.
- Opines that fast food giants like mcdonalds, burger king, and taco bell are continuing to provide unhealthy food without any restrictions. what would they lose from a stand against their food?
- Concludes that the united states of america needs to come together as one of the strongest and well-built societies to battle lethargic living, not subject children to subliminal messages disguised as food advertisements, and spend less money on fast food.
- Cites lubin, badkar, and badcar for their 18 facts about mcdonalds that will blow your mind.
- Explains the health consequences of overweight and obesity, in b. wexler's information plus reference series. weight in america.
- Explains the harvard school of public health's healthy eating plate and healthy eating period, and the produce marketing association’s cost of recommended daily servings of fresh produce.
- Explains warren, m., and miller, p. (2010). food advertising contributes to obesity. in s. barbour, opposing viewpoints.
895 wordsRead More