Obesity and Poverty
analytical Essay
1107 words
Since 1970, the obesity rates in America have more than doubled. Currently two-thirds of (roughly 150 million) adults in the United States are either overweight, or obese (Food Research and Action Center). According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 whereas obesity is defined as a BMI greater than 30.” There are numerous factors that contribute to obesity such as: biological, behavioral and cultural influences (Food Research and Action Center). While these factors all have a large role in obesity, there is no factor with as great of an influence as poverty. According to the American Psychological Association, “In 2010, the poverty threshold, or poverty line, was 22,314 dollars for a family of four” (2). People living in poverty may be forced to depend on public assistance programs such as food stamps, or more formally known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. On the exterior, this program seems to benefit hungry families, but in all actually it is actually facilitating their obesity. The formerly mentioned family of four would be qualified to receive a maximum of 688 dollars a month in food stamps (North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services). That equates to just over 170 dollars a week or 40 dollars per family member. A paltry amount such as this forces families to make difficult decisions regarding the amount and type of food they provide their family. Food stamps are not the only solution available; for example, a person can decide to find multiple jobs to supplement their income. However, with multiple jobs come other obesity triggering factors. Multiple jobs increase a person’s stress level which in turn ra... ... middle of paper ... ...ensity and Energy Costs." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 79.1 (2004): 6-16. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. Food Research and Action Center. Relationship Between Poverty and Overweight or Obesity. 2010. Web. 21 Oct. 2013. Levine, James. "Poverty and Obesity in the U.S." Diabetes 60.11 (2011): 2667-2668. Web. 21 Oct. 2013. Libal, Autumn. "The Poor Get Fat, The Rich Get Thin?" Social Discrimination & Body Size: Too Big to FIt? 2005. 40-55. Print. 10 Nov. 2013. Maglione-Garves, Christine A, Len Kravitz and Suzzane Schneider. Cortisol Connection: Tips on Managing Stress and Weight. n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. McDonald's. I'm Loving It. 2013. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Food and Nutrition Services. 15 Oct. 2013. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. Supersize Me. Dir. Morgan Spurlock. Perf. Morgan Spurlock, Daryl Isaacs and Lisa Ganjhu. 2004. DVD.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity rates in america have more than doubled since 1970. there are numerous factors that contribute to obesity, such as biological, behavioral, and cultural influences.
- Explains that people living in poverty may be forced to depend on public assistance programs such as food stamps, or more formally known as supplemental nutrition assistance program (snap).
- Explains that multiple jobs increase a person's stress level, which in turn raises the amount of cortisol secreted, leading to overeating, craving high caloric fatty and sugary foods, and relocating fat from the circulation and storage depots to the deep abdominal area.
- Explains that a low-income family must choose between good nutrition and expenses. a nutritious diet includes several servings of fruits and vegetables, in addition to low fat dairy, lean meat and fish, and whole grains every day.
- Explains that there is an inverse relationship between a food's energy density (calories per unit weight) and cost.
- Illustrates the relationship between nutritious and non-nutritious foods at walmart. a bag of chicken nuggets costs $4.47 and a pound of boneless skinless chicken breast costs 100 calories.
- Explains that low-income families must find alternative approaches to overcoming their high-calorie meals. local fitness centers are a luxury that most people cannot afford.
- Analyzes how the fast food industry promotes bad health in poor people by providing unhealthy food at an affordable price.
- Analyzes how the documentary supersize me shows how unhealthy a diet consisting of fast food can be.
- Explains that obesity is a growing concern in america, but little thought is given to the major role that poverty plays.
- Cites the american psychological association's the effects of poverty, hunger and homelessness on children and youth.
- Explains the relationship between poverty and obesity in the u.s., diabetes 60.11 (2011): 2667-2668.
Related
- opinion
- explanatory
- analytical
- argumentative
- Obesity Epidemic and Nation's Healthopinion essayThe obesity epidemic and our nation’s health as a whole have many factors that include socioeconomic status in particular. Socioeconomic Status and Childhood Obesity will always shape our nations vision and mission with what we do with healthcare. Healthcare in America is in a major reconstruction faze, and is in much need of it, obesity and socioeconomic status are going to be the major contributors to this reconstruction.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the state of mississippi is one of the most obese states in america when it comes to children, and the lack of physical activities among young children.
- Explains that socioeconomic footing is the state in which some individuals find themselves in, and among them are children who suffer because of the lack of funding and environment they must deal with.
- Opines that food consumption is one of our nation's biggest problems especially among our children.
- Explains that children today are more cooped up inside compared to children in the 20th century. with the reduction of physical activities comes the problem of the body not burning off extra energy our children consume in food.
- Opines that obama and others felt it was time for our country to extend health care to everyone. the debate has started the conversation we all have been waiting for and those that differ from it must be heard.
- Explains that childhood education is an epidemic among children.
- Opines that socioeconomic status and childhood obesity will shape our nation's vision and mission with what we do with healthcare.
- Argues that the health care reform bill has brought many americans together on this topic even for those that oppose it.
- Explains the correlation between high-risk obesity groups and low socioeconomic status in schoolchildren, southern medical association 2007.
- Summarizes blas erik, sadana, ritu's research on public health programs to improve health equity.
1691 wordsRead More - Obesity in the United Statesexplanatory essayWinterfeld, Amy. "Low-Income Americans Face a High Risk of Obesity." Obesity. Ed. Erin Dillon. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven, 2007. 49-57. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is a common, but very serious health issue in america.
- Explains that fast food restaurants make people fat, hypnotize kids, and destroy their taste for more sophisticated foods. fast food is a factor people blame for causing the increase in obesity because of innutritious foods, large portions and drive thru convenience.
- Explains that america runs on a consumer-producer economy which means the producer is only going to sell what the consumer buys.
- Explains that portions have increased sixty to two-hundred calories compared to the first fast food restaurants opened. people are eating more calories per bite than their ancestors.
- Argues that fast-food restaurants are blamed because their locations and drive-thrus make food convenient, which causes people to over eat, but if people had self-control it would not be a problem.
- Explains that fast food restaurants are a business trying to make money by pleasing their customers. they serve larger portions because it is profitable for the business and people buy it.
- Explains that america has advanced greatly in the development of technology over a period of time, but at the same time has contributed to obesity.
- Explains that a man's job in the early twentieth century required harder work and longer days than most jobs today; this has contributed to obesity, but ultimately it is the man’s responsibility to control what he eats during the day and to make sure
- Explains that women today are not required to do strenuous, all-day-long work as in the past; this has caused an increase in obesity, but it is a woman's responsibility to control what she eats and make up for lost exercise.
- Explains that children today do not get the exercise they did in the past because of technology development. parents have to watch what their children eat and make sure they get exercise.
- Explains that the invention of the iphone, computers, television, and video games has caused kids to become less active and more obese, but it is their responsibility to get the exercise lost and eat healthier.
- Explains that commercials on television advertise junk food and unhealthy meals causing a person to desire those foods, but it is the individual's responsibility to not give in.
- Opines that it is the individual's fault for not getting the exercise he needs. it is a personal choice to not be obese.
- Explains that low income is a common and tough factor of obesity to deal with but it is possible. low income families are mostly obese because they cannot afford healthier foods and their living conditions contain little recreation space.
- Explains that many americans are obese because they are unable to afford low-fat, nutritious foods. low-income families are in a difficult situation to stay healthy, but it is possible.
- Explains that apartments or communities are common living places for low-income families which have little space for recreation. having fun, active games inside like just dance or wii fitness can help children get exercise.
- Opines that obesity is a personal choice which takes discipline and self-control to stay healthy and fit. fast food restaurants, technology developments, and low income families will always have difficulties.
- Cites aura, annamarie, "popular jobs in the 1900s." ehow. demand media, 08 apr. 2011. web. 04 may 2014.
- Analyzes buchholz, todd g., "the fast-food industry is not responsible for obesity rates."
- Explains roizman, tracey, and bloomfeld, amy. "low-income americans face a high risk of obesity."
1730 wordsRead More - Food Desertsopinion essayOver 60 million people are obese in the world today. The socioeconomic statuses of the Americans play a major part in the obesity rates across the country. People with higher incomes are less likely to be obese than people with lower incomes. One in every seven preschool-aged children living in lower income areas are obese (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). A 2008 study showed that obesity is highest among American Indian and Alaska Native (21.2 percent) and Hispanic Americans (18.5 percent) children, and it is lowest among white (12.6 percent), Asian or Pacific Islander (12.3 percent), and black (11.8 percent) children (Get America Fit).
In this essay, the author
- Opines that food deserts are one of the main causes of obesity in lower income areas, and while initiatives are being created to solve this problem, more than just a few initiatives need to change the obesity issue.
- Explains that the socioeconomic status of the americans plays a major role in the obesity rates across the country. one in seven preschool-aged children living in lower income areas are obese.
- Explains that food deserts are communities that lack access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and other foods that make up the full range of a healthy diet.
- Explains that the government has started some initiatives to fix the issue of food deserts, such as the healthy food financing initiative.
- Concludes that in order to fix the obesity problem in lower income areas, more than just a few grocery stores are needed.
- Opines that more education must be pushed upon the community members in order for the governments' initiatives to work.
- Cites http://www.let'smove.gov/healthy-communities/acf/hhs_food/press/2010pres/20020219a.html, frac.org/initiatives/hunger and obesity/why-are-low-income-and-food-insecure-people-vulnerable
866 wordsRead More - Fast Food And Obesity In The United Statesanalytical essayThis inequality in food markets has caused inequalities in the qualities of life amongst many racial groups. African Americans are 1.5 Times more likely to become obese than White Adults. 47.8 percent of African Americans are obese compared to a mere 32.6 percent of whites. More than 75 percent of African Americans are overweight or obese compared to 67.2 percent of whites. Two out of every five African American adults suffer from obesity. This is the highest rate amongst any racial/ ethnic group in the U.S. Even amongst children the numbers differ as well. From 1999-2012 35.1 percent of African American children 2-19 were overweight compared to 14.3 percent of white children. Lower-incomes and poverty have a strong relation with obesity. A study of select communities concluded that only 8 percent of African Americans live in areas with one or more supermarkets compared to 31 percent of whites.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that fast-food restaurants spend nearly 700 million annually to market their food to children and teenagers. african american children see twice as many highly caloric and unhealthy fast food commercials than white children.
- Explains that a study was conducted in new york of 5,370 census blocks distributed across five boroughs, and found that there were higher density of local fast food businesses in predominantly african american areas than in majority white locales.
- Analyzes the lack of diversity in food markets and food segregation in some states.
- Explains that lack of access to healthy foods has a direct relation to most diet related chronic diseases. stores in lower income communities stock fewer healthy items and have significantly lower-quality fresh produce.
- Argues that the issue is not only the location of food outlets but the selection of the foods available in low-income communities.
- Explains that african americans are 1.5 times more likely to become obese than white adults, and that lower-incomes and poverty have a strong relationship with obesity.
- Explains that due to food segregation and systematic racism, the rates of deaths from strokes and heart disease remain twice as high among african americans than whites.
989 wordsRead More - Obesity in Americaopinion essayIt is no secret that the average weight of a person has gone up significantly throughout the last decade or so. While people are becoming more and more overweight, they get closer to being categorized as obese. Obesity is a condition in which the body becomes grossly fat or overweight. It is not the same as simply being overweight, which may just be caused by extra muscle, bone, or water, along with having too much fat. If a person’s body weight is 20% higher than what it should be, then he or she is considered to be obese. If the body mass index, a statistical measurement derived from height and weight, is between 25 and 29.9, a person is considered overweight. If the BMI is 30 or over, one is considered to be obese. Someone who is obese is much more prone to health issues and disease. In the United States, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable deaths and is viewed as one of the most serious health problems facing children today (Staff). It is up for debate about who is to blame for this issue.Throughout the years, obesity has become an epidemic, and something needs to be done to change this.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is a vicious cycle, as only half of u.s. adolescents are physically active five or more days of the week and less than 1 in 3 eat fruits and vegetables daily.
- Explains that the federal government has begun to intervene in order to cut down on the obesity epidemic by launching a series of initiatives to improve the health of america.
- Analyzes the new york post's woman gives warning letter to obese trick-or-treaters.
- Explains that obesity is a condition in which the body becomes grossly fat or overweight. it is caused by extra muscle, bone, or water, along with having too much fat.
- Explains that people blame the fast food industry for the low quality of the food, which is filled with fillers and chemicals that make it taste better. the soda industry is also blamed.
- Explains that obesity has become more common among children and adults since the beginning of the nineteenth century.
- Opines that the food industry cannot be blamed for america's obesity epidemic, since it targets people who don't need it. the energy in and the energy out must balance out over time to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Explains that early puberty in girls is linked to obesity. the american medical association officially recognized obesity as a chronic disease.
- Opines that obesity is a national problem, but the choice lies within each individual.
- Explains the centers for disease control and prevention's "causes and consequences." cutler, david m., glaeser, and shapiro.
- Opines that obesity is now considered a disease and that americans split over government role on obesity.
2035 wordsRead More - The Obesity Epidemic in Americaargumentative essayIn the past one hundred years, civilized nations like those in the Western Europe and specifically America have seen substantial rise in the number of obese and overweight people. Moreover, the amount of obese and overweight people has skyrocketed even more over the last ten years, so has the consumption of fast food. Obesity is now being categorized according to individual’s body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by the weight of the individual divided by his or her height. (De Vogli 99). Studies have shown higher income countries with welfare regimes have a higher prevalence of obesity and easier access to fast foods. (De Vogli 99). Fast food is an energy dense food, mostly consisting of fats and sugars, which are not necessary for dietary consumption. (Marano 45). In the United States about 34% of people from ages 20-60 are above their target weight, with a BMI of 25-29.9. 33.8% are obese and have a BMI of 30-39.9, and 5.7% are highly obese with a BMI of over 40. This renders almost one-third of all Americans at or below their target weights (Ogden).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is now categorized according to individual’s body mass index (bmi), which is calculated by the weight of the individual divided by his or her height.
- Explains that america has more overweight and obese people than the ten next most obese countries combined.
- Explains that being obese or overweight can result in an array of health complications and, in many cases, can be terminal.
- Explains why the human race has become unhealthy in the face of recognizable consequences. from a biological point of view, weight gain was previously an almost critical adaptation.
- Explains that fast food has been on the rise for fifty years, targeting those facing economic challenges. fast food intrigues our adaptation and fools us into eating more.
- Explains that americans are eating out twice as much as they did in 1970, which leads to obesity, clogged arteries, heart attacks, and high blood pressure.
- Explains that obesity is becoming more of a problem associated with childhood. the prevalence of obesity in children has increased threefold or more during the last three decades.
- Analyzes how technological advances in the fast food industry are taking a grip on society.
- Explains that obesity is taking a toll on the health of americans; it is becoming an accepted way of life.
- Explains that ancient diets consisted of large amounts of fruits, vegetables, grain, and small portions of meat without any artificial additives. the caloric content of these foodstuffs was smaller than that of present foods.
- Explains that our dietary habits have shifted drastically within the past two centuries from those of ancient civilizations. we no longer eat as many fruits and vegetables and consume far more fat and added sugars, often in the form of cakes or icing.
- Explains that while many countries have access to the same foods and food technologies, some nations are fatter than others. the more interesting explanation may be based on culture and mentality.
- Analyzes how the time magazine picture essay "what the world eats" shows that many of the cuisine stereotypes we assign to countries are at least partially true.
- Explains that america is a country that is millennia younger than many other nations.
- Explains that french cuisine has matured and adapted to the modern world, but many parts of its heritage date back to its first millennium.
- Explains that sushi originated in china, but it was introduced to the island nation in the 8th century.
- Explains that those that came to dominate the new world were not natives to the land. they had not had the opportunity to develop hundreds or thousands of years of food culture based on the agriculture of the area.
- Explains that some european and asian cuisine dates back before the time of extremely unhealthy foods and these products are slower to catch on in such civilizations.
- Explains that obesity rates began their steep climb to present levels sometime in the 1960s. this time period in particular caused an increase in food consumption.
- Explains that america had seen the introduction of the king kullen supermarket, the first such self-service shopping store of its kind.
- Explains that other grocery chains had no option but to conform in the face of the great depression. without adoption of this new sales-by-volume tactic, grocers would have gone out of business in competition with the ultra-cheap prices of stores such as king kullen.
- Explains that even though supermarkets became the new standard of grocery consumption, their effect was limited by the great depression — there simply wasn't enough money to over-indulge on food.
- Explains how the second world war affected america's food culture. rationing controlled the resources, and encouraged americans to self-ration to support their troops overseas.
- Explains that america's conservation culture extended for at least another decade before eventually loosening itself to indulgent practices thanks to the booming economies of the 1950s and 60s.
- Opines that the 1960s were the first time when all the conditions were just right for obesity to begin its climb: booming economy, widespread chain of supermarkets selling huge quantities of goods for low prices, and a populace that could afford to indulge
- Explains that the american weight loss industry is worth approximately $61 billion, though its growth seems to have plateaued in recent years. however, there is an ineffective hype side to the industry.
- Explains that the simplest way to lose weight is simply to burn more calories than one takes in. although different exercises or eating habits may have slightly different results, burning more and consuming less will result in a net weight loss.
- Explains that americans are still not dissuaded from spending almost $1.6 billion per year on weight-loss supplements that are often found to be ineffective.
- Explains that fad diets have become another staple in the realm of pseudo-scientific weight loss techniques. they have a very simple core idea that asks for very few changes to daily consumption.
- Explains that 50 million people begin diets every year, but only five percent are able to keep off the weight they lose. these products are heavily promoted, spread through word-of-mouth, and claim that one has to make little to no change in their daily lifestyle.
- Opines that the best way to stem our obesity problem is to start with the next generation of children.
- Recommends that toddlers and preschool children should be provided light to vigorous exercise for every fifteen minutes per hour of supervised care.
- Explains that our opinions of food begin in early childhood and change drastically as we grow older. using this idea, we can positively influence the eating habits of young children and promote health into older ages.
- Explains that children in france are expected to stay at their schools for the entire day. this gives them enough time to learn about french cuisine and experience it on their lunch break.
- Explains that karen le billon, a canadian immigrant to france, states that her children were expected to eat adult foods such as radish salads, mussels and guinea fowl. she devised rules to help parents of picky eaters.
- Compares the french and american schools, which are known for their lack of palate and unoriginality. they emphasize bold flavors introduced early to children, while american dishes regurgitate the same agreeable ingredients.
- Concludes that obesity is due to easy access to food, preservation techniques, and new food technology, but also to our food culture and public zeitgeist surrounding dieting.
3199 wordsRead More - Obesity Epidemic in Americaopinion essayGreenblatt, Alan. "Obesity Epidemic." CQ Researcher 13.4 (2003): 73-104. CQ Researcher. Web. 15 July 2010. .
In this essay, the author
- Opines that obesity is a silent epidemic centered on america's growing number of obese children.
- Explains that american families spend between 15 and 18 percent of their food budget on fruits and vegetables, but should be spending between 43 to 70 percent to receive the servings recommended by the usda to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Argues that obesity isn't a result of genetics, but it's due to parents not having the necessary skills to maintain healthy lifestyles. america needs to get off the couch, turn the television off and get active.
- Opines that america's guardians need to provide their children with the essential fundamental knowledge to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Opines that america is fed up with the increasing number of obese children in america.
- Cites greenblatt, alan. "obesity epidemic." cq researcher 13.4 (2003): 73-104.
- Opines that parents should be held legally responsible when their kids are severely overweight. minnesota public radio. web. 15 july 2010.
1036 wordsRead More - Obesity: The Plight of the Underclassanalytical essayMississippi is the fattest state in America. According to Lauran Neergaard from the Huffington Post, more than 32.5 percent of all adults in Mississippi are obese, and that has been for five years straight. She also states that not only are adults obese, but 44.4 percent of all Mississippi’s children are also obese. That is almost one in every two children. Tommy Rodgers from the Education Resources Information Center notes: besides being able to claim that they are the fattest, the residents of Mississippi also have the claim to being the poorest state in the United States, with 20.6 percent of the population living in poverty. Mississippi has these two chart toppers: most obese and lowest per capita income, but Matthew Engel says that the residents of Mississippi are at the bottom chart in their quality of education. These three factors create a strong succession of impoverished obese people who have little chance of ever escaping the grueling cycle.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that school lunches should be healthier and have more nutritional value so that children are not completely deprived of nutrients. the department of agriculture should also subsidize the food stamp program.
- Describes drewnowski, a., and the american journal of preventative medicine.
- Analyzes neergaard, lauran, "america'sfattest states: mississippi still tops list, but alabama closes in."
- Explains that mississippi is the fattest state in america, with 32.5 percent of adults being obese, and 44.4 percent living in poverty. the correlation between obesity and poverty shows that people who are destitute have problems controlling their weight.
- Explains engel, matthew, and hawn, daniel. "obesity and poverty: examining the link." docshop.
- Explains that research links rising obesity to food prices. rogers, tommy w. "poverty in mississippi: a statistical analysis."
2268 wordsRead More - The Relationship Between Poverty and Obesityanalytical essayIs obesity about poverty and cheap food? Or lack of moral fibre? I will be elaborating an essay on the points written by Zoe Williams (2011) balanced arguments, on whether there is a link between obesity, poverty and or lack of inner strength. I will be presenting for and against arguments relating the issue.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that poor health is a well-known feature of deprivation. mothers know fat and crisps are bad for children but they can't afford the alternative.
- Argues that being obese in the west midlands has become a normal way of living, and if one wants to fit in then they have to pile in pounds.
- Analyzes platell's argument that if people wanted to do something about their weight problem they had to start by taking control of what they putting in their mouths and the number of times they get from the sofa to exercise.
- Explains that poor health is a well-known feature of deprivation. mothers know fat and crisps are bad for children but they can't afford the alternative.
- Argues that obesity is linked to poverty and lack of inner strength. they argue that the cost of unhealthy food is available at a very low cost, making it more accessible.
- Analyzes how williams, el-sayed, and holman all stated that obesity is about poverty and cheap food, but other studies and articles have shown that other factors have been linked to obesity.
- Analyzes how platell argues that people are too fast in blaming others for their problems. she went to the west midlands to investigate the problem behind the health crisis.
- Explains that gordon and rosemary run a weight loss and exercise program to re-educate people about healthy eating and lifestyle. they are optimistic about their scheme, but they continue to say that people don't seem to take any acknowledgement that these programs do actually help them.
- Concludes that obesity is in control of a lot of individuals within society.
1430 wordsRead More - Argumentative Essay On Healthy And Obesityexplanatory essayOver the course of the last few decades, the U.S. has seen a drastic rise in the spread of obesity. Through the rise of large-scale fast food corporations, the blame has shifted toward the mass consumerism of these global industries. It is, however, due to poor lifestyle choices that the U.S. population has seen a significant increase in the percentage of people afflicted with obesity. In 1990 the percentage of obese people in the United States was approximated at around 15%. In 2010, however, it is said that “36 states had obesity rates of 25 percent or higher”(Millar). These rates have stayed consistent since 2003. The obesity problem in America is
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the u.s. population has seen a significant increase in the percentage of people afflicted with obesity due to poor lifestyle choices.
- Explains the health risks linked to obesity, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancers, gallbladder disease and gallstones.
- Explains the benefits of exercise and healthy eating, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Explains the results of a research survey conducted by two food economists, brenna ellison and jayson lusk, which revealed that people made better food choices when food policies were taken into action.
- Explains that parents and families must encourage their children to make healthy choices, such as following a healthy eating plan and focusing on the balance of energy in and energy out.
2246 wordsRead More