Obesity in America
explanatory Essay
957 words
In America 68.5% of adults and 31.8% of children suffer from obesity. Obesity is defined as the excessive amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass (OIA). However, many people don’t know the difference between overweight and obese. The term overweight refers to body weight that is at least 10% over the recommended weight for a certain individual, where obesity refers to body weight that is at least 30% percent over the recommended weight for an individual (OIA). What causes obesity, how obesity affects both children and adults and how can Americans prevent obesity.
What is more important then finding out the causes of obesity? Obesity is mainly caused when the intake of the calories exceed the dissipated calories. Children in America are becoming more obese, because they obtain laziness because of media and technology. According to the survey, in just five years, media use has increased from 6 ½ to nearly 7 ½ hours a day in children between the ages of 8 and 18 (LFE). If the children didn’t have media or technology they could be getting their daily exercise like playing on the block with the kids instead watching TV. Between the ages 8 and 18 or even younger their bodies need exercise to lose extra excess fat before it becomes a health problem later in life.
Secondly, one of important causes is fast food. Fast food causes obesity because it is one of the cheapest way for children and adults to find a meal if they don’t feel like cooking. McDonalds is the number one restaurant that makes us Americans fat because they’re the cheapest and have good burgers like big macs, quarter pounders and French fries. But more and more it seems like McDonalds corruption wants Americans to be come fat. When eating fast food it can cause h...
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Works Cited
Basics About Childhood Obesity." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Apr. 2012. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
"Fast Food Linked To Child Obesity." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 9 Feb. 2014. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
"How to Prevent Obesity." - Stanford Hospital & Clinics. N.p., 2014. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
"The M2 Generation: Are Your Kids Too Dependent on the Media?" How Much Time Do Children Spend with Television and the Media? Pearson Education, 2000. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
Oxford Press. "Epidemiologic Reviews." Genetic Epidemiology of Obesity. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
Ryssdal, Kai. "Processed Foods Make up 70 Percent of the U.S. Diet." Marketplace.org. N.p., 12 Feb. 2012. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
Smith, J. Clinton. Understanding Childhood Obesity. Jackson: University of Mississippi, 1999. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that 68.5% of adults and 31.8% of children suffer from obesity. obesity is defined as the excessive amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass.
- Explains that obesity is mainly caused when the intake of calories exceeds the dissipated calories. children in america are becoming more obese because they obtain laziness because of media and technology.
- Explains that fast food causes obesity because it is the cheapest way for children and adults to find a meal if they don't feel like cooking. mcdonalds corruption wants americans to be come fat.
- Explains that 82% of black women and 77% percent of hispanics women are overweight or obese compared to 63% of women in the united states.
- Explains that processed food causes obesity because it remakes raw ingredients into packaged goods, which makes the food last longer.
- Explains that obesity can cause different diseases like coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and many more.
- Explains that exercising helps prevent obesity by keeping the body in shape and prevents related health problems caused by being overweight or obese.
- Opines that eating healthy isn't as easy as you think if you're not used to eating the right foods.
- Cites the centers for disease control and prevention's "fast food linked to child obesity." cbsnews, cbs interactive, 9 feb. 2014, and stanford hospital & clinics.
Related
- explanatory
- opinion
- argumentative
- Obesity in the United Statesexplanatory essayObesity is a common, but very serious health issue in America. It has become so common that people often blame a healthy, slim person for being underweight. Although a small percentage of people are underweight the main percentage of people are obese; this percentage is increasing daily. Individuals often place the fault of obesity’s increasing rate on factors causing it, but in actuality the lack of self-control is the main cause.
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 - Obesity in Americaopinion essayOne of the most commonly discussed issues of America in the last few decades has been obesity. It remains one of the biggest problems in American society and requires a careful, systematic but also immediate solution. Obesity is a term used to describe body weight that is much greater than what is considered healthy. Today, 65% of adults in the U.S. are overweight and half of those are obese. The rates for children are smaller but they are not satisfying either: 15% are overweight and another 15% are headed that way (Lemonick). Besides the aesthetic problems for many people that this condition creates, it is most importantly known as the main cause of serious health problems as well.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity remains one of the biggest problems in american society and requires a systematic but also immediate solution.
- Explains that the modern, fast way of life contributes to high rates of obesity. adults in america are lacking free time and prefer eating ready-made meals.
- Explains that technology's side effects affect the physical fitness of americans, since they don't exercise or get physically active as much as they should and gain weight.
- Explains that obesity is linked to many serious health conditions of our time. cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis were responsible for almost 400,000 deaths in america in 2004 alone.
- Explains that obesity is extremely expensive, and the food choices that obese people make create a strong impact in the american economy.
- Argues that obesity has to be accepted as an actual illness by both the state and the individual citizens. smoking was originally banned from many public places from the need to minimize the impact it had on americans’ health levels.
- Opines that the state could start by launching campaigns that make the public aware of the issue and its affects.
- Opines that obese individuals need to realize the benefits of leading a healthy life, which affects their budget, in addition to their health. exercise improves one's mental health, not just the physical.
- Opines that it is essential for americans to take into consideration that fighting obesity as soon as possible, will create positive results not only for themselves, but also for the future generations as well.
- Cites goldfarb, bruce. "cdc casts obesity: related death toll in new light." doc news.
- Cites lemonick, michael d., and schor, juliet b. on "the overworked american."
- Cites the national institutes of health. national heart, lung and blood institute. obesity education initiative. september 1998.
1076 wordsRead More - The Epidemic of Childhood and Adolescent Obesityexplanatory essayObesity is a significant health concern in adolescents and children that has both immediate and long-term health effects. Cardiovascular problems such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, the development of pre-diabetes, bone or joint issues, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems are all immediate health risks amongst obese children and adolescents, (Health Effects of Childhood Obesity). With immediate health problems come long-term effects: heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and many types of cancers. Being familiar with the difference between the definitions of the terms overweight and obesity are also very important in distinguishing health risks amongst the two despite the difference in severity. Overweight is defined as one’s total body weight that is above the recommended range for good health, while obesity is considered to be a severe excess of body weight characterized by excessive increase of body fat. A child’s body mass in...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that inactivity amongst children is a key contributor to childhood obesity. in the united states, children spend 25 percent of their waking hours watching television.
- Explains that nutrition plays a key role in children and adolescents who suffer from obesity. the bogalusa heart study analyzed eating patterns amongst children, using cross-sectional surveys.
- Explains that the food guide pyramid is a great reference that parents should use when determining healthy food choices.
- Explains that genetics can affect a child's body size, fat distribution, and metabolic rate. monogenic obesity exists, but is extremely rare. genetic susceptibility results from multiple genes that interact with environmental and behavioral factors.
- Explains that obesity amongst children and adolescents in america has substantially risen over the past few decades. physical inactivity, poor dieting, and genetics are some of the sources leading to this obesity epidemic.
- Explains that obesity is a significant health concern in adolescents and children that has both immediate and long-term health effects.
- Explains that "a growing problem." centers for disease control and prevention. bellow, l., and j. roach. "childhood obesity."
- States congressman ron kind's opinion on the childhood obesity epidemic.
1471 wordsRead More - Childhood Obesity: Fast Food Companies Are To Blameexplanatory essayAccording to “Burger Battles” from the Weekly Reader, obesity is defined as a person whose weight is 20 percent higher than recommended for their height (Burger Battles 1). When this condition begins to affect children lives, it is then known as childhood obesity. Within the United States of America, around 15 percent of children are considered to be obese (Holguin 3). Increasing tremendously, this outbreak has actually tripled in the amount of obese teen and doubled in children up to the age of thirteen (Burger Battles 2). One of the factors that is usually overlooked in the cause for obesity is the role of television. Not only does it reduce the amount of physical activity, the advertisements and commercials are targeting innocent viewers. In a survey completed by Gary Ruskin of Commercial Alert, the average child watches nearly 19 hours and 40 minutes of television a week (Ruskin 2). With that amount of time spent watching television, advertisements for fast food will be entering the children’s minds.
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 - Childhood and Adulthood Obesityexplanatory essayCDC Grand Rounds: Childhood Obesity In the United States. (2011). MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 60(2), 42-46.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that childhood and adulthood obesity is a chronic condition that leads to many long-term health problems and there are many ways to prevent it.
- Explains that childhood obesity has become a public health concern, both in the u.s. and worldwide, according to hopkins, decristofaro, and elliott.
- Explains that the most commonly used measure of weight status today is the body mass index (bmi). an overweight bmi is at or above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th.
- Explains that childhood obesity often leads to being obese as an adult, which puts an individual at higher risk for a multitude of health problems.
- Explains that the cdc's state-based nutrition and physical activity program to prevent obesity and other chronic diseases (npao) currently funds 25 states to implement policy, system, and environmental strategies that have been proven to work.
- Describes a comprehensive school-based program that was implemented in philadelphia, pennsylvania, based on cdc’s school health guidelines for nutrition and included changes in the school food supply to meet the dietary guidelines.
- Opines that nurses can influence children's dietary and lifestyle habits through a family-focused approach.
- Explains that overweight is defined as a bmi between 25.0 and 29.9, and obesity, as defined by the online journal of issues in nursing.
- Explains that there are three approaches to the treatment of overweight and obesity: lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery.
- Concludes that obesity is a chronic disease that can lead to many other health problems. it is the second leading cause of preventable death in the united states.
- Cites the american medical association's 2013 ama press release and statements.
- Cites camden, s., decristofaro, c. and elliott, l.
- Cites the national center for chronic disease prevention and health promotion's division of nutrition, physical activity, and obesity.
1387 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 the United Statesexplanatory essayThe terms overweight and obesity identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood for certain diseases and other health problems. Obesity has developed into a significant global epidemic over the past various decades. In the United States, obesity is a public health concern. Obesity among U.S adults has increased in recent years. Just about 500 million people were overweight worldwide by 2002. The rates of obesity have doubled since 1970 to over 30 percent in the United States, now more than two-thirds of Americans are overweight. In 2008 obesity related medical spending cost our nation $147 billion. Today, nationwide, two out of three U.S adults are overweight or obese. Early indications of obesity can be traced back in Europe 35,000 years ago to the first modern humans. In those days, effective storage of energy was crucial to survive the next famine. According to Caballero (2007), “Until the last decades of the 19th century, developed countries were still struggling with poverty, malnutrition, and communicable diseases. These health problems were conside...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is a public health concern in the united states.
- Explains that obesity has increased in both sexes across all age and race in every state and socioeconomic groups in the united states.
554 wordsRead More - A Conundrum in America: Obesityexplanatory essayAccording to the American Heart Association, 23.9 million children ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese. In addition to them, 154.7 million adults are pudgy. That means more than one-third of children and two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight (Pages 1-3). Many Americans know about the high rates of obesity in our country. Michelle Obama, along with several other politicians and health professionals, push for recognition of these facts. They believe too many citizens are overweight and something has to change. The statistics raise several questions and problems, but of these conflicts, which ones are worth solving?
In this essay, the author
- Explains that according to the american heart association, 23.9 million children ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese, and 154.7 million adults are pudgy. many americans know about the high rates of obesity in our country.
- Opines that america should focus on ending obesity within children, adults, or both.
- Explains that obesity affects people's mental health, not just physical, but also mental. overweight children are less prone to these health conditions unless they remain heavy through adulthood.
- Explains that corpulence leads to limited ability for physical exercise, which is not a problem with children.
- Explains that obesity in children and adults is caused by genetics, emotional factors, certain medicines, lack of sleep, and age. the american academy of child and adolescent psychiatry and medline plus argue that children don't make themselves obese.
- Opines that the american government should work more to end obesity in children than in adults.
- Cites simons-morton, donato, loria, et al. what are the health risks of overweight and obesity?
- Cites the american heart association's website, gettinghealthy/weightmanagement/obesity/overweight-in-children.
- Cites howard adelman, linda taylor, and jane collingwood. obesity and mental health.
- Explains harper collins' obesity in children and teens.
846 wordsRead More - Childhood Obesity: An Epidemicargumentative essayMaintaining a healthy weight as well as general health and wellbeing requires eating a balanced nutritious diet and engaging in physical activity. In today’s society, children and adolescents are less likely to eat healthy and participate in physical exercise because of modern conveniences like the computer, cars and fast food. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years (http://www.cdc.gov/healthyouth/obesity/fcats.htm). From 1980 to 2004 the percentage of youth who were obese tripled from 7% to 19% in children (6-11 years) and 5% to 17% in adolescents (12-19 years) (“Nihiser”). Approximately one out of every five children in the U.S. is overweight or obese, and this number continues to increase. (http://www.webmd.com/children/guide/obesity-children?print=true). Childhood obesity has both direct and lasting effects on health and well-being. The immediate health effects of obese youth are that they are more likely to develop risk factors for cardiov...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that childhood obesity is a serious problem in the united states resulting in medical illnesses and shortened life spans.
- Explains that childhood obesity has both direct and lasting effects on health and well-being. obese children are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, prediabetes, social and psychological problems and low self-esteem.
- Recommends that a child's body mass index (bmi) be calculated and plotted annually on all youth as part of the normal screening.
- Explains that exercise is a strategy for fighting childhood obesity. schools provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.
- Explains that rogers created the 5-2-1-0 every day program to encourage healthy choices. the program emphasizes nourishing and filling fruits and vegetables in a daily meal.
- Explains that there are barriers to combating obesity, such as the lack of time to exercise, the convenience of food, and the socioeconomic factors that influence childhood obesity.
- Opines that childhood obesity is easy to recognize but difficult to treat. obesity is expensive, and environmental factors determine whether or not the healthy choice is the easy choice.
- Cites nishiser, aj, wechsler, lee, mckenna, reinhold, odom, grummer-strawn, thompson, body mass index measurement in schools.
- Analyzes ogden, cynthia, childhood obesity in the united states: the magnitude of the problem.
- Describes the definition of childhood obesity by heart.org and the american heart association.
1331 wordsRead More - Childhood Obesityopinion essayChildhood obesity is a serious problem among American children. Some doctors are even calling childhood obesity an epidemic because of the large percentage of children being diagnosed each year as either overweight or obese. “According to DASH sixteen to thirty-three percent of American children each year is being told they are obese.” (Childhood Obesity) There is only a small percentage, approximately one percent, of those children who are obese due to physical or health related issues; although, a condition that is this serious, like obesity, could have been prevented. With close monitoring and choosing a healthier lifestyle there would be no reason to have such a high obesity rate in the United States (Caryn). Unfortunately, for these children that are now considered to be obese, they could possibly be facing some serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancers. All of these diseases have been linked to obesity through research. These children never asked for this to happen to them; however, it has happened, and now they will either live their entire life being obese, or they will be forced to reverse what has already been done (Childhood Obesity).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that mcdonalds and burger king are the first to be sued for supposedly targeting children and making american children fat.
- Explains that people point the finger at the media for making children fatter because they see commercials promoting unhealthy foods and snacks. it is up to the parents to make better choices for their children.
- Argues that schools need to implement more activity to allow children to burn more calories during the school day. however, with school budgets, many schools are cutting back on physical education.
- Opines that electronics are a target for why american children are becoming obese.
- Explains that children in america are getting bigger than ever. some parents make excuses because of their busy lifestyle. they need to be more involved and integrate healthy meals and exercise.
- Opines that parents need to be held accountable for american children becoming obese. they should take their children in every year for a well visit and educate them on their well-being.
- Opines that if parents had modeled a healthy lifestyle for their children, they would not be pointing the finger at anyone.
- Explains that childhood obesity is a serious problem among american children.
- Cites andrea pennington, m., from the huffington post, and america move to raise a healthier generation of kids.
- Cites dash healthy youth center for disease control and prevention's website, www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity services: childhood obesity in america.
- Cites the institute of medicine's childhood obesity prevention actions for local government.
1849 wordsRead More