The Obesity Epidemic
analytical Essay
1899 words
Millions 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. Obesity has spiked precipitously in the past generations. In the 1960’s the average adult male weighed 168 pounds and now he weighs 185 pounds. In addition to this, the average adult female in 1960 weighed 143 and now she weighs 155 (Cutler). One reason why today’s society is continuing to gain weight over the generations is because today’s population “expends significantly less energy on a daily basis than their parents and... ... middle of paper ... ...l and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Jan. 2010. Web. 06 Nov. 2013. . Ogden, C.L., M.D. Carroll, B.K. Kit, and K.M. Flegal. "Overweight and Obesity in the U.S." Food Research Action Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. . Serra-Majem, Lluis, and Inmaculada Bautista. "Etiology of Obesity: Two "Key Issues" and Other Emerging Factors." Nutrition Hospital 5 (2013): 32-43. Web. 6 Nov. 2013. . "United States Obesity (1990-2012)." America's Health Rankings. United Health Foundation, 24 May 2012. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. .
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."
Related
- comparative
- opinion
- explanatory
- analytical
- Obesity an Escalating Problemcomparative essayRecent research done by The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) showed that more than 64% of the US adult population is overweight (BMI >25 and <30 kg/m²); and approximately 31% of American adults are obese (BMI >30) (Obesity, 2008). This result has got people afraid of what would happen in the future if people don’t change their habits. An excessive storage of fat due to lack of physical activity and high calorie intake that often leads to other diseases is known as obesity. Obesity is an escalating problem, because people consume more calories and aren’t physically active; this could result in health problems, yet people can resolve this issue by consuming a healthy diet and regularly exercising, or consulting a doctor for medication or surgery if other solutions weren’t effective.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that more than 64% of the us adult population is overweight; approximately 31% of american adults are obese. obesity is an escalating problem because people consume more calories and aren't physically active.
- Explains that people are consuming too many calories and aren't physically active because of changed lifestyles and technology advancement in the last 20 years.
- Explains that 1 in every 5 americans are obese, and that socioeconomic factors affect obesity. people of lower income can't afford the healthier food and end up obese.
- Explains that obesity can cause up to 24 health problems like high blood pressure problems, infertility in women, gallstones, high cholesterol causing heart attacks, pains and different cancers.
- Explains that obesity causes diseases, social and psychological problems, and discrimination towards obese people, even up to their workplace.
- Advises people to consume a healthy diet with calorie intake and exercise regularly to overcome their problems with obesity.
- Advises people to change their lifestyle and exercise regularly to burn fat and increase their stamina. they recommend swimming, cycling, dancing, and exercising the abs, butt and thighs.
- Advises people to consult their doctor about surgery or dietary supplements to reduce weight fast in life threatening situations. these pills have many side effects from anxiety to high blood pressure.
- Explains that bartiatric surgery and gastric bypass are effective, but the risks are still high, so make sure a doctor agrees with the decision.
- Explains that obesity can become easy to overcome if people are patient and have willpower to keep going and lose weight to become healthy for themselves and the next generation.
1585 wordsRead More - Obesity, a Genuine Diseaseopinion essayObesity 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
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.
1396 wordsRead More - Obesity in the United Statesexplanatory essayFrom the years “2007 to 2010 more than one third of 65 and over adults was considered obese. Obesity was higher from those 65-74 unlike those who were 75 and older.” Also, in “2007, 26.4% of men were obese as well as 24.8% of women. 19.1% for both sexes age ranging from 18-29 and 31.7% also 30.2% for men and women 50-59 years old.” (Obesity statistics, 2010). Obesity differentiates within race and culture. In 2010, African American women were obese by 40% more likely than non Hispanic white women. Statistics have shown that obesity occurs in all people of various ages and ethnicities. Obesity has increased over the years and is expected to keep increasing in the future. It’s important for people to understand and know the statistics of obesity from...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is one of the leading forms of death in the u.s. today.
- Explains that obesity differs within race and culture. in 2010, african american women were obese by 40% more likely than non hispanic white women.
- Explains that obesity is a big issue in america and is associated with many risk factors.
- Cites cdc's data on the prevalence of obesity among black, white, and hispanic adults.
1380 wordsRead More - A Critique of Robert L. Peralta’s “Thinking Sociologically about the Sources of Obesity in the United States”analytical essayPeralta, Robert. “Thinking Sociologically about the Sources of Obesity in the United States.” Writing & Reading for ACP Composition. Eds. Thomas E. Leahey and Christine R. Farris. New York: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2009.176-184. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how robert peralta assembles the underpinnings to the insinuation against the individual determination of fate, with special emphasis on the obesity epidemic.
- Analyzes peralta's assertion that a more "holistic" understanding of obesity is required to further its end.
- Analyzes how individualistic western society has rendered certain members of the social order helpless in matters of health and wellbeing.
- Analyzes how peralta's call for greater social responsibility to combat obesity resonates to the rational individual.
- Analyzes how peralta's assertion is a well-thought-out argument against the overly-individualistic mindset that so dominates western society.
- Describes the members profile of the national hispanic science network - miller school of medicine at the university of miami.
- Summarizes the centers for disease control and prevention's "obesity and overweight for professionals: data and statistics."
- Explains peralta, robert, "thinking sociologically about the sources of obesity in the united states."
917 wordsRead More - We Can Prevent Obesityexplanatory essayThere are many serious health issues today in society. A few of them are anorexia nervosa, bulimia, diabetes, and obesity. Today, obesity is one of the most popular diseases around the world. Obesity typically means having a body mass index of thirty kilograms or more. If taken in more calories than burned, it leads to being overweight, and eventually obesity. Since the 1960s, people in the United States and other industrialized countries have become heavier on average. Excess weight is the cause of more illness than virtually any other medical condition. Most people still do not practice healthy behaviors that can prevent obesity. Obesity is mostly caused by poor eating habits. People do not eat healthy foods, have larger portions than they should, and are not exercising at all. Aerobic exercise training is known to counteract obesity by promoting reductions in body weight, body fat, and waist girth (Greene 1808). Being overweight is usually a warning sign that a person could be on their way to becoming obese. Obesity is a very harmful disease as proven by the affects on children, adults, and society.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is one of the most popular diseases around the world. obesity is caused by poor eating habits.
- Explains that obesity is on the rise in children and adolescents. overweight is highest in mexican american children.
- Explains that obesity is becoming a major concern for adults. one third of the adult population is now obese, and two-thirds are overweight.
- Explains that obesity is one of our nation's biggest public health dangers. obesity is greater among the less fortunate because they only have enough money to buy fast food.
- Explains cardello, hank, and williams, christine. "childhood obesity: the health issue."
- Cites power, thomas, bindler, goetz, and daratha on obesity prevention in early adolescence.
1374 wordsRead More - Losing Weight: The Battle of the Bulgeexplanatory essayThe condition of being an overweight adult in the US has grown to 65% (Alpert, 2009) using a 2004 CDC report. The same article reported that the condition of being an overweight child in the US has climbed to over 16% in 2006. This is compared to percentages around 11% in 1994, according to the NHANES survey. “Overweight children often become overweight adults and being overweight in adulthood is a health risk.” (Alpert, 2009)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the participant in the single subject research design to follow is a post-menopausal, overweight, caucasian female. she is motivated to conduct the research to demonstrate the causal relationship between calorie reduction and weight loss.
- Explains that the person in the study researched the conditions of obesity and overweight to determine the extent of the problem and to find possible solutions.
- Explains that the participant's weight was recorded at 202 pounds for 6 of the 7 days in the pre-test period. the 3 week intervention period recorded a gradual weight loss of 3 pounds, 1.485% loss in total body weight.
- Explains that the participant's body mass index fluctuated between 29 and 29.1 during the baseline week. the post-test showed a constant of 28.6 until the seventh day.
- Explains that ten studies were reviewed for this paper to support the study undertaken by the participant to measure the effect of reduced calorie consumption on weight loss.
- Explains that the social cognitive theory driving the intervention was supported in their study, as they received social support from co-workers at their place of employment.
- Explains that they had intended to supplement calorie reduction with exercise and yoga to achieve greater results, but the cost of yoga classes and a busy schedule prevented them from following through with these plans.
- Explains that the most cost-effective way of losing weight is old-fashioned diet and exercise. they also learned that introducing more independent variables in addition to calorie reduction can result in greater weight loss, increased mental health and vitality, better balance and flexibility.
- Explains that using three different measurements of the dependent variable reinforces the truth of their hypothesis.
- Explains that statistics are laboriously collected by researchers according to prescribed methods, and that they must have a probability for error in research of.05 or less to be valid.
- Explains that they learned that research methods are rigid to insure accurate reporting results and peer-reviewed published studies are the only acceptable research.
- Describes pagota's findings on behavioral activation therapy for co-morbid major depressive disorder and obesity.
- Describes pagota's findings on behavioral activation therapy for co-morbid major depressive disorder and obesity.
- Explains that obesity and overweight are on the rise in the united states. bmi measures fat by using the relationship of weight to height and dividing that by the individuals height in inches squared.
- Compares the effects of diet and exercise on overweight women over a 12-month period. they conclude that lifestyle changes are the most effective way of achieving sustained weight loss.
- Explains that the subject, a 63-year-old overweight female, collected her data in her own home with the help of "my fitness pal". the baseline data was established by keeping records of three "fatness" measurements for one week prior to the reduced calorie trial.
- Explains that the participant reduced her calorie intake by at least 500 calories per day for the three week trial.
- Explains that social cognitive theory was used in a study where forty-six african american participants were interviewed about obstacles to weight loss.
- Explains that the results of the study are clinically and theoretically significant, but not even close to statistical significance.
- Explains the benefits of weight loss, such as mental and physical health improvements. the high medical costs associated with adult obesity were also a recurring theme in their research.
- Explains the weaknesses of their research, such as the study involving underweight, overweight, and normal weight women of child bearing age.
- Cites baskin, m.a., imayama, i. a.-s. and mastin, t.
- Cites rioux, j. r., steinberg, d. t.-h. and wronka, i.
- Cites baskin, m.a., imayama, i. a.-s. and mastin, t.
- Cites rioux, j. r., steinberg, d. t.-h. and wronka, i.
3327 wordsRead More - Psychological Research on Attempts to Lose Weightexplanatory essayObesity is most common amongst people living in Western society, with evidence suggesting that about 24% of men and 27% of women in the United States being regarded as thus (Williamson, 1995). It therefore comes as no surprise that an estimated 24% of men and 40% of women are dieting at any one time (Brownell & Rodin, 1994). However, even though it appears that we are aware of the issue of obesity, and many of us, as the figures imply, are trying to lose weight, obesity is still on the increase throughout the world. In order to understand why this is occurring, we must consider first the origins of obesity, and then why it is, that so many attempts to combat this epidemic are failing.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that psychological research on attempts to lose weight has led to the derivation of notions such as set-point theory, the externality hypothesis, and the restrained eating hypothesis.
- Explains that obesity is most common amongst people living in western society, with evidence suggesting that about 24% of men and 27% of women in the united states being regarded as such.
- Explains that food is one of the factors that contributes to obesity. many studies have been carried out in an attempt to find exactly where our desire to eat stems from, and how we can effectively control it.
- Explains that one of the first studies in this field, came the notion that the feeling of hunger came from the stomach. this theory was discredited after later studies found that even those who had their stomach removed, for medical reasons, continued to experience hunger.
- Discredits the dual-centres model of hunger, which proposed two specific centres in the brain, the lateral hypothalamus, and the ventromedial nucleus, of which decreased hunger and increased hunger respectively.
- Explains that the glucostatic theory of hunger is regulated by the rise and fall of blood glucose levels.
- Explains that insulin and leptin regulate our hunger. the secretion of insulin into the blood is associated with hunger, as evidenced by judith rodin's experiments.
- Explains that leptin is produced by fat cells, which release it into the bloodstream. this hormone is able to pass on information about the levels of fat stalls in the body.
- Explains that environmental factors in the regulation of hunger also govern eating to a considerable extent, including learned preferences and habits, food-related cues and stress.
- Explains that the externality hypothesis is based on the notion that people are accustomed to food-related cues. experiments were carried out to support this claim.
- Argues that the body defends a weight that is natural for the individual, even if it is not statistically "normal." richard keesey suggests that set-point may be the reason why many attempts to change one's weight, most notably through dieting, inevitably results in return to baseline weight levels.
- Explains that stability is maintained under different environmental and physiological conditions, which supports the view that body weight, like body temp or total body water, is regulated around some reference level, or set-point.
- Explains that the person's set-point is a limited range, and not precise weight, as the name suggests.
- Explains that herman and polivy have proposed a number of unfavourable effects of restrained eating, commonly known as dieting, such as obesity.
- Explains that psychological research suggests that many attempts to lose weight are futile and that there is no good way to keep it off. the ideal is to change one's goal from weight loss to health, to normalising eating and improving self-esteem.
1299 wordsRead More - Analysis Of Don T Blame The Eateranalytical essayThere are 196 countries in the world and America has been given the title of the most obese. Obesity is a disorder that increases health issues due to an excessive amount of body fat. This disorder is caused by the lack of exercise and the consumption of unhealthy foods. Being overweight is the second leading cause of deaths in America. Unlike the majority of diseases, obesity is 100% preventable. Obesity is and has been affecting people of all ages, but has taken a recent toll on the generation of people from ages 18-25. Because of this condition, this generation may be the first to die before their parents. Though it is near impossible to change the lifestyle of every single person, the current generation may be able to help the next generations
In this essay, the author
- Recommends that students take a health class that teaches the dangers of becoming obese and take some form of physical education such as sports pe or yoga.
- Explains that the average american spends 11 plus hours using electronic devices on a daily basis. while technology makes it easier to live, it can be extremely harmful to one’s health.
- Explains that modern society is addicted to technology, but people are also becoming more addict to food, which leads to obesity. the article food addiction: could it explain why 70 percent of america is fat reveals that industrial, processed, sugar, fat, and salt-laden food is biologically addictive.
- Explains that people choose to eat fast food because it saves money as well as time. the bible says to treat the body as a temple.
- Argues that advertising doesn't carry warning labels like tobacco ads, and that consumers deserve to know what unhealthy foods consist of.
- Explains that obesity is a disorder that increases health issues due to an excessive amount of body fat and is the second leading cause of deaths in america.
- Analyzes jane e. bordy's article attacking the obesity epidemic by first figuring out its cause.
1825 wordsRead More - Fast Food in Americaopinion essayCarey, Rita E. "The Obesity Epidemic Poses a Global Health Threat.” Green haven Press, October 2006
In this essay, the author
- Explains that there are more fast food places in america than actual grocery stores, but many don't know the side effects that go along with the purchase.
- Explains that blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls as it circulates through your body. it is caused from a variety of things from sodium and fat intake to smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Explains that mcdonald's is a fast food restaurant where people buy double the amount they actually need. the prevalence of overweight and obesity in u.s. children and adolescents has tripled in the last three decades and research indicates that 15% of americans between 6 and 19 are now obese.
- Explains that people with high cholesterol and blood pressure are the number one candidates for heart disease. the most common type is coronary heart disease, which kills an estimated amount of 46,000 americans a year.
- Explains that the fast food industry has come out with what they consider to be "healthy" menu items, such as salads and grilled foods.
- Explains that mcdonald's has launched a line of "premium" salads and now offers apple slices and apple juice or milk with its happy meals as alternatives to fries and sodas.
- Opines that fast food industries are trying to provide healthier choices, but providing a salad topped with the greasiest piece of fried meat is not the way to go.
- Opines that even though fast food is convenient, it is not worth all the possible effects. moderation is the way to go.
- Analyzes how the obesity epidemic poses a global health threat.
912 wordsRead More - The Epidemic of Obesityanalytical essayTo me obesity is a major concern throughout America and has driven our country to become the second most obese country (behind Mexico) in the world. It really didn’t dawn onto me on how big our country is pertaining to obesity until I started my Agronomy class this semester. On the first day of class my teacher informed us on how Louisiana has been ranked the most obese state for the first time in eight years in our nation, and as he went on I started to ask myself, “How could this happen?” Of course I started to ponder about Louisiana’s seafood and other delicate cuisine that people can’t get enough of which might cause an over indulgence of eating but that couldn’t be enough to cause obesity in Louisiana or even the nation. Well my professor went on to state that America’s food source is in the best shape of the whole world and the best in the history of the world, meaning that America’s ability to distribute clean and reliable food to its citizens is second to none. Then it hit me, “Maybe the reason America is obese is because we are able to access food more easily than anyone else, so we must eat more.” So I started researching on America’s daily calorie intake and found an infographic, (a visual image such as a chart or diagram used to represent information or data), on The Huffington Post showing two bar graphs, one showing the 20 highest and 20 lowest consuming countries and discovered that America is number one consuming an average of 3770 calories a day opposed to the recommended average of about 2500. At this moment I was appalled because according to the graph, on average America is consuming an extra 1270 calories, and it only takes only an extra 3500 calories a week to gain a pound. So, if Americans are eating 1270 c...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that obesity is a major concern throughout america and has driven our country to become the second most obese country in the world.
- Concludes that america's obesity is due to the availability of cheap unhealthy foods vs. not so cheap healthier food.
- Explains that the harvard school of public health study determined that healthier food and non-healthy food is only separated by a mere $1.50.
- Explains that healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, dairy products, beef, chicken, lean pork, seafood, and fast foods.
- Analyzes the reasons why people purchase unhealthy food, such as the taste of sweets, the price of most junk foods, and the fact that fresh produce has increased in price.
- Concludes that they feel they have a more than adequate subject to address and has many sides to the topic including if actually healthy food is not as expensive as people think.
- Analyzes rao, mayuree, ashkan afshin, gitanjali singh, and dariush mozaffarian's systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Describes the countries that eat the most and the least according to the huffington post.
- Explains jibrin, j., "the 100 healthiest foods." glossary of health-food. american health.
- Describes finkelstein, eric a., and laurie zuckerman's the fattening america: how the economy makes us fat, if it matters and what to do about it.
- Explains collins english dictionary - complete & unabridged 10th edition. harpercollins publishers.
- Analyzes nestle's article, "does it really cost more to buy healthy food?"
1185 wordsRead More