...David Zinczenko in his essay “Don’t Blame the Eater” confronts the topic of adolescent obesity and its correlation to the daily consumption of fast-foods. The author reveals that he too, at one point, fell victim to the “golden arches”. The author’s personal narrative revealed that after eating fast-food twice a day he weighed two-hundred and twelve pounds standing at only five foot ten. I sympathize with the author about the ever increasing numbers of childhood obesity, the money in which is donated to childhood obesity research, and the misconception of nutrition labels of prepared foods. The author used valid statistics to acclimate the reader to his point of view. He believes that the problem should not just be assumed by the consumers...
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...The purpose of this essay is review the strategies that are aimed at either preventing obesity or decreasing the burden of health related issues caused by obesity that currently exists within Australia. Obesity is identified as one of the Australia’s National Health Priority areas. Globally obesity ranks as the fifth leading cause of mortality. Obesity is also a major contributor to the burden of diabetes at 44%, ischaemic heart disease at 23% and around 7 to 41% for certain cancers.1 In this essay I will be focusing on childhood obesity, where it is estimated that in 2010, 43 million children under the age of 5 years will be categorised as being overweight or obese.1 Queensland unfortunately has the highest rate of obesity within Australia at around 18.5% of the population. Of which 19 to 24% of Australian school age children are overweight or obese.2 Whilst researching this issue I came across Bowen Athletics Club who investigated the influence of improving food choices in their canteen had on their members. Many of their strategies incorporated initiatives that had been tabled within the Eat Well Queensland project, which looked at Social Determinants of health, productivity and cooperation from local and state governments and non-government agencies. I will then conclude that based on evidenced sourced that the actions and strategies that the Bowen Athletics Club used seemed sufficient enough in changing attitudes and behaviours of it’s members. Obesity is caused by an increase...
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...‘Obesity is a social issue because of parenting and family issues rather than a food issue. What role do families play in the increasing level of obesity in Australian children?’ Childhood obesity levels are rising in many countries throughout the world, including Australia. Numerous studies of Australian, overweight children, have shown obesity has doubled in recent years with 20% - 25% of children now considered obese or overweight (Batch & Baur 2005, p.130). The health and social problems associated with obesity in children are numerous, pushing health practitioners and researchers to uncover solutions for this issue. While evidence points to many dissimilar rationales, much emphasis is being placed upon parents and their role in educating and providing children with effective lifestyle behaviours, focussed on gaining control of the obesity wave. This essay explores the parent’s responsibilities and influences on their child’s weight; through nutritional choices, physical activity and screen time (television, computer and video games), as well as marital status and parenting styles. It will also discuss research showing genetics to be a large portion of the illustration into the world of childhood obesity, and could be the exception to placing blame on the family. Treatment programs for obese children are taking into account parental influences of food choices within the family. Parents are exclusively accountable for the procurement and preparation of healthy...
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...Rachael Burgess ID# 0281953 Eng. 101-F2 Short Essay Obesity in America: Balko vs Zinczenko Obesity is a growing problem in the US. There are many ways to go around trying and fixing it. Whiter they’re right or wrong is the question. How they go about it is another thing entirely. David Zinczenko and Radley Balko are from opposing sides on this issue. Zinczenko takes the sides of those who chose to blame the fast food companies. While Balko states that everyone should have personal responsibility. Which, I agree with. Out of the two of them, Balko is the one I have sided with. In his essay DZ states “Before 1994, only about 5 percent of childhood cases were obesity-related, or Type 2 diabetes. In 2002, "according to the National Institutes of Health, Type 2 diabetes accounts for at least 30 percent of all new childhood cases of diabetes in this country"(Zinczenko) This number has grown according to most health studies. Though, Zinczenko states this fact firmly. He does not provide a strong connection to this and obesity in children. Though he is trying to prove a good point there is not enough information to back it up. If he had the proper facts his argument would have been better. DZ had concluded that "Fast-food companies are marketing to children a product with proven health hazards and no warning labels. They would do well to protect themselves, and their customers, by providing the nutrition information people need to make informed choices about their products"...
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...There is a growing epidemic of childhood obesity in Australia and also worldwide. The prevalence of obesity has doubled to 65% of the world’s population live in countries where obesity and overweight kills more people than underweight does (WHO, 2011). Obese children are more likely to have health problems throughout their childhood, these health issues are associated with long-term health consequences to which the economic costs are enormous (Swinburn, 2008). Obesity in childhood is frequently tracked into adulthood, this is clearly a major contributor for the adulthood epidemic. Interventions and preventions have become key strategies in reducing the impact of childhood obesity. Through national and international health promotions, promoting healthy eating and physical activity in environments that reduce childhood obesity. The rapid increase of childhood obesity not only is it a burden on psychological, physical but also socially (Deckelbaum & Williams, 2005). Health care professionals such as nurses’ play a very important role in the prevention or management of obesity. Nurses’ can research current evidence in health promotions to find the best program for different populations by providing support and management of their illness (Bluford, Sherry & Scanlon, 2007). Throughout this is essay all these points will be discussed in more detail. Obesity and overweight have been defined as an excess or abnormal fat accumulation that may impair health within children and adults...
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...Public Health Issue: Childhood Obesity Anna Walker, the Healthcare Commission Chief Executive explained that "Childhood obesity is a serious health problem that can follow people much later into life. It is a causal factor in a number of chronic diseases and conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes” (Audit Commission 2006). The World Health Organisation, describes obesity as having “reached global epidemic proportions, with more than 1.6 billion adults overweight, at least 400 million of those clinically obese” (WHO 2005). In England, the Department of Health (DH), states that almost “1 in 4 adults are currently obese and projects that 9 in 10 adults will either be overweight or obese if this issue is not addressed.” Obesity is therefore an important public health issue and this essay will focus on childhood obesity as a Parliament report states that overweight children and adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults, it also implies more public resources over a longer time period. If obesity carries on into adulthood, in a hospital setting, the patient’s weight can have an impact on the health of NHS staff, as is already being noted by Unions (Mansfield, 2007). Epidemiology will be used to examine childhood obesity in children aged 2 to 10 within England and the relevant policies implemented in an attempt to reduce this ‘epidemic.’ The role of the nurse in helping to tackle the nationwide problem will also...
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...no bun. Today, we see fast food all over America, whether it is through television advertisements, billboards or magazines it is always going to surround us. So when we start to gain weight due to our busy life style is it our fault or the fast food industry? In 2002 there were multiple complaints filed against the McDonald’s corporation. One family claimed that McDonald’s was the cause for their child's obesity. This lawsuit raised some controversial questions about corporate responsibility versus personal responsibility. Is McDonalds truly the cause for this child's weight problem or the individual or even the parents themselves? There are studies that show an individual could be obese due to genetics but it is absolutely a matter of personal responsibility. Mcdonald's advertising did not force this family into their restaurant or force feed them double cheeseburgers everyday to their child. It certainly did not mislead this family's knowledge about the importance of a living a healthy life style and the importance of eating right. In some ways the idea that obesity could be a matter of corporate responsibly completely undermines the decisions of American people and how they live their lives. People who think that McDonalds advertisements are unfairly advertised to society and to children forget to realize that is the companies rights to advertize however they freely want. In the first amendment of the constitution it clearly states the protection of freedom of speech and...
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...What is behind every major brand in the world? An iconic sportsman endorsing it. The celebrity status of sportsmen all over the world has continued to grow, especially in the past decade. Sports stars are often regarded as role models and therefore it has been suggested they should only be able to endorse certain brands and messages. I will be arguing in this essay through the example of NBA star LeBron James how I agree due to sporting stars growing influence on society, especially children and teens, they should not be allowed to endorse negative brands or messages such as unhealthy food. The influence of sporting stars in today’s society is major. Most athletes idolised by millions around the globe, kids holding onto every word that comes from their mouths. Think of your childhood idol for a second. When you are a child you are so infatuated by your idols you want to be just like them, do what they do, eat what they eat and wear what they wear. With this kind of influence on thousands of people caution needs to be taken when deciding the brands and messages one can endorse. A case study completed by youth in India provides proof of the influence Sporting Stars can have on our youth. About 14.1% of the children tested admitted to purchase products that appear in ads endorsed by their sporting heroes while 51.6% youngsters say that they make the purchase however, not always. 20.4 % say that they never buy products that appear in ads. Another 13% say that they do not want...
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...Child obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or wellbeing. The cause of childhood obesity are spread out, and certain factors to this epidemic include lack of physical activity and dietary patterns. Changing eating and physical activity in children with the use of nutritional guides, work out DVDs and proactive parents can assist in decreasing child obesity (Ryder, 2011). Child Obesity is determined through BMI, body mass index. Children over age 2, or teens whose BMI is less than the 5th percentile are considered underweight. A child that ranges in the 5th percentile and less than the 85th percentile are at a healthy weight. In the 85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile are considered overweight. Equal to, or greater than the 95th percentile are considered obese. Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. One major contributor to a child’s diet that affects their weight is beverages that include soda and juice boxes. The consumption of soda by children has increased throughout the last 20 years by 300 percent. Scientific studies have documented a 60 percent increase risk of obesity for every regular soda consumed per day. With the growing use of computers, and watching TV this is a big contributing factor as well that contributes to child obesity. We find that these activities take away the physical activity that children need to stay healthy. Sedentary...
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...Facts Public interest groups have become increasingly critical of the food industry. Childhood obesity has become epidemic in the United States. According to the American Journal of Business Education, “One-third of the population of US children is considered obese and two-thirds of the adult population falls into the same category.” A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation states that between the time periods 1963-1970 and 1999-2000, the percentage of overweight children aged 6 to 11 skyrocketed from 4.2 to 15.3 percent. (341). Many feel that this is a result of the food industry’s targeting of young children with deceptive advertisements promoting unhealthy processed foods. In January 2005, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated claims that McDonald’s violated New York State’s consumer protection act by falsely advertising the health benefits of its food. (341). Responding to the public pressure, Kraft Foods in January 2005 made a major shift in their corporate marketing policy. (341). They would stop advertising such products as Kool-Aid, Oreo cookies, Chips Ahoy cookies, and selected varieties of Lunchables and Post cereals in television, radio and print ads directed at children younger than 12. (342,343). In so doing, Kraft was conceding that such advertisements might, in fact, adversely impact the health of young children. According to Michael Mudd, a member of Kraft’s “obesity strategy team,” Kraft made this decision to avoid a decades-long court battle with...
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...not in nature, but in society’ (Murcott, 1979). Globally a steady increase in the amount of seriously overweight and obese adults and children has been observed, ‘There are now about one billion people worldwide who are overweight or obese’ (Ford Runge, 2007). Obesity is a major health concern and in danger of reaching epidemic proportions. Overweight and obese individuals risk the distinct possibility of a diminished quality of life and the consequence of developing serious illness and society in general is burdened with the financial implications of treatment. This essay will identify why obesity is a major health issue and examine its causes and associated behaviors. Overweight and obesity are terms that refer to an excess of body fat, the findings of a study conducted by the National Audit Office (2001) states that ‘Obesity is a condition in which weight gain has reached the point of seriously endangering health’. This opinion was reinforced in a report published by the House of Commons Health Committee (2004), defining obesity as ‘an excess of body fat frequently resulting in a significant impairment of health and longevity’. The basis for defining an individual to be overweight and classifying obesity commonly relates to a ratio of increased weight for height. The most regularly used standard of measurement is Body Mass Index (BMI). This method...
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...Ever since I was little the argument has always been the same, I’ll be the first to admit that childhood obesity is a serious epidemic in this country, but it just seems to me that instead of studying the topic and finding solutions people are more and more curious about finding someone else to blame. Each and every person is responsible for the things that they eat and the things that they do this is an undeniable truth, but no matter what it seems as though people are more interested in shifting the blame to something else for example childhood obesity instead of blaming the person who spent years and years eating three meals a day from McDonald’s not concerned with the calories or the health issues just shoveling food in their mouth, no...
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...We Are Detrimentally Dependent on Technology October 13, 2010 Abstract Technology comes in many forms and no aspect of our lives is untouched by some form of technology or another. Technology is defined as “the practical application of science to commerce or industry”. Technological development into present day has been meteoric to say the least. With the advancements of nearly every aspect of human life having some tie with technology, one might start to see a synergistic relationship between humans and technology. However, while some would believe this relationship has been beneficial for us, we believe there have been detrimental effects from our growing dependence on technology. 1 Introduction No one can argue against the fact that the human race has made enormous bounds in advancements in the last century. From developments in technology which affect society, how we communicate, the field of medicine and education. Technology has not left any aspects of our lives untouched. There will be no shortage of people who would argue that the technological advancements of the 21st century have been beneficial to society. While beneficial, we believe that, as a society, we must realise the magnitude of our dependence on technology and the ramifications if it were to be taken away from us. This paper argues that humans have formed a detrimental symbiotic relationship with technology in its many forms. This paper will investigate the changes that technology has affected, and show that...
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...minutes of satisfaction that fast food brings. One should carefully think before they eat fast food. The health risks that come from eating so much fast food are life-threatening. Obesity can come from eating fast food that’s bought often. Fast food is made from a lot of high saturated fats and calories if it isn’t work off, then you can grow to become obese. “Even a small quantity of fast food contains high calories. People are fooled by the quantity and they tend to eat more. Thus, without knowing, they consume a lot of calories” (How). This is a prime example on how people can consume so many calories, and without even knowing. Obesity isn’t the only risk, because heart disease is also a prime factor. “What you eat can affect your heart’s health and your chances of developing life-threatening heart disease” (Robin). When you eat all of the fats, sugars, and salts, your heart can grow weak and it will endanger you. There is no safe risk for your body when it comes to eating fast food. Food-borne illnesses can come from out fast food. What most people don’t know is the conditions the animals are living in before they’re killed. Cows are being hung upside, pigs and chickens are cramped in enclosed spaces. “Inside the facility, the animals are beaten once more to be herded into place. In one case, a man is seen punching, kicking and kneeing a pig, then striking it with a steel stunning tong at least 20 times, as the animal screams” (Gutierrez). What can come from those living...
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...the world. This essay will focus on the benefits of exercise for both physical and mental health. It is obvious that exercise helps people prevent a variety of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, depression and Parkinson’s. This also raises an argument on whether government should play an important role in promoting physical activity. This essay will clarify that it is reasonable for the state to take responsibilities in order to make sure that social health would be improved in the following years. 1/ Introduction A healthy lifestyle and longer lives are always the target that everyone wants to achieve, specifically; it is obvious that one of the most effective ways to do this is through exercise. Exercise generally means physical activity that makes your body strong and healthy. In addition, exercise also benefits mental health, especially in stressful work conditions which can affect individuals who lead busy lives. Therefore, in my opinion, it will be reasonable for the government (the state) to be responsible for ensuring regular exercise of all citizens. This essay consists of three main parts which will discuss the reasons why physical activity is beneficial to everybody. Firstly, the piece shall discuss the positive effects that exercise brings to our physical health. After that, it will focus on mental health as it is clear that physical activity plays a crucial role in keeping our mind active and productive. Finally, as a result, the essay shall represent...
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