...Word count : 2082 This assignment serves the purpose of identifying and critically examining being overweight and obesity in the context of urbanization and globalization and the role it plays in the mental and physical health of Australians. Obesity rates among Australians are high and have been increasing at a rate faster than any other country a part of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (Department of Infrastructure and Transport, 2011). More than 60 percent of adults and 25 per cent of children are overweight or obese in Australia and this percentage is projected to rise 15 per cent over the next decade (Department of Infrastructure and Transport, 2011). Following on from an overview of the description of the issue, a discussion of the history of obesity and health will be given, including the role that social policy has played. In past, being overweight was a sign of affluence, fertility, prosperity and art, however now with increased medical and scientific research the health risks are identified, yet obesity is now found in high percentages amongst the socio economically disadvantaged. An analysis of the effectiveness of current policy on health and obesity will be given with particular reference to the United Nations Declaration of human rights which highlights the right of every person to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their family, including food (United Nations, n.d). In an ever increasing globalised...
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...believe increasing obesity within Australia is a problem. It is only when these conditions come to the table, that solutions to stop the ‘epidemic’ will be proposed: 2 in 4 children are drinking soft drink more frequently than water, 90% of adults being classified as overweight or obese, Australian families spending over 25% of their food budget on take away and obesity being the leading contributor to diseases within the country. Scenes of delicious, juicy burgers and sickeningly sweet soft drinks were broadcast, when the nation’s obesity deniers held a press conference on ‘National Obesity Day’ to depict exactly what the statistics must before they believe that Australia has an increasingly large problem with obesity. The group of sceptics...
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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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...they eat, nevertheless if we’re frequently exposed to food advertisements every time we read a glossy magazine or watch TV then we may be influenced in what we choose, especially when the advertisement is directed toward children . In this essay I will outline some influence towards one’s food choices and the links between media and children obesity and the effects television food commercials have on children’s food preferences. Food choices are influenced by vast quantity of interrelating factors and theory “it is not solely determined on physiological or nutritional” (Shepherd, 1999, p. 807). Other factor that may influence food choices are biological for example hunger, appetite and taste and then there economic and physical this may be prejudiced by the cost of the food and a individuals income the availably of food choice or education or the skill needed to cook the food. Psychological reason may have a effect on the food we eat for example what type of mood we in. when a we are stress we might eat more or less and it could also come down to ones knowledge of food, is it good for you or not (Newman, Food Identity, 2012). In Australia, children under 18 have an average $31.60 to spend each week and they influence more than 70 per cent of their parents' clothes and fast food purchases (Powell & Zuel, 3 September 1993). Being a father of two young boys, I am faced with the...
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...they eat, nevertheless if we’re frequently exposed to food advertisements every time we read a glossy magazine or watch TV then we may be influenced in what we choose, especially when the advertisement is directed toward children . In this essay I will outline some influence towards one’s food choices and the links between media and children obesity and the effects television food commercials have on children’s food preferences. Food choices are influenced by vast quantity of interrelating factors and theory “it is not solely determined on physiological or nutritional” (Shepherd, 1999, p. 807). Other factor that may influence food choices are biological for example hunger, appetite and taste and then there economic and physical this may be prejudiced by the cost of the food and a individuals income the availably of food choice or education or the skill needed to cook the food. Psychological reason may have a effect on the food we eat for example what type of mood we in. when a we are stress we might eat more or less and it could also come down to ones knowledge of food, is it good for you or not (Newman, Food Identity, 2012). In Australia, children under 18 have an average $31.60 to spend each week and they influence more than 70 per...
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...in particular obesity, has become a major concern in the past few decades (Allison, Bray, & McElory 2006). Australia has always been viewed as a country full of healthy and attractive people, however in the last two decades there has been an increase in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension among adults and children (Gavin, Dowshen, & Izenberg, 2004). These adverse health conditions are more common in Australian obese children, than children of a healthy weight (Troiano, 1995 as cited in Stunkard & Wadden 2002). The World Health Organisation reports that obesity is a global health concern (Lean & Sattar, 2007). In the past decades obesity in children was not always the centre point of health speculation (Allison et al, 2006). In recent times it has become a serious health concern in Australia (Brand-Miller, Foster-Powell, Colagiuri & Barclay, 2007). A study done by Mossberg (1989) shows there has been a dramatic increase in obesity since the 1980’s. In 1980 Australia had eight percent of children classified as obese (as cited in Mcdermott, 2006). The same study done in year 2000 showed obesity had more than doubled to 18.4% in under 18 year olds (Mcdermott, 2006). Gaven et al, (2004) mention that challenges arise for parents to provide a healthy lifestyle for children in modern day society. Maintaining a healthy weight is about balancing food consumption and energy use through physical activity, Lara (2000) remarks that “obesity is a disorder...
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...Running head: AMERICA'S AFFLUENCE AND OBESITY America's Affluence and Obesity Cassandra L Thomas American Intercontinental University Abstract The problem of obesity in America has risen to epidemic levels. Congress in 2002 charged the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to find ways to prevent this epidemic. The IOM appointed nineteen experts to handle this issue, experts in health, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and public health. It has been determined that it is not just up to Congress but also the individual. ("Preventing Childhood Obesity:" 2005). This paper will take a look at how the affluence of America plays a part in this epidemic. (I.O.M 2004). America's Affluence and Obesity America’s Affluence and Obesity Since the beginning of America, folks have lived off the land. Vegetables, fruits were grown on lands free from pesticides and fertilizers. Animals used for food were allowed to eat what the land offered. People grew vegetable gardens, and traded with each other. They made their own preserves, from fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods were in great abundance and there was very little waste. Then there came an educated generation that had no use or respect for the land. New Generation This new educated generation, felt they were much too educated to work the land, they went after the dollar, it became all about making money. Money to buy bigger houses, bigger cars, lusting the glamour, and glitter of Hollywood. The world became aware...
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...States. However, with the growing global health concern, there is a threat of societal backlash as the promotion of supersized food portions adopted by fast-food companies is often singled out as the leading cause of obesity epidemic. This report examines the rationale and effects of supersized food portions on the increase in food consumption, and analyses the effectiveness of portion-controlled measure to combat obesity. It suggests that Carl’s Jr. could thus leverage on portion-controlled strategy by developing a new line of meals with reduced portion, complemented by financial incentives such as vouchers and higher loyalty points. Overall, this report underscores the promising strategy for Carl’s Jr to capitalize on to improve our brand image and effectively capture a new demographic of health-conscious consumers. 2. Introduction (383 words) Following the alarming intensification in the prevalence of obesity, there has been growing global concern to identify the associated factors of obesity (Tomer, 2012). Emerging attention has been placed on environmental factors, albeit obesity is multifactorial. With that, increased societal pressure is thus placed on purveyors of fast-food as they are inextricably blamed to have contributed to this burgeoning epidemic (Chandon, 2013; Leny Glas, 2012; Marchiori, Waroquier, Khein, 2012; Steenhuis & Vermeer, 2009; Tomer, 2012; Vermeer, Leeuwis, Koprulu, Zouitni, Seidall & Steenhuis, 2012; Wansink & Hukabee, 2005; Young &...
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...Though many are suffering from malnutrition and anorexia, Australia is becoming a major part of an epidemic that is impacting mass number of people globally, Obesity. In every three Australians, 2 will be obese. Though this is preventable, it is currently damaging the society due to the health and financial impacts. This shocking figure is only expected to increase, unless there are immediate changes applied to the current diet and lifestyle habits of many Australians. Furthermore, as a chain affect, the risk of other diseases increases drastically. Obesity is mainly caused by poor diets, consisting of high calorie and/or over nutritious foods. High fat foods are the main contributor. People, who are obese, will have a BMI reading of 30 or...
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...Introduction Obesity in children is a major health issue affecting the Australian population with approximately 1 in 4 children being overweight or obese (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2013). It represents a major health and economic burden costing Australia around $58 billion in 2008 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010). When assessing this issue from a public health perceptive, it is important to consider how obesity can affect the children in our society and the health complications obesity can lead to. The aim of this essay is to discuss the impact of obesity in children aged 6-17, in regards to its rising prevalence patterns, health risk behaviours and social determines. Health promotion and educational campaigns along...
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...Obesity: A Global Epidemic Introduction This analysis dives deep into the rising trend of obesity, and is designed to juxtapose the actions of McDonald’s corporation and the increasing trend of consumer preference of organic, healthy products. The market of food consumers is becoming increasingly health-focused although the simultaneous increases in obesity in almost all countries seem to be driven mainly by changes in the global food system, which is producing more processed, affordable, and effectively marketed food than ever before (Swinburn, 137). If fast-food chains such as McDonald’s ignore these changes in consumer knowledge and preferences, they will not survive the onslaught of other, new companies who now seek to bring fast, healthy food to the consumer’s table. Many of the labels that Label Print Technologies (LPT) produces are for smaller, organic food manufacturers who seek to bring a healthy product to their customers. The growth of the organic product industry has created large areas of growth in many different industries; the label industry is ripe for the picking and LPT is ready to act. Where once there were big manufacturers looking to have hundreds of thousands of labels produced at once, there are now smaller, health-focused companies looking for more intricately designed labels to adorn their high quality products, and not necessarily in mass quantity. Obesity is defined as fat accumulation that may impair health. The World Health Organization...
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...The convenience of fast food in our society has caused us to become blind to the health effects of indulging in that type of food. According to the website stateofobesity.com, 34 % of all Americans are overweight. Obesity is rising at a steady rate of nearly one percent a year, while Americans are eating larger servings of food than in the past. In my personal experience, the root cause of the obesity epidemic is the “Dollar Menu” offered by many restaurant chains. Fast food restaurants can pump out a multitude of menu items for “dirt cheap.” This sounds great, right? Not when you see the calorie count and also where they get this meat! Let's take a “Big Mac” for example from everyone's favorite golden arches. A “Big Mac” on average with medium fries and no drink, has a calorie count of 1080 according to to the website livestrong.com. This to is half of the daily intake of calories recommended for the average sized male or female. Also take into consideration, normal American’s wash down their “Big Mac” with a favorite soda poured into your extra large cup, which adds additional calories. Of course, many restaurants also contribute to the epidemic that is obesity, but they are not the only problem. Often times, the advertised healthier choices and/or healthier restaurants (i.e, Subway or Panera...
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...The focus of this article was the explanation that sugar within soda can be more harmful than you can expect. The author does a brilliant job at describing the sugar and obesity epidemic in our nation. Marcia Clemmitt is social policy reporter for CQ Researcher and a former editor in chief for Medicine & Health. The formal information given on obesity suggest that the audience is anyone that is struggling with obesity or gaining knowledge on this issue. The statistics and unbiased views serve as a resource to others. There are multiple graphs that reflect the states within the U.S with the higher numbers of obese children. The article on Sugar Controversies was found by using CQ researcher and their advanced search option. CQ Researcher is a resource that contains many articles on the hot topics of today. This article focuses in on the affects a parent has on their child’s eating habits. The author,...
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...Public Health Nutrition: 9(7), 889–895 DOI: 10.1017/PHN2005917 Parental concerns about childhood obesity and the strategies employed to prevent unhealthy weight gain in children David Crawford1,*, Anna Timperio1, Amanda Telford2 and Jo Salmon1 1 Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia: 2Division of Exercise Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia Submitted 8 June 2005: Accepted 21 November 2005 Abstract Objectives: To describe parental concerns about their child’s weight, to determine the proportion of parents taking preventive action to avoid obesity in their children and the predictors of taking preventive action, and to describe the strategies adopted by parents. Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Children’s heights and weights were measured, and parents completed a questionnaire that included measures of their own weight status, perceptions of their child’s weight, concerns about their child’s current weight and future weight as an adolescent and adult, and the strategies used to prevent obesity. Setting: The study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Subjects: A total of 291 families of children aged 5–6 years and 919 families of children aged 10–12 years participated. Results: Eighty-nine per cent of parents of overweight 5–6-year-olds and 63% of parents of overweight 10–12-year-olds...
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...Childhood obesity has grown into an epidemic within the last 30 years. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2011), “7% of children were considered obese in the U.S. in 1980, and by 2008, it was nearly 20%. Additionally, the incidence of obesity among adolescent children, aged 12-19 years, grew from 5% to 18% over the same time period” (CDC, 2011). Coincidentally, over the past 30 years, more parents are working, not only every day, but longer hours, and in many cases both parents are working. Is the rat race killing our kids? There is an epidemic of parents who are too tired or lazy to engage their children, and have begun relying on the T.V., computers, or video games to occupy and entertain them. Also, the evolution of new technology has children involved with a screen of some sort, whether it’s a T.V., video game, cell phone, computer, etc, hence researchers have coined the term, “screen time.” This behavior of instant gratification has created an environment of sedentary behavior, as well as fostering a lack of personal interaction with others. The increase in screen time has become a normal way for parents to occupy their children while they are busy doing tasks of their own or resting after a long day at work. This paper will show that as a society, everyone should be proactive, take responsibility, and offer support and encouragement to promote appropriate physical activity in children. Children must be shown that there are more things to do outside...
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