...America is a fat country and that is a fact. One third of adults and roughly 12.7 million children are obese in the United States of America ("Overweight & Obesity.", Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2015). Furthermore, the numbers of obese people are rapidly rising at an alarming rate. America’s excessive food consumption and lack of exercise is catapulting the obesity epidemic in America to reach new heights. The word “obese” describes an individual who has too much body fat in which 25 percent of the body weight is from fat (Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing & Health Professions 2012). On the other hand, obesity is a condition in which the body has accumulated too much fat. This condition occurs when there is excessive...
Words: 622 - Pages: 3
...Every year 300,000 Americans die from an obesity-related disease or disorder. Of course, this is not a surprise considering the unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity Americans are so accustomed to but what if there was a way to reduce the number of people dying from these avoidable diseases and disorders? How much money and food could the U.S government save if we just got rid of all the couch potatoes taking up most of the space in the United States? Obesity is very much a common problem in North America, specifically the United States. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Exam Survey (NHNES), “More than one in thirteen adults were considered to have extreme obesity.” With fast food places on every street corner and the rise in popularity of smartphones and social media preventing people from leading healthy lifestyles, there is no surprise that the number of basketball-shaped persons has increased. Obesity is not only common, but it is a serious and costly problem as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The estimated annual cost of obesity in the U.S was $147 billion in 2008 U.S dollars; the medical costs for people who have obesity were $1,429 [USD] higher than those of normal weight.” Serious measures must be put in place to reduce the number of people with...
Words: 676 - Pages: 3
...Obesity in America had been a problem for decades, it has been drastically increasing because of the fast food corporations and their hidden plan. This epidemic affects both people in local areas and on a larger global scale. Unhealthy food corporations in America have manipulated the lives and diets of many Americans, causing harm to people. Some examples of harm are diabetes, heart disease, and eventually even death. People might argue that any harm people endure due to eating unhealthy is the people’s fault because Americans have their own free will to eat whatever they want. This would be true if it weren’t for the billions that are wasted in advertisements and things of that nature to almost force people to eat unhealthy. There are multiple sides to this argument, whether it’s defending the companies, the people, or even the animals, obesity will always be in the hands of the people with power, the fast food corporations...
Words: 492 - Pages: 2
...Obesity rates have more than doubled in adults and children since the 1970’s. Obesity is widespread and continues to be a leading public health problem in the U.S. In addition, severe obesity is a serious and increasing problem among children,adolescents, and adults. More than one-third of U.S adults are obese. In general, rates of obesity are higher for Black and HIspanic than White woman, higher for Black and Hispanic men than White men, higher in the South and Midwest, and tend to increase with age. Research also shows that the heaviest Americans have become even heavier the past decade. Recent national data show that 57.2 percent of Black women and 46.9 percent of Hispanic women are obese compared to 38.2 percent of White women. One in six children and adolescents are obese in the U.S. About 15 percent of low-income preschoolers are obese. Obesity rates tend to be higher and have increased more rapidly over time among Black and Hispanic children than White children. The prevalence is also higher among children living in the Southern region of the U.S. Based on recent national figures,...
Words: 477 - Pages: 2
...That is a whopping 7.6 million Americans. Obesity-related consequences include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. These are some of the leading causes of preventable death. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was $147 billion in 2008. The medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. If Americans do not change their poor eating habits by 2030 forty-two percent of American adults will be obese which could put our economy further into debt. According to ABC News This article states that by the year 2030 over fifty percent of Americans will be obese. According to the model published in The Lancet last year estimates that if adult obesity rates continue at its current rate all 50 states rates could rise above 44 percent. Thirty-nine states could have rates over 50 percent and 13 states obesity...
Words: 666 - Pages: 3
...Obesity in America Obesity isn't just something to joke about, it's REAL LIFE! I will be sharing three main topics about obesity in America: How many people in America are obese, What is the percentage of obesity in America, and How many children are obese in America. If we don't shape up as a nation, our world will be full of misery and death. I hope you take some thought about the next thing you eat and take away from it. What is the percentage of obesity in America 2016? More than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of adults are considered to be overweight or obese. More than one-third (35.7 percent) of adults are considered to be obese. More than 1 in 20 (6.3 percent) have extreme obesity. Almost 3 in 4 men (74 percent) are...
Words: 571 - Pages: 3
...One of the fastest growing epidemics in the United States is childhood obesity. The amount of children that fall in the obese category has more than tripled since 1970. It is now estimated that one in every five children in the United States would fall under this obese category. This rapid growth has resulted from many changes in our society including: How we measure obesity, increased technology, increased availability of fast food, and an increased intake of sugar. To understand what it is that causes childhood obesity its necessary to have a solid comprehension of what obesity is and how its measured. The dictionary definition of obesity is “a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body”; however,...
Words: 941 - Pages: 4
...Obesity in America Columbia Southern University Obesity in America Even with an abundance of evidence of the benefits of sustaining a healthy weight and a physically active lifestyle, we continue to eat greater portion sizes than we need and remain less physically active than we should be. Many Americans are fatter than medical science recommends, and weights are still growing. While many other countries have experienced significant increases in obesity, no other developed country is quite as overweight as the United States. Obesity is referred to a person who is overweight; medically based on the ranges of weight that is higher than what is typically considered for their appropriate height to be healthy. Many healthcare...
Words: 1129 - Pages: 5
...Are We to Blame For Obesity? Fast food is becoming a major issue world-wide causing problems and disease such as obesity, asthma and diabetes. Fast food has become an addiction to almost the entire nation but who is to blame? In the articles, “Don’t Blame the Eater” by David Zinczenko and “What You Eat Is Your Business” by Radley Balko two different viewpoints are expressed on fast food and what it does to the individual as well as the economy. In the articles both authors show their awareness of the problem at hand but point the finger at two very different groups of people using factual and statistical evidence as well as personal opinions. Although both arguments are very valid, David Zinkzenko’s essay provides the reader with a lot more than opinion. The title in every essay brings it to life. A spunky title will keep your audience yearning to read what the writer has to say, while a boring title will readers doped up on energy drinks to get through what the writer has to say. David Zinczenko’s title, “Don’t Blame the Eater” catches the reader’s eyes. The title as a whole has the audience asking questions about the “eater”, and who blames them? However, the title of the second article, “What You Eat Is Your Business”, by Radley Blanko comes off as arrogant and insensitive to the reader. An example of a less arrogant title would be, “All You Can Eat”, this title would be more pleasing to the reader allowing them to imagine an all you can eat buffet. As a reader, I take immediate...
Words: 1448 - Pages: 6
...SOC 100 Assignment 3 Obesity in America Click Link Below To Buy: http://hwcampus.com/shop/soc-100-assignment-3-obesity-in-america/ Due Week 9 and worth 65 points Obesity in America is considered an epidemic. There are many contributing factors to obesity (both childhood and adult), such as biological, environmental, social, or economic factors. Review the information on obesity on pages 383 to 385 in the textbook. You may also use the Internet or Strayer Library to research obesity and its causes. Suggested Reading: • “What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity?” located at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/risks.html Write a one to two page (1-2) page essay in which you: 1. Describe the effect that obesity (childhood and / or adult) has had on you personally or your community. 2. Select one (1) contributing factor to childhood or adult obesity. Recommend two (2) preventative measures related to the selected factor that people can take in order to reduce their chance of becoming obese. 3. Discuss one (1) sociological theory that relates to the selected contributing factor to obesity. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: • Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. • To keep this essay short and manageable, your only sources for the essay should be the article from the National Heart, Lung...
Words: 348 - Pages: 2
...“What If It’s All Been a Big, Fat Lie,” by Gary Taubes In the first paragraph of the essay, Taubes inserts the statement “Any theory that tries to account for obesity in America, has to account for that,” referring to the sharp rise in obesity in the 1980’s and setting up his thesis that carbohydrates, not fats cause obesity. What does this mean? Taubes makes it seem plausible that fat causes obesity and offers reasonable doubt that carbohydrates may be the culprit, instead. William Dietz who runs the division of nutrition and physical activity at the Center of disease control said “As far as exercise and physical activity go, there are no reliable data before the mid-80's.” In 1990’s study by Center of Disease Control shows "exercise activity remains unchanged from 70’s to 80’s.” Why was the data not reliable? People in the 70’s and 80’s were not exposed to fast food and junk food which lead them to eat healthy. We watch television and most of the time we see fast food commercial. Since we see these fast food commercials, we crave for it and we drive ourselves to the drive thru and buys are self meals. However, we tend to eat so much unhealthy food, most us tend not work out which leads us to have health problems. What foods have good or bad cholesterol in them? Foods high in good fats include vegetable oils (such as olive, canola, sunflower, soy, and corn), nuts, seeds, and fish. Foods high in bad fats include red meat, butter, cheese, and ice cream, as well as processed...
Words: 666 - Pages: 3
...Obesity in the United States is becoming an increasing epidemic. Several people and agencies have indicated ways to help Americans lose weight. Even the government has made suggestions on losing weight. In the article “The Fed’s Fib about Low-Fat”, written by journalist Michael Fumento, the government’s approach to have a low-fat diet is being critiqued. This article is read by adults of different cultures throughout the country, which arose in the syndicated newspaper The Washington Times. Michael Fumento is a medical journalist; currently living in Floridablanca, Colombia. His work appears in many newspapers. Fumento argues that the government’s approach to have a low-fat diet, precisely to “reduce the fat in their diets to 30 percent or less of total calories”, is inaccurate and does not point to weight loss or a healthy user. Fumento seems extremely concerned and worried about the government’s suggestions to have a low-fat diet. He also seems angry at the food industry for bringing forth such things that can cause the nation to continue to rise in obesity. In this article it shows that he is a cautious and caring individual. Although Fumento reveal very little about himself throughout the essay, because of his knowledge about the government and the food industry readers will know that he has participated in some type of study regarding to it. He also states that he has written a book about the prone matter, which helps intensify his reputation to be a force in writing this...
Words: 502 - Pages: 3
...developments have come by in families within America as several revolutions took place.Consequently, the lifestyle of citizens have transformed from the basic to a more sophisticated one. In the early days, to take food rich in proteins was the ideal culture among the people. The government and media made emphasis on including more proteins in the diet to provide energy for work (Allen, 924-932). A majority of the male population were working hard labour jobs. Then came the industrial revolution where machines replaced human labour at work. Thus, more food was processed and canned for consumption after many days. Later, a research done reported that 65% of the population in America was employed in the active labour force. Consequently, less time was available for a family member to prepare quality food since an individual spent averagely 30 mins to prepare a family meal (Allen, 924-932). Invention of machines and other easily available food options promoted eating processed foods to meet the stringent working hours. Thus, as David says it in his essay “Don’t blame the eater” eating habits changed for worse. In fact in his essay he states ‘then as now, these were the only available options for an American kid to get an affordable meal. By age 15, I had packed 212 pounds of torpid teenage tallow on my once lanky 5-foot-10 frame’, David insinuates that food processing firms have a strong influence to lifestyle diseases like obesity in America today (Zinczenko, 195). David...
Words: 992 - Pages: 4
...------------------------------------------------- IS Obesity really an epidemic in America? Introduction; What is obesity? Obesity or being overweight is basically having to much body fat compared to muscle. It is unhealthy to carry extra body fat and therefore it is considered a major health risk, due to the health issues is can cause to individuals including children. Obesity has been on the rise in the past 20 years as lifestyles and eating habits have changed in the average American home. (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-definition/) It is measured by medical professionals by using the ratio of weight to height. This is called the BMI or body mass index. Thesis Statement Obesity has been considered by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) to have risen drastically in the past 20 years. People are eating less healthy foods in todays society, are living a fast paced lifestyle that gives little time for thought and effort towards healthy eating, and little time for excerssise. The modern American has tons of technology at the touch of finger that causes us to do less physical things. According to Havard Medical and the CDC obesity has been on the rise for many reasons over the past 20 years. The causes of obesity are different for different people according to age, race, sex, and genetics. But the most common reason is overeating. The body cannot take in more calories than it can burn, or it will be stored as fat the excess...
Words: 929 - Pages: 4
...Who’s to blame for obesity in America? Is the fast food company who provides the food or us who eat that food? According to Don’t Blame the Eater by David Zinczenko, he says that the fast food companies are to blame. However, I beg to differ; we are responsible for the obesity in America. The fast food companies doesn’t come to your door and ask you to eat their food, instead it’s the other way around. The reason why there is obesity in America is because of the choices that people make and the money that they have. Also the lack of understanding of nutritional values goes hand to hand with the choice that people make. Lots of people eat at unhealthy fast food restaurants like McDonalds and Taco Bell is because they have cheap food. But that don’t mean that fast food is always the best choice. There are fast food restaurant which are little more expensive, but lot healthier, like Chipotle and Subway. The problem with fast food restaurants like Chipotle is that there aren’t that many around like McDonalds. In his essay David Zinczenko wrote that “restaurants like McDonalds don’t have nutritional fast on its food because it isn’t covered under Food and Drug Administration laws, so most people don’t know what they are eating and what kind of nutrients are in it”. But I believe that it is the consumers’ job to find out what they are putting in the body. Also restaurants like McDonalds and Taco Bell have become symbol of American fast food. If you ask anybody to name one fast food...
Words: 369 - Pages: 2
