... The journey to healthiness may seem long and dreary but it is obtainable. The growing epidemic of obesity needs to be controlled by individuals living an overall healthy lifestyle as well as having an increased involvement from food industries in order to help consumers make better food choices. Obesity is a major health concern that many are aware of; however, many do not know how much of a concern it actually is. To understand the significance of the problem, identifying whether or not an individual is classified as overweight or obese is the first step. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an adult who has a body mass index (BMI) between 25.0 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while an adult with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. The overweight/obese population makes up 65% of Americans, 35.1% of whom are considered obese. Obesity is correlated with multiple medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and even some types of cancers. Not only that, but the increase in the amount of obese people has grown 13% since 2010. If dramatic actions are not taken soon, these numbers will only keep increasing. Based on these facts, writers from The Washington Times suggest that today’s children may be the first generation to live shorter lives than their predecessors. How this issue needs to be addressed is the overlaying question. The most common solution...
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...Daniela Magana Professor deCastro English 101 December 16, 2013 The Solutions to Childhood Obesity “Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. Children with childhood obesity face many health problems like type two diabetes, high blood, pressure and are at risk for many types of cancers. The lack of children’s physical activity today is one of the major factors that lead to obesity as well as eating unhealthy diets, the increased food portions and the lack of information about healthy choices. Dr. Anand, the Executive Director for the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, describes the prevalence of obesity as being “at epidemic proportions” (Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion, 2008, pg. 2). This statement was made in 1998. Since then, the rates of obesity have continued to rise dramatically and if we don’t do anything to stop it these numbers will keep rising. Many people think that dealing with obesity is only the parent’s responsibility, but what we need to realize is that it is not only the parents responsibility, fighting this epidemic has also become the responsibility of our schools and communities. Obesity education needs to be in our homes, schools and our communities to raise awareness of the causes, as well as the risks. We need to take action in helping reduce this health problem which is affecting more and more children each day. Parents...
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...Although some might say that altering individual choices and applying dietary restrictions are the best ways to tackle the obesity epidemic, I strongly believe that developing a national plan that entails environmental, educational, and industrial aspects is the most fit solution. While addressing obesity, the first things that come to mind are diets and individual choices. Thus, to hinder this epidemic, dietary restrictions and control over eating habits need to be exercised, much like our ancestors have done with staying away from gluttony. (Critser, 2001, p. 1, par. 3) [According to Koplan and Dietz, dieting and prevention are an effective method for treating obesity, especially in children and adolescents.] Despite the fact that dieting is thought to be healthy and energy giving, this lack of eating is only a sign of depression and illness (Seid, p. 5, par. 16). [In addition to that, and as mentioned by Worley, there aren’t any kinds of research that prove that dieting is, in fact, effective when it comes to treating obesity; on the contrary, it could have lasting harmful effects on the person’s health and state of mind.] What must be taken into account is that the human body, due to evolutionary factors, has a tendency to maintain its weight and prevent the person from starving. That is, when we diet and consume less food, our metabolic rate will decrease and slow down till it becomes compatible with the amount of food consumed (Worley, p. 3, par. 11). Add to that, people...
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...Discuss consequences of and solutions to obesity (15) Obesity is the state of being overweight, where the accumulation of body fat has reached 20% of more over an individual’s ideal body weight, to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. One of the consequences of obesity is the reduced mobility. Larger size and body weight to carry around makes travel difficult and movement requires a lot more effort and energy than it would otherwise. The extra weight makes walking difficult, as when walking it is as if you are carrying your weight with you. This also happens because obesity can cause breathlessness or fatigue. This reduces a person’s quality of life as they cannot easily leave the home, to walk to the shops for groceries and other necessities, or to visit others, especially as increased size makes it difficult to take a car or public transport. Mobility scooters are a short-term solution to this, although they give the user no exercise and therefore encourage the condition to remain/continue. It is far more beneficial for an obese patient to seek exercise whenever they can, as this could solve the issue itself. Exercise programmes are accessible across the UK and US designed especially for the obese or overweight, many available through the NHS. The NHS exercise schemes promote easy exercise, such as walking and ‘home exercise’ (short cardio, sit ups, etc.). Other exercise programmes...
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...Childhood Obesity ENG/215 May 5, 2014 Childhood Obesity Introduction Over the recent decades, obesity has grown into major health problem in the United States. Obesity rates have increased over the past thirty years. With over 31 percent of the population obese, the United States has become the fattest country with the highest rate of obesity in the world. Obesity is not only an adult problem, it has now become an epidemic among children and teenagers. One out of every three children in the United States is obese. Eating habits that children learn when they are young affects them in later in their life. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults than healthy weight children. Childhood obesity can lead to many health problems that include diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure to name a few. These health problems cause a rise in health care costs. There are factors that play a role in causing these health issues, but there are also simple solutions to solve this epidemic among the young. The Effects of Advertising and the Media One of the factors that contribute to childhood obesity is the media and their way of marketing and advertising, especially towards children. Children spend more time watching television and using a computer than previous generations. Children from the ages of eight to 18 use media every day, and spend on average 44.5 hours per week using a computer, playing video games, and watching television. "Most children...
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...Chunlin Du Breastfeeding, Health Lifestyle and Government Support ——Best Way to solve Childhood Obesity Problem Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century (Global Strategy on Diet). According to the research report from World Health Organization (WHO), the childhood obesity prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Globally, in 2010 the number of overweight children under the age of five is estimated to be over 42 million. Close to 35 million of these are living in developing countries (Global Strategy on Diet). Extreme obesity among American children is much worse than previously believed. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, childhood obesity affects approximately 12.5 million children and teens (17% of that population). Changes in obesity prevalence from the 1960s show a rapid increase in the 1980s and 1990s, when obesity prevalence among children and teens tripled, from nearly 5% to approximately 15% (Figure 1) (Popovic 42). Source: T. Popovic, "CDC Grand Rounds: Childhood Obesity in the United States." MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report 60.2 (2011): 42-46.Web. 28 Mar. 2012. Compare with the numbers of obese children, the more worrying things are health issues of childhood obesity. Obesity poses a significant public health threat to children for reasons that affect both their current and future health. Immediate health effects included: obese youth are more likely...
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...Proposal and Outline Research Proposal - Topic: Eradicating obesity in America. Research Question: What are the solutions to eradicating obesity in America, and who is to blame for this epidemic? Working Thesis: In order to combat the obesity epidemic, government needs to revise farm policies to favor production of healthier foods in abundance, and individual families need to re-establish the connection of the environment to the soil and food supply Research Plan - For research, I will be using the DeVry Library database - EBSCO host search. (http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.devry.edu/Community.aspx?custid=ns123107&authtype=ip&encid=22D731163C4635073776358632253E32385321E33513370331533583&ugt=62E771363C1635273736351632053E7228E361D36513679361E325E338133503&IsAdminMobile=N) I have used information from the following websites in my Position paper Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html Food without Thought: How U.S. Farm Policy Contributes to Obesity available at iatp.org http://www.nffc.net/Learn/Fact%20Sheets/Obesity%20and%20Ag.pdf A Natural Solution to the Obesity Epidemic http://primaldocs.com/opinion/a-natural-solution-to-the-obesity-epidemic/ Other research sources will be added as the work progresses. Research outline 1. The introduction will explain the epidemic state of Obesity in America discussing the statistics of obesity among children, teenagers, and adults. I will further explain the...
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...blood pressure, cancer, osteoarthritis and more is Obesity. This is one of the worst medical conditions where one has extra fat on his body that may lead to a probability of decreased life expectancy. Obesity differs from being overweight which is excess weight that can be in form of muscles, fat or body water whereas; Obesity is the excess amount of body fat with body mass Index (BMI) of 30 is being obese. Causes of obesity: Overeating, lack of exercise, genetics Teens suffer from obesity usually during their high school years which later on leads to serious health issues as they turn adults. School does provide prevention programs on smoking, alcohol, abstinence; however eating healthy is less given importance. Moreover, lunches offered at school play a great role in teen obesity with fattening, starchy foods and vending machine facility (Fibkins, 2006). Question of Inquiry What has caused teen obesity nowadays? We can see around the world the increase in number of teen obesity. As we know teens have always known to be the most active age group is not true any more. My research is based on what are the reasons behind this and the factors that have led to this problem lately and how can it be prevented. It is understandable obesity at old age because there is less physical activity and people do not care about their physical appearance that much but the question arises why there is an increase in teen obesity when we know teens are more health conscious, aware...
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...Parents now have the fear of outliving their children. Obesity is an international epidemic that affects millions and the generation between 13 and 24 is the middle of it all. There are many to blame for this problem and different ideas on how it drastically increased. Obesity could be caused through the different types of foods that have been introduced throughout the years. It can also be due in part to fast food companies advertising and selling unhealthy foods. The government has now gotten involved to prevent this growing epidemic that can ultimately harm a generation. Even though one can blame either the people or companies there is one clear reason why obesity has increasingly grown. Changes in society from the past to the present, have impacted...
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...the one that seems to advance the fastest when sharing ideas and solution is the Internet by creating a vast global community. The following slides will touch social practices, interdisciplinary approaches, social change, global obesity, and national identity. Slide 2-Changes in social practices Social practices have changed through various Internet forums such as U-Tube, blogs, and other social media. Being able to connect around the world is transforming our collective capacity to forge for the sustenance of our conception and our curiosities. Not too long ago, ways of communication were formed through socialize in person or by mail by sharing common thoughts and opinions. Shopping experiences were the same; the only way to shop was to travel distances to find that special item. Nowadays, libraries and archives that we had only dreamt of are now at our fingertips. The Internet brought with it the joyfulness and the bounty of limitless information that can be shared with friends and families domestically and worldwide. The extraordinary information available allows anyone to create new friends, voice an opinion and shop in the comforts of their home. Social connectedness has changed the ways in which the world became present to us and...
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...a comfy sofa while watching a movie brings a smile on everyone’s face. Nowadays, because of advanced technologies, adults and children would rather shut themselves into individualist activities, such as watching television or using a laptop, and at the same time reduces their physical activities. This leads to obesity among all individuals. In addition, commercials of junk foods have influenced us and our physiological status of being obese. According to the article, “In less than 40 years, the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. has increased by over 50%, so that...
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...Childhood Obesity 1. Problem identification and overview 1. Problem identification The problem issue of childhood obesity is regarded in a very serious light by nursing and healthcare profession. It is considered to be “…the most common prevalent nutritional disorder of US children and adolescents, and one of the most common problems seen by pediatricians”( Childhood Overweight. NASO). However, it is also important to see this problem in the large problem of obesity in the country. The problem of obesity has become an increasingly serious concern for medical and healthcare authorities in recent years. The rate of obesity in developed countries like the United States has shown an alarming growth in the last decade and this has concomitant implications for healthcare professionals, including the nursing profession. The seriousness of the issue at stake is underlined by many experts in the field; for example, the claim that obesity is "... poised to become the nations leading health problem and No. 1 killer" and is "already the cause of 400,000 deaths a year...or 45 per hour..." (Hearne. S. et al, 2004) Central to the increase of general obesity is the severity of childhood obesity. There has been an alarming increase in obesity among younger children and adolescents and this has placed the emphasis on policy that focuses particular attention to this problematic area. Figure 1: The following table provides details about the increase in the prevalence...
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...It will also include solutions of the problem including: educating the public, putting a tax on sugary food and drinks, and regulating the amount of sugar that can be used in a product. Problem Americans diets are too heavy in sugar, resulting in many health problems. Many Americans do not know the harmful effects sugar has on the body. The average American consumes nearly 66 pounds of added sugar each year, and about 19.5 teaspoons every day ("How Much Is Too Much?”). The problem with sugar is a large part in the obesity epidemic that America faces. Causes The reasons Americans have too much sugar in their diets because of added sugars in products, drinking soda, and due to lack of education about the dangers of sugar. Although all sugars are not bad, such as natural sugars in fruits, added sugars add calories and no nutrients to food. Food companies are not required to list the amount of added sugar on a foods...
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...Childhood obesity is a growing problem with many possible causes and solutions. Some argue that fast food advertising should be banned, others argue that more physical activity would cure the problem and then there are those who blame the parents, arguing that it is their responsibility to monitor and teach their children to eat appropriately. Children spend a large portion of the year in school consuming many of their daily calories from school lunches; something must be done to make the food they eat healthier. School lunches are full of fat and calories and do not offer the right type of fruits and vegetables, no appropriate proteins and dairy items. The government has partnered with farmers to provide the food to the schools but in doing so has not offered our children the healthiest options. In addition schools do not have the budget to purchase healthier options on their own and will often subsidize the food program by selling name brand fast food in the cafeteria for a marked up price. Changing children’s eating habits in schools will be very difficult because you can’t force children to eat. It is uncertain if changing school lunches would decrease obesity or not. Though children are in school for a large portion of the day they still have time at home and if life changes are not made changing how they eat in one area may not do much of anything. Another assumption I have made is that by increasing recess time rather than decreasing it children would not be as obese. The...
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...thinking critical in developing solutions to sustainability challenges? Systems thinking is a method of thinking that looks at the interconnectedness between different elements rather than a linear cause and effect approach and sees patterns of change rather than fixed “snapshots”. In essence it is a view on the “whole picture” (Anderson, R 1994). Peter Senge and Andres Edwards expressed the importance of system thinking in that it is necessary for “understanding the dynamic complexity of a situation”, anticipating “the unintended consequences of proposed actions” and implementing “lasting solutions” (Higgins, K 2014). Obesity is a wicked problem we face today where systems thinking is necessary as it is a sustainability issue that flows into the three pillar model. It affects the social, economic, and environmental pillars, as well as physiological and psychological factors on an individual level making it a unique and complex system. By looking at genetics, psychological disorders, social norms and consequences, the food we buy and energy we use as well as the economy we can see why past and current attitudes have failed and that by encouraging a system thinking approach a new understanding of the circumstances can be achieved helping to identify prospects for action that may not have previously be seen; altogether illustrating systems thinking’s critical role in developing solutions to sustainability challenges. Over the last few decades obesity has rapidly become a worsening...
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