...Obesity rates have increased rapidly in the last 20 years and much debate has occurred over who should take the blame. Many feel that the blame lies solely on the obese individual. It is their claim that if obese individuals exercised and ate healthier than they would lose weight and obesity would no longer exist. But there are many contributing factors that they do not take into consideration. Of course, studies have shown that the rate of obesity in America has gone up primarily due to inactivity and increased intake of fast food but, many other forces have impacted the obesity rates such as "gender, race, socioeconomic position and age"(Ailshire & House 1). The blame can even be laid at the feet of the industries that fuel our country....
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...Now in America 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese. This has been a struggle that is now increasing fast. For children they should try to stay fit as much as possible. Being overweight and staying that way just sets you up for major health problems as an adult. There are many causes for child obesity, but there are also many ways it can be prevented. Children can take part n many steps to live amore healthy and active lifestyle. There are many causes for child and teen obesity. Now a days children do not want to get out of the house. There are so many electronics and technology keeping them inside. Why go outside when you can stay inside and go on social media and talk to your friends right? Wrong! Kids are so caught up in technology they no longer get to experience the fun in going outside. They would rather sit in the house and stare at a screen all day. Everyone does this sometimes you need a little time to yourself but too much can cause problems. This is one major cause of child obesity. Another cause of child obesity is eating and diet habits. Our country is filled with horrible foods and unhealthy ones. You have the foods that taste great and are delicious and then you have the ones that do not taste so great. Which one would you pick? The great tasting one right? Well in our day and...
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...Obesity in America Rough Draft Jeremy Stewart ENG 122 English Composition II Instructor: Jennifer Chagala October 02, 2014 Obesity in America It is a shame that more people die in the United States from eating too much food, while in other countries people die from not having enough. Obesity is a rising health epidemic across the nation, and it is a duel responsibility of the government as well as society to do all that they can, starting in the individual home to encourage healthy eating in order to reverse this development and preserve the next generation. Obesity has officially become an epidemic in America. It is debatably one the most noticed public health problems that America faces today. In 2009,...
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...Causes and effect of childhood obesity Introduction: Nowadays the majority of children all around the world suffer from being overweight or obesity. In the United States of America in particular, there exists the highest proportion of childhood obesity in the world. These figures are continuing to grow in this country as well as in other developed and developing countries. In addition, almost 25% of children suffer from being clinically overweight while a staggering 11% of children are clinically obese in the States according to the latest statistics (Dehghan et al, 2005). Obesity in childhood is defined as an excess of fat in the child's body. Body mass index (BMI) can also be used to define obesity in childhood and adults. This sort of measurement can classify obesity into different categories, for example, normal weight, underweight, overweight, obesity, obesity class 1, obesity class 2 and obesity class 3 (Onyike et al, 2003). The major problem of childhood obesity is that is has become one of the most serious nutritional issues in the world.. The obesity epidemic has been spreading since 1971 in both developed and developing countries, especially in the United States of America (Dehghan et al, 2005). In recent years, the obesity epidemic has grown rapidly in these counties. There are several influences which are responsible for the increase in the rate of childhood obesity in the States. For instance, consumption of fast food which contains a large amount of calories...
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...Obesity in America Tamaneka Brown HCS/535 June 10, 2013 Sally Kohls Obesity in America Obesity in America is a growing health care issue and concern among health care officials. Today’s family setting and society in general is so fast pace that individuals find fast and easy ways to of getting a bit to eat. Poor eating habits and little to no physical activity are just a few contributors to the prevalence of obesity. Obesity affects individuals of all ethnical backgrounds, both male and female, and individuals of all ages. It is time that this nation takes control of creating a healthier America by encouraging healthy habits and lifestyles. An individual having a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered to be overweight and obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or higher (Flegal, Carroll, Ogden, & Curtin, 2010 ). BMI measures the amount of body fat that a person has in comparison to their age and height. A person begins to gain weight when their calorie intake is more than their physical activity (CDC, 2012). Lack of exercise and poor dieting are known causes of obesity, but the lack of sleep and exposure to air conditioning are also thought to be contributing factors (Causes of obesity, 2006). Other suggested factors that may contribute to the rising rates of obesity are endocrine disruptors, smoking, and certain pharmaceuticals (Causes of...
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...Dani Park Kines 1 M 2:00pm – 4:50pm Critical Thinking Paper Obesity In America Obesity is one of the most commonly discussed issues in America today. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 68.8 percent of adults are overweight and 35.7 percent are obese. Also, 31.8 percent of American children and adolescents are overweight and 16.9 percent are obese. Moreover, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn if Americans do not change their diet and living habits, 42 percent of Americans will be obese by the year 2030. The two main causes of obesity in America are due to diet and lifestyle. For example, fast food contains extremely high levels of fat, calories and carbohydrates that one's body doesn't need, and the lack of exercise only serves to compliment these reasons for becoming obese. However, the side effects of obesity go beyond just being overweight or having an increased risk for developing serious health conditions. Obesity in America is a crucial issue that has many causes and effects. The most significant reason that is primarily responsible for obesity is an unhealthy diet, because it fails to provide the correct amounts and types of nutrients for a healthy body's maintenance. Instead, it provides unhealthy fats and toxins that only serve to slow the body down. For example, fast food contains calories that may exceed the daily needs in just one meal, along with sodium, cholesterol, trans fats, sugars and other unhealthful...
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...Aakash Shah 10/15/12 Effects of Obesity While I am not obese, and I do not ever plan on it, I have a personal connection to obesity and the nature of the epidemic. I am an EMT for the Middlesex Area and I see many different things while on the job. Something that really hit home to me was how obesity was so widespread yet no one cared to turn his or her cheeks toward the issue. I have personally seen many different cases of obese people that struggle with the simplest tasks, including going to the bathroom, driving, walking their dogs. Essentially this epidemic lets people eat themselves into oblivion and depression leads to overeating and pleasure eating. My personal connection to this subject drives me to exemplify to society that this is a pressing issue and everything should be done to cap it and stop its progression. The United States of America today follows many different trends and patterns within its society. Societal trends have been evident through the history of the nation. A pattern that has revolutionized society today is the health craze. The sport of being fit is a priority and people are getting in shape better than ever. Commercials from athletic conglomerate corporations such as Nike, Reebok, and Adidas are marketing being fit with new gear, sneakers, and apparel to attract people to such products. But, there is an issue at large. A rising issue in the United States is obesity, which is cited to be a major health issue in recent decades but had grown to...
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...Today sugary drinks are one of the leading causes of obesity and other illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. This has been an increasingly important issue amongst kids 6-12 years of age. There have been various laws/bans put in place such as the New York City ban of soft drinks that are larger than 16 oz. In the article “Your Favorite Drinks Can Wreck Your Body” by Russ Lloyd, he talks about how more and more states are putting restrictions/bans on sugary drinks do to the dangerous effects they have on people. Although some say sugary drinks aren’t so bad, in “Let us enjoy our sweet drinks in piece” by Evan Cook, he describes just that, however, sugary drinks are extremely dangerous because they can lead to deadly illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, and are also extremely addictive, and are the leading cause of obesity and diabetes in America today....
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...Reasons there is Obesity in America. Norma A. England COMM/215 March 2, 2014 David Libhart Reasons there is Obesity in America. Obesity in America is a growing problem, doubling the percentage of people affected since 1990. (Menifield, 2008). Two thirds of Americans considered obese, having a body mass index of thirty and above. (Ward-Smith, 2010). In 2000, obese people cost the country 117 billion dollars, 61 billion dedicated to medical bills. People who are obese suffer from many medical conditions and cost more money to insure medically. Medical insurance/rates for an obese person are 36% more than they are for a healthy individual. (Ward-Smith, 2010). Obesity will continue to grow in America as long as diets remain the same, fast food addictions continue, openness to surgery stays and the sugarcoated speeches to overweight people continue. Background The average American consumes 500-800 calories more than what they need on a daily basis. (Marks, 2004). This type of overeating on a daily basis creates a day-to-day diet that is unhealthy. In America, we are aware of what our diets should be. We as a group, have an understanding that we need to work on portion control. We have doctors, nutritionists, fitness experts and more all available either in person or online. The problem we face is that we also have fake information and fad diets that promise unhealthy and unrealistic results. The Internet is full of detox drinks, frozen meals, pills and more that...
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...Does Fast Food Cause Obesity? Every time Americans tune into the local news broadcasts or scroll through their television channels, they are likely to be stunned at the number of cases of obesity that have been reported in Americans. Seeing human beings that weigh over six hundred pounds has become a popular trend in today’s society, and it’s not even questioned even though many harsh consequences come from being obese. It is sometimes difficult to imagine how these people have sustained this kind of weight and lifestyle. Inevitably, people begin to question whether or not fast food is the cause of obesity rising in America today. Before we can clarify that fast food companies are to blame for people over eating the food produced in these facilities, it must be tested and proven that fast food is actually the main problem causing obesity in America. It is known to many people how the number of fast food restaurants are increasing almost every day. This is very convenient for fast food restaurant chains. Fast-food increases obesity by lowering food prices, tempting customers who have absolutely no self-control, and by being a suitable go to at the end of a very busy day. What causes individuals to consume fast food to the point where they cannot stop themselves? People hold different opinions on this topic. In the past, people in the United States used to eat healthy, eat nutritious prepared food and meals, and exercise with their families. Today, many people in the United...
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...Childhood Obesity in the United States of America Tolulope Adedokun Introduction to psychology Dr. Michael Gawrysiak November 28, 2014 Table of contents Abstract …………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Causes of Obesity ………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Heredity …………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Social Environment ……………………………………………………………………… 5 Social Status …………………………………………………………………………….. 5 Birth Weight …………………………………………………………………………….. 6 Effects of Obesity ………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Health Effects ……………………………………………………………………………. 7 Mental Effects …………………………………………………………………………… 7 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7 Solutions to Childhood Obesity in The United States of America ………………………………. 8 References ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 Abstract Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in developing countries especially in the United States of America. Twenty five percent of children in the US are overweight and 11% are obese. Overweight and obesity in childhood are known to have significant impact on both physical and psychological health. This paper describes the causes, effects, and solutions to childhood obesity in the...
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...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...
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...What causes obesity in America? Jason absolutely loved to eat food, and frequently, his meals consisted of twice the recommended serving size. He was overweight as a child, with his weight rapidly increasing as he aged. By the age of twenty-two, he had reached the point of obesity, which hindered most of his physical abilities and ruined his social life. He woke up for work every day, struggling to stand up from his bed. Exhausted and breathless, he garnered the strength to stand up and make his way to the bathroom. Getting dressed had become a time consuming mission, rather than a quick task. He often found it difficult to bend down to put on his socks and shoes, almost losing his balance at his every attempt. Jason realized he was miserable and alone, with food as his only friend. Eventually, heart disease would be a definite result of his decisions. The lifestyle he chose was a poor one, which would ultimately send him to an early grave. Over the past three decades, obesity in America has almost doubled, making it one of the leading causes of health problems preceding death. Obesity can be defined as a health problem where excessive amounts of fat accumulate on the body. When these fatty deposits build up in arteries, it puts strain on the heart. Chest pains are more prevalent and heart attacks then become a high possibility. Commonly, the self esteem lowers because of their belief that they do not meet society’s idea of beauty. These are just a few of the many possible effects...
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...Obesity Demographic Paper Obesity Demographic Paper Obesity is becoming a major worldwide epidemic that is a chronic disease which affects everyone young and old, male and female alike. The exact cause is still unknown and scientists are still trying to understand what triggers it. One cause is that in today’s fast paced world, people do not have time to sit down to home cooked meals, or exercise and really take good care of themselves. Fast food restaurants are replacing the home cooked meals and providing bigger portions on their menus and people not finding time to exercise. Instead, they choose to sit down and watch movies at home or surf the net as a source of entertainment due to economic reasons. Children are playing video games instead of playing sports or riding bikes (Obesity in America: What’s driving the epidemic?, 2012. 02). This is becoming a harmful trend which is contributing to the rise of chronic diseases. Obesity does not discriminate and studies over the years have found that there is a significant difference in obesity by ethnicity and race and it differs by sex and age. Obesity is a major contributor of heart disease, cancer, liver and gallbladder diseases, sleep apnea and respiratory issues, depression, infertility, erectile dysfunction and mental health conditions (Jacobson, 2000). In the past 20 years, obesity has risen in the United States and continues to rise with more than 35.7 % of the adults and 17% of children between the ages of 2-19...
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...and its causes. 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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