...Obesity in America Obesity has risen to epidemic levels in the U.S. It causes devastating and costly health problems, reduces life expectancy, and is associated with stigma and discrimination. A multitude of factors likely contribute to obesity, from inherent biological traits that differ between individuals relevant to body weight; to environmental and socioeconomic factors; to behavioral factors--which may have both molecular and environmental influences. Close to two-thirds of adult Americans are overweight or obese. Despite the attention of the health profession, the media, and the public, and mass educational campaigns about the benefits of healthier diets and increased physical activity, the prevalence of obesity in the United States has more than doubled over the past four decades. Add the relatively few Americans who practice the habit of regular physical activity to the many who practice the habit of “super-sizing,” and it is no revelation why this has occurred. We have inherited our genetic makeup from our ancestors, hunters and gatherers who ate diets rich in low-fat meats and grains, who had to stalk and capture the entrée for dinner. During times of feast, their bodies were designed to store nutrients as adipose tissue to be used for fuel to survive periods of famine. We are descended from these survivors, and we share this ability to store fat when food is in overabundance. However, famines in the United States are fewer and farther between nowadays, so...
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...Obesity in American Society Wade Henson RN Western Governors University Abstract The obesity rates in America have steadily risen over the past several decades. The roots of the exploding waistlines in the United States have many causes. This paper will take a look at what “obesity “ is by definition, some of the causes of obesity and what societal factors influence this rise. We will also examine to what extent obesity affects the United States and look at obesity through the parameters of sociological theory. Obesity in American Society The World Health Organization defines obesity as it relates to BMI or the Basic Metabolic Index. BMI is (Weight in Kilograms/Height in Meters squared). Healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, Over weight is from 25 to 29.9, while obese is defined as BMI from 30 to 39.9 and morbidly obese is greater that 40. Many experts argue that this BMI definition of obesity is not accurate because in does not allow for the heavy muscled individual, but none argue that obesity is not a growing problem. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 4.7 percent of the United States population is morbidly obese. This is up from 2.7% less than 20 years ago. With the direct link between obesity and many of societies health and disease issues, it is easy to see what all the concern is about. At its core the cause of obesity is simple. When a person’s energy intake exceeds energy expenditure a person’s body stores the excess...
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...High Fructose corn syrup in the US and UK High fructose corn syrup, also known as Fructose-Glucose syrup, is a liquid sweetener that was created to act as a substitute for regular sugar in the 1950s, and is now used in almost all processed foods in the United States, and to a lesser degree, the United Kingdom. Since its creation, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been used extensively not only in these two countries, but also around the world. It is an ingredient in almost every single mass-produced beverage and food product, however its extensive use has sparked a lot of controversy regarding HFCS and its possible obesity-causing effects, as well as issues of sustainability and agriculture. High fructose corn syrup was so quickly embraced by food producers due to its sweetness comparable to that of sucrose (regular table sugar), its stability, and ease of application. Another part of HFCS’s appeal was that sugar cane was originally grown in places that were both politically and environmentally unstable, and so any fluctuation in either of those factors meant a variation in the worldwide price of sugar. In 1977 the United States imposed a system of sugar tariffs and quotas which significantly raised the price of imported sugar, so producers sought a cheaper alternative, and high fructose corn syrup was the answer. Initial shipments to the United States food industry started in the late 1960s and since then there have been many advancements in its production which have led...
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...family lineage and trace back to the first ancestors of a family. 3.This chapter includes many examples of disease that show how humans are products of a lengthy and convoluted evolutionary history. Choose three (3) of the problems listed below and briefly explain how ancient ancestors’ traits still “haunt” us: Obesity Heart disease Hemorrhoids Sleep apnea Hiccups Hernias Mitochondrial disease Obesity- Our ancestors hunting and gathering have lead to increased obesity, this leads to increased eating to store food in time of famine, but when no famine occurs obesity strikes. Obesity is a huge factor of many deaths in present day society, especially in America. Heart Disease- Heart disease, mainly caused by obesity, is a huge problem in todays world as it’s the leading cause for death worldwide, it can be hereditary and is such a big problem due to a large number of obese people today. Hemmorhoids- During long periods of no activity blood becomes more difficult to pump throughout the body, causing hemmerhoids to form. The circulatory system was made for active animals so if your not active because you’re overly obese Hemmorhoids can pose a large threat, therefore if obesity runs in your family Hemmerhoids can come to haunt you. 1.Tiktaalik was a fish that lacked an operculum – what does this tell us about the animal? Since Tiktaalik does not have an operculum, since an operculum are bones that attach the head to its body, a creature that has one would have to turn their entire body...
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...as an object which provides nutrients to sustain human life. Besides our physical need for food and the energy it provides, we also have a mental and cultural craving for tastes and cuisines. On the other end of that spectrum are people from underdeveloped countries, where they struggle to eat on a daily basis which leads to starvation and malnutrition. In an attempt to aid these ‘hungry' countries, food relief is provided by more developed nations in an attempt to provide some relief to famine. This is done in the hope that this temporary relief of hunger can, in the long run, help these impoverished communities to get back onto their feet and have a more constant source of food. These relief missions are restricted by the amount of food and the transport of food to these nations. In this case study I will discuss alternatives to traditional agricultural food which will hope to find a new and better way of ending world hunger in underdeveloped countries, while reducing the risk of obesity and the convenience of nutrition in developed nations. An introduction to the history of agricultural food Food has always been naturally made, through farming and cultivation, but it has been altered, refined and improved by new techniques and methods learned and acquired over the ages, especially through the enlightenment and modern knowledge (Week 2 Lecture). Throughout the last century, mankind has globally made huge advancements in the field of mass cultivation of crops and livestock...
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...Introduction Food insecurity is increasing many people don't have access to sufficient food for individuals to lead a healthy lifestyle, and the poorest are affected the most. The world’s population is the largest it’s been and growing at a rate faster than ever before, with high birth rates and people living longer due to better medical care. Some may argue climate change is also a key player in feeding the world. It’s difficult to see why so many people are going hungry and suffering from malnutrition when America, the UK, and now China have a big problem of obesity within their population. In attempts to increase food production, genetic modification (GM) is offering hope. But in this report as well as discussing the points above it will discuss the positives and negatives of GM, people’s views on GM, and how technology will play its role in increasing food production. Positives of GM GM is a form of biotechnology which involves the modification of a plant or animals genetic make-up in order to introduce new, desirable characteristics a such as enhanced pest resistances. GM can produce large scale intensive farming with increasing yield and selling seasonal crops all year round. This means increased farmer incomes and higher wages, this could be very beneficial to those working in LEDC's. With the larger varieties of seeds and crops, and the development of the agriculture sector, further money is able to be invested and crops and jobs continue to grow. This could...
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...CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Definition Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. People are considered obese when their body mass index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of the person's height in metres, exceeds 30 kg/m2. Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases, particularly heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Obesity is most commonly caused by a combination of excessive food energy intake, lack of physical activity, and genetic susceptibility, although a few cases are caused primarily by genes, endocrine disorders, medications or psychiatric illness. Evidence to support the view that some obese people eat little yet gain weight due to a slow metabolism is limited; on average obese people have a greater energy expenditure than their thin counterparts due to the energy required to maintain an increased body mass. Dieting and physical exercise are the mainstays of treatment for obesity. Diet quality can be improved by reducing the consumption of energy-dense foods such as those high in fat and sugars, and by increasing the intake of dietary fiber. Anti-obesity drugs may be taken to reduce appetite or inhibit fat absorption together with a suitable diet. If diet, exercise and medication are...
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...knowledge about the issues facing children who are struggling with obesity, with a primary focus on parental involvement. Parents need to understand the seriousness of allowing their children to consume whatever they want, and how much they want: We are seeing hypertension, heart disease, some cancers, breathing difficulties, and type II diabetes in more children today than ever before. Opposing arguments claim that it is not the fault of the parents; however, infants don’t have control over how much they are fed, and toddlers lack the cognitive development to make an informed decision about their food choices. Young children themselves are not to blame, so focus on parents seems reasonable. America is challenged with a growing rate of childhood obesity, and public knowledge regarding solutions remains inadequate. We can do a better job of promoting the issue by helping parents understand the seriousness of childhood obesity; the best way to approach this is likely through marketing. The Fight against Childhood Obesity The percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight and obese is now higher than ever before: Over the last 25 years, childhood obesity has more than quadrupled (Get America Fit Foundation, 2012). Childhood obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (a measurement calculated using a child's weight and height) that is at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. Obesity is caused by long-term positive energy imbalance: When the total...
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...LESSON FIVE & SIX – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EATING DISORDERS ------------------------------------------------- Specification link: You will be able to outline and evaluate: ------------------------------------------------- Biological, including neural and evolutionary, explanations of anorexia nervosa ------------------------------------------------- Psychology explanations of anorexia nervosa Outline and description of theories | Research evidence and commentary | IntroductionThe DSM-IV Rev identifies three categories of eating disorder: * Anorexia nervosa 1. AN -restricting type – refusal to eat 2. AN- binge eating/purging type – episodes of binge eating followed by removal of food from the body by vomiting, laxatives, or enemas.Both of these are associated with significant weight loss and the other symptoms of AN. * Bulimia nervosa – episodes of binging followed by removal of food from the body by vomiting, laxatives, or enemas (no significant weight loss). * Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS)The four major symptoms of anorexia nervosa are: * The body weight is 85% or less of normal weight for age and height * Distorted perception of body weight/shape, and/or denial that the weight loss is severe * Intense fear of becoming fat * Loss of three consecutive menstrual cycles in women (amenorrhoea)Anorexia nervosa (AN) and Bulimia nervosa (BN) have much in common, particularly a dissatisfaction with body weight and/or shape....
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...Save this document as: your last name_104_final. Add your name above where indicated. It is due by midnight, Monday, August 11. Answer the following multiple-choice questions by placing the letter corresponding to the best answer after the word Answer: at the end of the question. There are 35 questions and each is worth 2 points. There are also five short answer questions and an essay question. 1) Sanctions imposed on a country, according to Sernau, hurt ___A_____. A) the poor who are unable to get food, medical care, or other basic necessities B) the rich elite of a country who can no longer buy luxuries C) the government who loses legitimacy and capital D) the businesses in the country who can no longer produce goods Answer: A 2) According to Sernau, sanctions in Burma (Myanmar) have led to a great informal economy in _____A___. A) diamonds B) women and girls C) cocaine D) lumber Answer: B 3) All of the following are forms of state violence, EXCEPT: A) creating military jobs for all unemployed citizens B) execution, such as the death penalty C) exclusion of minorities from the best jobs D) repressing free speech E) relocating educated citizens from urban areas to rural agricultural labor farms Answer: A 4) Imperialism drove the 19th century, ______ drove the 20th century? A) communism B) democracy ...
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...worse and worse. Taxes are going up and that doesn’t really seem to do anything or make a difference because Americans don’t want to spend more money on taxes. As of October 13th 2013, America’s debt has increased by 328 billion dollars in a single day surpassing 17 trillion dollars for the first time. Now, if America has so much time to somehow acquire money that can send astronauts up to space, it would be very considerate if they thought of using that money to get America out of this 17 trillion dollar predicament. Another point is that, money is better used to help the people of their own country have or live better lives. We know that us humans exist but we don't know if these so called "space creators" exist so why bother. If there are things out there they don't hurt us. We people in your country we are like family and you have to help family because family comes first Nowadays, Space and Government agencies have devoted more than hundreds of billions of dollars to space exploration. That money is also devoted to large companies to develop new prestigious models or ideas. Instead of wasting our time on this nonsense, we could: 1. Think about ending famine 2. Come up with ways on helping less economically developed country have access...
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...individuals live without adequate food, clothing, water or shelter. In other words the little money they make is not enough to provide these necessary materials of life. The United Nations defines absolute poverty as living on less than $1 a day, which equates to over one billion people, or about one–fifth of the world's population, falling in that category. The poorest part of the world is now in Sub–Saharan Africa. According to Thomas Malthus the amount of land, food, and water was fixed; there could be no more of these natural resources than what was available. As the population increased in size, it would eventually outstrip the environment's ability to sustain them (Malthus, 1798). This would result in poverty, misery, and famine for the peoples of the world. His premise has become known as the Malthusian trap. In 2009 over 1 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, were at risk of starvation, and that number has increased steadily in recent years (Thurow & Kilman, 2009). While some people say that lack of food is the reason for hunger, food scholars...
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...World Hunger: The Ethical Issues Involved With Minimizing It Between now and tomorrow morning, 40,000 children will die from starvation. The day after tomorrow, 40,000 more children will die. Nearly 870 million people of the 7.1 billion people, or one in 8 people, in the world suffer from undernourishment. Almost all of the hungry people, 852 million, live in under developing countries while the other 15 million live in developed countries. World hunger has been and will continue to be an ongoing issue until ethical action will be taken. The world produces enough food for everyone, however, not many people have sufficient land to grow, or income to purchase enough food. But what is being done to minimize world hunger? There is a societal responsibility as well as a governmental responsibility that should be utilized in order to reduce this issue. However, neither category of people will take the time to realize how bad world hunger has really become. There are several ethical issues involved with the minimization of world hunger including those of the three theories of ethical thought: consequential, deontological, and humanist theories. I, also have my personal opinion about the actions or lack thereof, involved with this minimization. It's simple to ignore something you can't necessarily see. Understanding that there is world hunger is one thing, but taking action to minimize it is another. It is a population's responsibility as a whole to work together in order to make...
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...Introduction Globally, as well as in developed, industrialized countries, the following groups of people are at highest risk of malnutrition. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the number of people globally who were malnourished stood at 923 million in 2007, an increase of over 80 million since the 1990-92 base period. In 2006, more than 36 million people died of hunger or diseases due to deficiencies in micronutrients; accounted for 58% of the total mortality in the same year. Under nutrition contributes to almost 35% of the estimated 7.6 million deaths under-5 deaths; consequently affecting the future health and socioeconomic development and productive potential of the society. The malnourished are unable to live a normal life, are less likely to fulfill their potential as human beings and cannot contribute fully to the development of their own countries. Nutrition is the provision of adequate energy and nutrients (in terms of amount and mix and timelines) to the cells for them to perform their physiological function of (growth, reproduction, defence, repair e.t.c). The World Health Organization defines malnutrition as "the cellular imbalance between supply of nutrients & energy and the body's demand for them to ensure growth, maintenance, and specific functions”. Malnutrition comprises both; Under nutrition and Over nutrition The World Health Organization (WHO) says that malnutrition is by far the largest contributor to child mortality...
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...will die from illness and starvation. Those 100 million deaths could be prevented for the price of ten Stealth bombers, or what the world spends on its military in two days! • The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world is well-fed, one-third is under-fed one-third is starving- Since you've entered this site at least 200 people have died of starvation. Over 4 million will die this year. • One in twelve people worldwide is malnourished, including 160 million children under the age of 5. United Nations Food and Agriculture • The Indian subcontinent has nearly half the world's hungry people. Africa and the rest of Asia together have approximately 40%, and the remaining hungry people are found in Latin America and other parts of the world. Hunger in Global Economy • Nearly one in four people, 1.3 billion - a majority of humanity - live on less than $1 per day, while the world's 358 billionaires have assets exceeding the combined annual incomes of countries with 45 percent of the world's people. UNICEF • 3 billion people in the world today struggle to survive on US$2/day. • In 1994 the Urban Institute in Washington DC estimated that one out of 6 elderly people in the U.S. has an inadequate diet. • In the U.S. hunger and race are related. In 1991 46% of African-American children were chronically hungry, and 40% of Latino children were chronically hungry compared to 16% of...
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