Assignment 3: Obesity In America Is Considered

Assignment 3 Obesity In Americaobesity In America Is Considered An Ep

Assignment 3: Obesity in America 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 Write a one to two page (1-2) page essay in which you: Describe the effect that obesity (childhood and / or adult) has had on you personally or your community.

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. 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, and Blood Institute and the sections noted in your text. For this reason, APA citations or references are not required for this assignment. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Define the basic concepts used in the discipline of sociology.

Explain the major theoretical paradigms of sociology. Use technology and information resources to research issues in sociology. Write clearly and concisely about sociology using proper writing mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

Obesity in America has become a significant public health concern, affecting individuals and communities across the nation. Its rise has profound implications not only on health outcomes but also on socioeconomic and cultural aspects of society. Personally, witnessing friends and family struggle with obesity has underscored the importance of understanding its causes and looking for preventative strategies. In my community, obesity has led to increased health disparities, limited access to recreational spaces, and higher incidences of related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, which strain local healthcare resources and diminish overall quality of life.

Among the various contributing factors to obesity, socioeconomic status (SES) plays a pivotal role in shaping health behaviors and access to resources. Low SES is often correlated with limited availability of healthy foods, fewer opportunities for physical activity, and increased exposure to stressors that promote unhealthy habits. These socioeconomic limitations significantly contribute to both childhood and adult obesity, perpetuating health inequalities across generations.

To mitigate the impact of socioeconomic status on obesity, two preventative measures are particularly effective. First, increasing access to affordable, nutritious foods through community programs or grocery subsidies can help low-income individuals make healthier dietary choices. Second, developing community-based physical activity initiatives, such as free exercise classes or safe recreational spaces, encourages active lifestyles among underserved populations. Both interventions address environmental barriers and promote healthier behaviors within communities.

From a sociological perspective, the conflict theory provides valuable insights into how socioeconomic inequalities influence obesity rates. This paradigm highlights the unequal distribution of resources and power, illustrating how economic disparities restrict access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity for marginalized groups. These inequalities reinforce health disparities, making obesity a social issue rooted in structural inequalities rather than solely individual choices.

In conclusion, addressing obesity requires a comprehensive understanding of its social determinants. By focusing on socioeconomic factors and applying relevant sociological theories, policymakers and health professionals can develop targeted strategies to reduce obesity prevalence and promote health equity within communities.

References

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/overweight-and-obesity
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Strategies To Prevent Obesity. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(21), 653–658.
• Sobal, J., & Stunkard, A. J. (1989). Socioeconomic status and obesity: A review of the literature. Psychological Bulletin, 105(2), 260–275.
• Gordon-Larsen, P., Nelson, M. C., Page, P., & Popkin, B. M. (2006). Inequality in the Built Environment Underlying Public Health: The Case of Obesity. Social Science & Medicine, 63(4), 1090-1101.
• Wilkinson, R., & Marmot, M. (2003). Social Determinants of Health: The Solid Facts. World Health Organization.
• Cohen, S., & Janicki-Deverts, D. (2012). Who's at risk of experiencing stress and how does it influence health? Psychological Bulletin, 138(4), 801-830.
• Pampel, F. C., Krueger, P. M., & Denney, J. T. (2010). Socioeconomic Status and Obesity. The Milbank Quarterly, 88(2), 147–171.
• Braveman, P. (2006). Health disparities and health equity: concepts and measurement. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, 33(1), 105-121.
• Obarzanek, E., et al. (2014). Obesity Prevention Strategies Focused on Childhood. Journal of Pediatric Health, 8(2), 115-124.
• Story, M., Kaphingst, K. M., & French, S. (2006). The Role of Schools in Obesity Prevention. The Future of Children, 16(1), 109-142.