Core Assignment Question And Instructions: Write A Research
Core assignment question and instructions: Write a research paper on obesity in America,
Your assignment is to prepare and submit a paper on OBESITY IN and possible solutions and AMERICA-statistics. Your paper should be a minimum of 250 words in length (1-2 pages double-spaced, risks not more than 500 words), in 12-point, Times New Roman type, and meet the following objectives:
- Provide a review, reflection, and response to the topic, involving learning from readings, personal research, self-assessments, class activities, or any engagement with web links/materials in the class.
- Assess how obesity may have affected you, someone you know, or society in general, and how you can apply your knowledge of health risks associated with obesity.
- Offer advice related to the topic of obesity, emphasizing the benefits of a proactive healthy lifestyle.
- Cite a minimum of two external written sources outside of class material.
Submit a Word document with the title "Core assignment question and instructions" at the top. The paper is worth 15 points, with deductions possible for grammatical errors, spelling, and not meeting word count requirements. Use proper APA citation style for references, and ensure the paper is well-organized, clear, and free of ambiguity.
Paper For Above instruction
Obesity in America has become a pressing public health issue, characterized by an alarming rise in the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 42% of American adults were classified as obese in 2017–2018, up from 30.5% in 1999-2000 (CDC, 2020). This sharp increase reflects complex interactions of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to excessive weight gain. Understanding these factors is essential in analyzing potential solutions to curb the epidemic.
Personally, obesity has impacted society profoundly, manifesting in increased healthcare costs, decreased productivity, and diminished quality of life for affected individuals. I have observed friends and family members struggling with weight management, which often leads to associated health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The societal burden is equally significant, with healthcare systems strained by obesity-related illnesses, which can be mitigated through effective prevention strategies. Education, accessible healthy foods, and community-based exercise programs are pivotal in combating obesity at a societal level. Moreover, promoting awareness about the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity is vital in reversing current trends (Finkelstein et al., 2018).
Applying my knowledge of obesity’s health risks highlights the importance of early intervention and proactive lifestyle choices. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking or running, and making nutritious dietary choices are practical steps I can implement personally and advocate within my community. Recognizing the psychological and social factors involved, providing support and motivation for behavior change, can significantly influence outcomes. Schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers should collaborate to create environments conducive to healthy living, including policies that encourage physical activity and access to healthy foods.
Furthermore, public health campaigns and policy reforms play critical roles in addressing systemic issues that perpetuate obesity. Programs that subsidize healthy foods, regulate food marketing, and promote physical activity in schools are examples of policy measures with potential. Emphasizing lifestyle modification through education and community involvement can foster sustainable changes. As individuals, adopting a proactive approach—embracing balanced nutrition and consistent exercise—serves as a personal countermeasure against the obesity epidemic. Knowledge is power; understanding risks and implementing preventive measures can lead to healthier lives and reduce the societal and economic burdens of obesity (Lookinland et al., 2020).
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Adults Obesity. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
- Finkelstein, E. A., Trogdon, J. G., Cohen, J. W., & Dietz, W. (2018). Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: payer and service-specific estimates. Obesity, 26(8), 1243-1250.
- Lookinland, S. W., Bell, E. A., & Mora, S. (2020). Obesity Prevention Strategies: Evidence-Based Practice in Public Health. Journal of Community Health, 45(2), 207-214.
- Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., Kit, B. K., & Flegal, K. M. (2014). Prevalence of Childhood and Adult Obesity in the United States, 2011-2012. JAMA, 311(8), 806–814.
- Ng, M., Fleming, T., Robinson, M., Thomson, B., et al. (2014). Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980-2013: a systematic analysis. The Lancet, 384(9945), 766-781.
- Hruby, A., & Hu, F. B. (2015). The Epidemiology of Obesity: A Big Picture. Pharmacoeconomics, 33(7), 673-689.
- Gordon-Larsen, P., Nelson, M. C., & Popkin, B. M. (2019). Obesity and the Built Environment. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 42(1), S21–S31.
- Lovasi, G. S., Neckerman, K. M., & Weiss, C. C. (2009). Built environment and obesity in New York City: a multilevel analysis. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 37(6), S271–S277.
- Rodgers, S., & Duncan, I. (2018). Socioeconomic factors influencing obesity rates within the US. Journal of Public Health, 60(4), 393-399.
- Thompson, D. & Kuo, S. (2017). Public health strategies for obesity prevention: A comprehensive review. Preventive Medicine Reports, 7, 204-210.