For Module 7: Watch Part 2 Of The Documentary

For Module 7 You Will Watch Part 2 Of The Documentary Titled Weight

For Module 7, you will watch Part 2 of the documentary titled, Weight of the Nation. The HBO documentary confronts America's obesity epidemic and is presented in four sections: Part 1: Consequences Part 2: Choices Part 3: Children in Crisis Part 4: Challenges. Module 7 Requirement: Watch Weight of the Nation, Part 2: Choices. Post your comments, thoughts, etc. to the discussion board. First post must be submitted by 11/16. You are required to post two original comments of 150 words or more about this documentary.

Each section is about an hour so make sure to give yourself sufficient time to watch the documentary. As usual, you are required to post your first comment before you can see the rest of that Module's discussion, so posting early is best. Remember that you are required to post to at least two of your classmates as well; therefore, the earlier we all post the better the discussion will be. If you do not post your first comment by 4 days into the Module, points will be deducted.

Paper For Above instruction

The HBO documentary "Weight of the Nation," particularly Part 2: Choices, provides a comprehensive exploration of the critical decisions that influence the obesity epidemic in the United States. This segment emphasizes the importance of individual choices related to diet, physical activity, and lifestyle habits, while also recognizing the broader socio-economic and environmental factors that shape these decisions. The documentary effectively highlights how personal responsibility interacts with societal influences such as food marketing, urban design, socioeconomic disparities, and policy decisions. A key message conveyed is that overcoming obesity requires not only individual commitment but also systemic changes that facilitate healthier choices. For instance, the film discusses how access to healthy foods and safe environments for physical activity are essential for empowering individuals to make better health decisions. Moreover, it underscores the role of education and community support in fostering sustainable lifestyle changes. Overall, "Weight of the Nation" illustrates that addressing obesity is a complex, multi-layered challenge that necessitates coordinated efforts across individuals, communities, and policymakers to promote healthier behaviors and environments.

In examining the choices presented in the documentary, it becomes evident that behavioral change is an intricate process influenced by multiple environments. For example, the film emphasizes that calorie-rich, highly processed foods are more accessible and convenient, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, which shapes dietary choices. Additionally, the limited availability of safe spaces for physical activity discourages active lifestyles, further perpetuating obesity. The documentary also discusses how advertising and marketing strategies target children and vulnerable populations, reinforcing unhealthy eating habits. These factors contribute to a vicious cycle where individual choices are constrained by external circumstances, making it difficult to sustain healthier behaviors. Therefore, tackling obesity effectively requires interventions that go beyond individual willpower, including regulation of food marketing, urban planning for active living, and policies that ensure equitable access to health-promoting resources. The "Choices" segment serves as a call to action for society to create an environment that makes the healthier choice the easier choice for everyone.

References

  • Institute of Medicine. (2012). "Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention: Solving the Weight of the Nation." The National Academies Press.
  • Public Health Agency of Canada. (2018). "Obesity in Canada." Government of Canada.
  • Swinburn, B. A., Sacks, G., Hall, K. D., McPherson, M., Finegood, D. T., Moodie, M. L., & Gortmaker, S. L. (2011). The global obesity pandemic: shaped by global drivers and local environments. The Lancet, 378(9793), 804-814.
  • Story, M., Kaphingst, K. M., Robinson-O'Brien, R., & Glanz, K. (2008). Creating healthy food and eating environments: Policy and environmental approaches. Annual Review of Public Health, 29, 253-272.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). "Obesity and Overweight." WHO Fact Sheet.
  • Hales, C. M., Carroll, M. D., Fryar, C. D., & Ogden, C. L. (2020). Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity Among Adults: United States, 2017–2018. NCHS Data Brief, (360), 1-8.
  • Cooksey-Stowers, K., Goldring, J., & Grier, S. (2017). Food swamps, food deserts, and their association with obesity policy approaches. Current Obesity Reports, 6(4), 453-459.
  • Finkelstein, E. A., Trogdon, J. G., Cohen, J. W., & Dietz, W. (2009). Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: payer-and service-specific estimates. Health Affairs, 28(5), w822-w831.
  • Brownell, K. D., & Frieden, T. R. (2009). Evidence-based public health policy options to reduce consumer exposure to obesogenic environments. Milbank Quarterly, 87(1), 7-37.
  • National Institutes of Health. (2013). "Obesity Research FAQ." NIH.gov.

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