Obesity In America Is Considered An Epidemic 316901

Obesity In America Is Considered An Epidemic There Are Many Contribut

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. You may also use the Internet 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 (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. 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.

Paper For Above instruction

Obesity in America has risen dramatically over recent decades, transforming from a personal health issue into a significant public health epidemic. Its widespread prevalence impacts individuals and communities alike, permeating social, economic, and healthcare domains. Personally, I have observed how obesity has affected my community by increasing the burden on local health services and reducing overall quality of life. Many community members suffer from related health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, leading to diminished productivity and higher medical expenses. This pervasive health issue underscores the urgent need for effective preventative strategies aimed at curbing obesity rates.

One of the contributing factors to adult obesity is socioeconomic status, which influences dietary choices and physical activity levels. Financial constraints often lead individuals to opt for cheaper, calorie-dense, nutrient-poor food options, while limited access to safe recreational spaces reduces physical activity opportunities. To address this factor, two preventative measures can be recommended. First, expanding community programs that provide affordable healthy food options, such as farmers' markets or subsidized grocery schemes, can empower low-income families to make healthier dietary choices. Second, investing in safe, accessible recreational facilities like parks and sports centers within underserved neighborhoods encourages physical activity among residents, thus reducing obesity risk.

From a sociological perspective, the Social Ecological Model offers valuable insight into how socioeconomic factors influence obesity. This theory emphasizes the interplay between individual behaviors and broader societal influences, including social norms, community infrastructure, and public policies. Applying this model reveals that interventions aimed at improving community resources and social support systems can effectively modify environmental factors that contribute to obesity. For example, improving access to healthy foods and safe exercise spaces aligns with the social-structural levels of the model, promoting healthier lifestyles across the community. Addressing the sociological aspects of obesity through this framework highlights the importance of systemic change in combating the epidemic.

References

  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe
  • Swinburn, B. A., & Egger, G. (2004). The Obesity Pandemic: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions. Brit J Nutr, 92(2), 159-163.
  • Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Harvard University Press.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Obesity and Overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
  • Foster, G. D., & Wadden, T. A. (2002). Behavioural Treatment of Obesity. Obesity Research, 10(S2), 111S–119S.
  • Sharma, S. G., et al. (2016). Socioeconomic Status and Obesity: An Ecological Perspective. Health & Place, 38, 47-57.
  • McLeroy, K. R., et al. (1988). An Ecological Perspective on Health Promotion Programs. Health Education Quarterly, 15(4), 351–377.
  • Resnicow, K., et al. (2012). Social and Cultural Factors in Obesity Interventions: An Ecological Approach. Obesity Reviews, 13(S2), 116–29.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Strategies to Prevent Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/resources/strategies.html
  • Christakis, N. A., & Fowler, J. H. (2007). The Spread of Obesity in a Large Social Network over 32 Years. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(4), 370-379.

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