Obesity In America Is Considered An Epidemic 835959

Obesity in America Is Considered An Ep

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. 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.

Paper For Above instruction

Obesity in America has emerged as a significant public health concern, impacting individuals, families, communities, and the healthcare system. As someone who has observed the pervasive effects of obesity within my community, I have seen firsthand how it influences the physical and mental well-being of individuals, as well as the economic burden it places on families and local healthcare resources. Obesity not only affects physical health, increasing risks for chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, but also carries social stigmas that can diminish self-esteem and social participation. These effects can be especially profound among children, who may face bullying and social exclusion, impacting their emotional development and academic performance.

Focusing on contributing factors to obesity, one primary element is the widespread availability and consumption of processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt. This environmental factor significantly influences dietary behaviors and energy intake, promoting weight gain when coupled with sedentary lifestyles. To combat this, two preventative measures can be recommended. First, increasing public awareness through educational campaigns about healthy eating habits can empower individuals to make better nutritional choices. Public health initiatives that promote understanding of reading nutrition labels and choosing whole foods over processed options are vital. Second, implementing policy measures such as taxing sugary beverages and subsidizing fresh produce can incentivize healthier consumption patterns and reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods.

From a sociological perspective, the Social Ecological Model provides a useful framework to understand how multiple layers of influence, including individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors, interact to shape dietary behaviors and weight outcomes. According to this model, addressing obesity requires interventions at various levels—individual education, family influence, community infrastructure like access to healthy foods and safe places for physical activity, and broader policy changes. For example, societal norms and economic policies that favor processed foods and sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity rates, and understanding these influences through the sociological lens can guide more effective, comprehensive prevention strategies.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Overweight & Obesity. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). Managing Excess Weight. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/obesity
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Obesity and Overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
  • Sobal, J., & Stunkard, A. J. (1989). Socioeconomic status and obesity: A review of the literature. Psychological Bulletin, 105(2), 260–275.
  • Story, M., Kaphingst, K. M., & French, S. (2006). The role of schools in obesity prevention. The Future of Children, 16(1), 109-142.
  • Sharma, M., & Kim, S-H. (2018). Environmental and societal influences on obesity. Current Obesity Reports, 7(4), 356–364.
  • Hill, J. O., & Wyatt, H. R. (2015). Role of physical activity in preventing and treating obesity. Journal of Applied Physiology, 98(4), 1114–1121.
  • Booth, K. M., Pinkston, M. M., & Poston, W. S. (2005). Obesity and the built environment. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 28(2), 139-150.
  • Bonnie, R. J., & Stroud, C. (Eds.). (2010). Transforming the workforce for children birth through age 8: A systems approach. National Academies Press.
  • Roberts, R. E., & Duan, H. (2007). Socioeconomic status and obesity: An analysis of the relationship among urban youth. Journal of School Health, 77(9), 586–592.

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