, Research Paper
Obesity rates are soaring throughout North America (Wickelgren, 1998). With obesity reaching almost epidemic proportions in the United States, and the threat of a global epidemic, we must watch this alarming increase carefully (Hill & Peters. 1998). Obesity is defined as: “?an excess of adipose tissue?” (A Report of the Surgeon General, 1996). The two most common measures of obesity are Body Mass Index (BMI is a ratio of weight to height) and relative weight index, such as percent desirable weight (Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 1959). BMI is the most frequently used measure of obesity as it has a strong correlation with more direct measures of adiposity, such as underwater weighing (A Report of the Surgeon General, 1996). Some have proposed that genetics are at the root of obesity. While genetics may play a role in obesity, it is still not clear what role this is (Chagnon et al., 2000). While a defacto underlying cause for obesity still remains clouded in mystery, the environment plays a large part in causing obesity (Hill & Peters, 1998). Hill & Peters (1998) see obesity as an environmental disease caused by the promotion of behaviours that lead to obesity. With the United States’ Institute of Medicine claiming that fat people cost the United States more than $70 billion annually in both direct health care costs and indirect ones such as lost productivity, this truly is an epidemic that must be solved. Americans spend another $40 billion per year on weight-loss treatments, mostly in the form of diets and dietary foods (Wickelgren, 1998). That is a total of approximately $110 billion dollars of the gross domestic product of the U.S., not a small sum of money in anyone’s books. Such a sum could surely be used more wisely elsewhere.
An individual with a BMI * 25 kg/m2 is considered overweight, while an individual with a BMI * 30 kg/m2 is considered obese (Hill & Peters, 1998). With over 22.5% of the current U.S. population considered to be clinically obese, compared to only 14.5% in 1980, there does not seem to be a cessation of this epidemic in sight (Hill & Peters, 1998). Goran and Weisners’ (2000) proposal that “… the inherently lower resting metabolic rate in women versus men is responsible for the higher adiposity rates in women…” is wanting, especially since the potentially modifiable factors of; less physical strength, less daily free-living physical activity, and lower total energy expenditure are more likely the cause of the differences in observed adiposity between men and women. Since our genetic makeup has not appreciably changed in the last twenty years, we cannot strictly attribute the explosion of obesity to genetics. As these biological causes of obesity are disproved, a focus on the environment as a reason for obesity is taking centre-stage.
With a multitude of environmental factors playing an ever-increasing role in the reasons for obesity, it is hard to focus on one reason as the ‘root’ cause of obesity. Ever-decreasing levels of physical activity, married with poor dietary habits are two likely causes of the obesity epidemic. Samaras et al. (1999) concluded that physical activity is the strongest environmental influence on total-body fat-mass in healthy middle-aged women. An inverse relationship was clearly apparent between physical activity and total-body and central abdominal fat (Samaras, 1999). Blackburn and Prineas (1983) also note that high rates of inactivity combined with easy access to energy-dense foods are responsible for the obesity phenomenon. The explosion in the availability of fast food in the last 10 years combined with an ever-decreasing need in our daily life to physically exert ourselves to complete our daily tasks has left us with obesity rates spiralling out of control. The increase in food availability and portion size at fast food restaurants (”Super-Size” at McDonalds) and elsewhere has conditioned us into ordering and eating larger meals as ‘better value for the dollar’, rather than focusing on what is good for us. As our fat intake, as the percentage of our dietary intake, has increased through the years, the subsequent excess fat in our energy intake is stored at a greater rate than carbohydrates or proteins (Hill & Peters, 1998). It may not be this excess intake of dietary fat that promotes obesity, but our increase in overall calories consumed that leads to obesity (Hill & Peters, 1998)
Hill and Peters (1998) show that the current trend is a decrease in physical activity in our daily lives as advances in technology and transportation make our life much easier. The advent of television, and recently computers and video games, has led to an entire generation of children who spend their free time in front of a screen instead of engaging in physical activity for entertainment.
Physical activity promotes fat loss while preserving lean body mass (A Report of the Surgeon General (1996). A very effective form of long-term weight regulation combines physical activity with caloric restriction (A Surgeon General Report, 1996). The consensus amongst researchers today is to favour a healthier overall lifestyle, one which includes physical activity, improved diet, and weight loss promotion (Wickelgren, 1998).
The lessons we learn as children stick with us for the rest of our lives, this lack of physical exercise amongst the last couple of generations of children seems to correspond with the greater prevalence of obesity in society today. Have the children ‘learned’ to be obese by following the lead of adults? Or have the obese children grown into obese adults? Or maybe obesity is an environmental disease we have all been on a ‘timeline’ for since the Industrial Revolution began. Ever since the Industrial Revolution began the population has shown an increasing obesity rate due to the physical ease with which we can now go through life. Now with mainstream media playing up the still unclear role of genetics as the primary role in obesity, men and women have yet to take responsibility for their obesity, preferring instead to blame it on genetics and take the easy way out. Isn’t that how they obesity came to the forefront in the first place? An interesting continuum to be sure.
Chagnon, Y.C., Perusse, L., Weisnagel, S.J., Rankinen, T., & Bouchard, C. (2000). The Human Obesity Gene Map: The 1999 Update. Obesity Research, 8(2), 89-117.
Goran, M.I. & Weinsier, R.L. (2000). Editorial: Role of Environmental vs. Metabolic Factors in the Etiology of Obesity: Time to Focus on the Environment. Obesity Research 8(5), 407-409.
Hill, J.O., & Peters, J.C. (1998). Environmental Contributions to the Obesity Epidemic. Science, 280, 1371-1373.
Samaras, K., Kelly, P.G., Chiano M.N., et al. (1999) Genetic and environmental influences on total-body and central abdominal fat: the effect of physical activity in female twins. Annual Internal Medicine, 130, 873-882
Taubes, G. (1998). As Obesity Rates Risse, Experts Struggle to Explain Why. Science, 280, 1367-1368.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 1996.
Wickelgren, I. (1998). Obesity: How Big a Problem? Science, 280, 1364-1367.
Другие работы по теме:
TaySach Disease Essay Research Paper TaySach Disease
Tay-Sach Disease Essay, Research Paper Tay-Sach Disease A Tragic Genetic Disease Christine Woods-Sosso What is Tay-Sachs disease? Tay-Sach disease is a tragic inheritied birth defect, that eventually kills the person with it. The symptoms appear around the age of 6 months in what seems to be a healthy baby.
Untitled Essay Research Paper Alzheimers Disease Alzheimers
Untitled Essay, Research Paper Alzheimer?s Disease Alzheimer?s disease steals the ability to reason, remember, and imagine. The causes of the diseases aren?t well understood, and over four million people in the U.S. have it (www.alzheimer?s). There isn?t any reliable cure, and no way to surely prevent it.
Medical Advancement Essay Research Paper
“This could be revolutionary in terms of environmental health,” Richard Jackson, director of the National Center for Environmental Health, told reporters. “For the first time, we’ve profiled what is in people.”
Narcolepsy Essay Research Paper Narcolepsy is a
Narcolepsy Essay, Research Paper Narcolepsy is a disease that has been on the receiving end of many jokes in our society. Yet it is a serious and life altering disease that is no laughing matter to the 1,000 in every 2,000 people in the U.S. that have it.
Environmental Archaeology Essay Research Paper IF
Environmental Archaeology Essay, Research Paper IF we want to know how humans functioned we must know what their world was like ? thus environmental reconstruction Geomorphical and biological processes occurring
Obesity Essay Research Paper Obesityalso called CORPULENCE
Obesity Essay, Research Paper Obesity also called CORPULENCE, or FATNESS, excessive accumulation of body fat, usually caused by the consumption of more calories than the body can use. The excess calories are then stored as fat, or adipose
The Immune System Essay Research Paper The
The Immune System Essay, Research Paper The immune system is a group of cells and organs that defend the body against invaders causing disease. The immune system is made up of mostly
The Small Pox Essay Research Paper In
The Small Pox Essay, Research Paper In May 1796, Dr. Edward Jenner a physician started investigating what was called cowpox which was a disease contracted by milking cows. This disease caused discomfort and lesions. This discovery and experiment with the cowpox disease seemed to produce an immunization to smallpox a very deadly disease.
Alzheimers Essay Research Paper Alzheimer
Alzheimers Essay, Research Paper Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disease that destroys mental and physical functioning
Sickle Cell Anemia Essay Research Paper Sickle
Sickle Cell Anemia Essay, Research Paper Sickle Cell Anemia Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic disease that affects all kinds of people and can start before a person is even born. This paper will talk about
Environmental Apocalypse Essay Research Paper Environmental Apocalypse
Environmental Apocalypse Essay, Research Paper Environmental Apocalypse The environment is in a terrible condition and although an environmental apocalypse is not imminent we are definitely headed down that road. Some of the reasons for our Earth s trouble are overpopulation, consumerism, and overconsumption.
Obesity Essay Research Paper Excess weight is
Obesity Essay, Research Paper Excess weight is major medical problem for more than one third of Americans and after cigarette smoking, is the second largest cause of death. However, obesity treatments remain controversial, and only surgical therapies have patient volume and appropriate follow-up adequate to prove effectiveness.
Nature Vs Nurture Essay Research Paper Twin
Nature Vs. Nurture Essay, Research Paper Twin Genetic Studies (Nature vs. Nurture) INTRODUCTION Over the years many scientific studies have been done on the genetics and behaviors of sets of twins that were separated at birth. The following three studies are all similar in purpose, tactics, and goals however they all clearly had very different findings.
Obesity Essay Research Paper OBESITY
Obesity Essay, Research Paper OBESITY – NATURE OR NURTURE? Obesity is a disease or condition that is caused by both Nature and Nurture. In this essay you will read examples and facts that show that obesity is the result of family genes, and through your own personal satisfaction, or decisions. So you will understand that people who you see that are huge, aren’t always that way because they are pigs.
Obesity Essay Research Paper Obesity is a
Obesity Essay, Research Paper Obesity is a disease that affects at least 39 million Americans: more than one-quarter of all adults and about one in five children. Some people are more
Excess Weight Politics Or Personal Burden Essay
, Research Paper Although the “sizism” movement may have surfaced from the personal problem of an outspoken person, this movement is a political issue that needs to be addressed accordingly. Obesity is not only attributed to physiological but environmental factors as well. Americans are larger than they were 40 years ago (i.e. weigh more, are fatter, and less fit). “Approximately 55% of American adults are overweight” (Fattening 1).
Fat People Essay Research Paper ObesitySome of
Fat People Essay, Research Paper Obesity Some of the world’s top scientists have got together to try to reduce the growing number of people who are dangerously fat. In Britain one in five women and one in seven men are obese – and those figures are growing fast. But we are still behind the States where over half the population are grossly overweight.
Urbanization In Britain Essay Research Paper Environmental
Urbanization In Britain Essay, Research Paper Environmental Problems in Britain during the Victorian Era: Several factors in Great Britain during the Victorian age came together to form numerous problems. One problem among many was the issue of the environment. The new technology of the Industrial Revolution caused many problems for the Britain s environment.
Leprosy Essay Research Paper Leprosy or Hansen
Leprosy Essay, Research Paper Leprosy or Hansen’s Disease, is a disease that affects primarily the skin and nerves. It was discovered in 1874 by a Norwegian physician Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen.The disease was thought to have started somewhere in India and then was past on to Africa and Europe. In the late 1800’s leprosy was very common throughout Europe.
Heart Disease Essay Research Paper Heart DiseaseIt
Heart Disease Essay, Research Paper Heart Disease It is the time of progress. The time of supercomputers, space shuttles, and many other wonders of technology. We have walked on the moon. We do our shopping at home via Internet navigation. We can not only talk with, but we can see the person we are talking to thousands of miles away.
Obesity Essay Research Paper Medical Management for
Obesity Essay, Research Paper Medical Management for Obesity is an article that talks about Obesity, its causes, and some ways to combat it. According to the author, obesity is a heavy burden on the American society. It is one of the leading causes of health related deaths in the United States. It also generates high social costs as well as financial costs for the obese people themselves and society in general.
Child Obeasity Essay Research Paper Obesity in
Child Obeasity Essay, Research Paper Obesity in children: management and prevention Childhood obesity (overweight) is a common problem.Children need to be taught to develop good eating habits to avoid gaining excess weight. Check with your child’s doctor to confirm that his obesity isn’t due to genetics or some other medical problem.
Child Obesity Essay Research Paper Childhood ObesityChildhood
Child Obesity Essay, Research Paper Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is more prevalent today than ever before. Our children for the future are being failed. Healthy living needs to be taken more seriously. More and more households have both parents working full-time jobs to provide shelter, food, and clothing for their families.
Heart Disease Essay Research Paper 4 COMMON
Heart Disease Essay, Research Paper 4 COMMON HEART DISEASE 1. CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE : IS THE DAMAGE TO THE HEART THAT CAN OCCUR BEFORE OR DURING THE BIRTH OF A BABY. THAT HAPPENS
Aids 4 Essay Research Paper AIDS Acquired
Aids 4 Essay, Research Paper AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a deadly disease for which there is no cure. This disease was first recognized in the mid 1980’s. The cause of AIDS is the HIV virus, and is most commonly spread by venereal routes or exposure to contaminated blood or blood products.
Technology And Television Child Obesity Essay Research
Paper Technology and Television: Child Obesity The children of today are becoming more obese, for the fact that they are obtaining laziness. They are spending more time in front of the television then they are getting their daily exercise. Their growing bodies need exercise to lose baby fat before it gets to be a serious problem.
Bacillus Anthracis Essay Research Paper Bacillus AnthracisRobert
Bacillus Anthracis Essay, Research Paper Bacillus Anthracis Robert Koch discovered Bacillus Anthracis, the bacterium for the deadly disease, Anthrax, in 1877. Robert Koch grew the bacterium into a pure culture, demonstrated its ability to form endospores, and produced experimental Anthrax by injecting it into animals.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight Essay Research Paper
Maintaining A Healthy Weight Data collected from more than 20,000 people by the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reveal a distressing picture of excessive weight and obesity in American