Obesity Epidemic Research Paper

Obesity Epidemic The rate of obesity has grown triple fold since in the last two decades (Cluss 1). High rates of obesity occur in developed countries that have a high food supply as well as many options. The United States is arguably the wealthiest country in the world, so it makes since that our obesity rates would be high. Developing countries that are struggling to meet the caloric needs of its people do not have problems with obesity because the food supply is extremely low and options are nearly unheard of. Though the average American is aware of this problem, little has been done to address the problem as a whole. I share a connection with this topic because several members of my family have been labeled overweight or obese based
on BMI calculations. BMI stands for Body Mass Index which is calculated by taking a person’s height and weight and comparing it to the average for each height and weight class. Having said that, the direct side effects from being overweight or obese are what cause problems, stir up social exclusion, and make it difficult to compete with non obese for jobs. The health side effects linked to obesity have sparked some slight concern in the healthcare industry. By exploring three concepts that relate directly to the topic of obesity in America, I can get a better understanding of how the problem can be addressed in the near future. The three concepts are: the healthcare industry, social ladder, and the government. Each of these main components in the obesity debate utilizes plans and preventative methods that can help give a glimpse into the reality of the national epidemic. The healthcare industry finds the obesity epidemic of great interest due to the strong connection between obesity and obesity related health side effects (Obesity Raises 1). The cost spent in the healthcare industry related to obesity is greater than that related to tobacco and alcohol combined (Obesity Raises 2). The article pulls from the costs related to the side effects of tobacco, and alcohol related abuse (Obesity Raises 2). An obese person is determined by a person that has a BMI of 25 or above with the BMI being calculated by the average weight and height ratios (Management of Obesity 3). This measure of obesity has been the source of controversy because many say that the measurement is inaccurate. It is possible to be marked overweight based on the BMI charts but still be classified as healthy when inspected by a doctor. BMI calculations are not the only way in which obesity can be monitored. Several studies have been conducted to assess the seriousness of the obesity epidemic and look for possible solutions.
A study was conducted in Europe with successful results. Several participants were put on a diet that restricted their caloric intake to only 1200 calories per day (Management of Obesity 4). Of these 1200 calories, the main focus was put on lean protein meats and vegetables. Over the course of 10 months, the participants were weighed and monitored for any changes in health. For the small group of participants that were labeled “morbidly obese,” participants were recommended to have gastric bypass surgery to jumpstart their long term weight loss goals (Management of Obesity 4). In the end, the study in Europe provided two different ways to deal with the obesity epidemic: strict dieting, and surgical intervention. The end result, however, was overwhelming success.
Along with a significant decrease in overall body weight, the study showed that the occurrences of type two diabetes, blood pressure problems, and pulmonary issues were also decreased (Management of Obesity 7). These methods may not be the best because not everyone will have the same controlled environment as the participants of the study which may produce differing results. Also, under normal circumstances, not every obese person qualifies to have their gastric bypass surgery paid for. This expensive surgery would deter many from viewing the surgery as necessary to their weight loss goals. Though results were positive, many would not be able to access this degree of care due to costs. Alternative methods to weight loss are often times costly and therefore restrict those with lower incomes. Obesity has higher rates of occurrence in lower income families across the nation (Cluss 1). The lifestyle and basic lack of ability to afford healthier selections are just some of the reasons this problem occurs. Also, it has been proven that the more educated have lower occurrences of obesity (Cluss 2). When people are equipped with specific knowledge and facts about preventing obesity, they are more likely to incorporate these changes into their daily lives thus resulting in lower rates of obesity for more educated citizens (Crawford 2). To further investigate these occurrences, I researched a study that focused on leveling the playing field so to speak for low income families. The study eliminated the costs related to healthier foods and access to nutritional services for low income families to see if this would cause a change in their overall behavior (Cluss 3).
48 obese and low income families with 52 obese children were selected as participants. Along with guidance from nutritionists and provided fitness facilities, the families were also given incentives to lose weight. If they reported to weekly in person sessions, they were rewarded with $25 gift cards (Cluss 4). If also in that same week they tracked their caloric intake, they were given an additional $10 gift card (Cluss 4). Similar to the European study, the results were highly successful and showed that when money is no longer a factor, the families respond similar to any other test group (Cluss 5). The results also showed decreases in overall BMI as well as type to diabetes. This particular study proves that if these methods are more readily accessible, the results could be very successful. However, this research represented a controlled environment in which the average American could not achieve
alone. The third concept that relates to obesity in America is how the government addresses and plans to address the obesity epidemic.
Unknown to me, the government launched a national campaign in 2000 to bring awareness to obesity in America (Keppel 1). The campaign was then called Healthy People 2010, with a goal of significantly reducing the effects of obesity by the year 2010 (Keppel 1). This campaign however, went unknown and remained on the back burner for the government due to many other distractions. After a few years, the government let go of the campaign, but now, after a new decade the program is back with the same name (Keppel 1). The program focuses on education rather than specific groups that should be tested like the low income and European studies. Examples of this national education are seen in serving suggestions, calorie recommendations, and at home fitness guides available for download ( Keppel 3). This broad approach eliminates the need for personal visits to the office as well as expensive surgery. It takes the preventative approach from a distance. This helps the average American have access to valuable to informative material without being pressured to go to an office or spend money on diet
fads. Along with the direct health effects of obesity, the government is also concerned with obesity due to its influence on employment. The main concern revolves around the issue of lost wages that could possibly affect national output . These lost wages come from an estimated 34,000 deaths per year due to obesity related illnesses Lost wages can also be accounted for in the form of workplace discrimination (McCormick 1-2). The three perspectives for obesity explore possible ways to handle the issues related to the epidemic. Many of these issues affect a large percentage of the American population, with several of the effects reaching others indirectly. Whether it be tackled from by the government, the healthcare industry, or from a perspective of social class, the challenges of the obesity epidemic will be addressed in the near future. Many scholars believe that the most successful plan of action will be a combination of several different methods that have the ability to reach a broad audience. It will be interesting to see the outcomes after decisions are made about the methods.