Obesity In Memphis Research Paper
The Primary Cause of Obesity in Memphis: Poor Nutrition, Lack of Exercise, and Poverty
It is no question that America’s obesity rates are among the highest in the world. Obesity rates are high in almost all U.S. cities but, which city is the fattest? Newsweek magazine named Memphis, Tennessee to be the fattest city in 2012 (Lollar). There is no argument Memphis’ obesity rates are ridiculously high but, there is controversy about why Memphis is the fattest city and what people can do to change. Some think that lack of exercise and poor diet is the problem. Some say that lack of education is the issue. Others even think that the government is causing obesity rates to skyrocket. I believe that poor diet and the lack of physical activity are causing Memphis to be one of the fattest …show more content…
cities in the world. This is only one opinion on a topic that is stirring up controversy but is also giving a bad reputation to Memphis, “The Home of The Blues.” Obesity rates in Memphis are high; that’s a fact.
The controversy around this topic is based on the arguments of why obesity rates are high. There are many arguments made on this topic that will be introduced and analyzed. But first, there are many key terms that the average person might not fully understand. The first term examined is body mass index or “BMI.” BMI is a measurement that is used to deem someone as being underweight or overweight. To calculate someone’s BMI you divide a person’s mass(kg) by their height(m2) (Wikipedia.com). The BMI chart lists as follows: very severely underweight less than 15, severely underweight from 15.0 to 16.0, underweight from 16.0 to 18.5, normal (healthy weight)from 18.5 to 25, overweight from 25 to 30, obese class I (moderately obese)from 30 to 35, obese class II (severely obese)from 35 to 40, obese class III (very severely obese)over 40 (Wikipedia.com). The next term is one that is often used is “overweight.” This is a term used to designate the area between normal weight and obese. Overweight means having a BMI from 25 to 30. The next term is “obese”, which means a person has a BMI over 30. In
2012, 29.7 percent of people in Memphis were considered obese. When a person is obese they have enough excess body fat to cause health risks such as heart disease and type II diabetes. The next key term is “food desert.” A food desert is defined as “an area where affordable healthy food is difficult to obtain, particularly for those without access to an automobile.” (Wikipedia.com). Memphis is a prime example of a food desert being that it is fourth in the country for food deserts. A large number of various fast food chains are all around Memphis, while healthy and more natural foods are much more difficult to attain. The last key term is “saturated fat.” Saturated fats are made of triglycerides and have only saturated fatty acids. These types of fats are found in many animal fats including butter, ice cream, chocolate, and cheese. Saturated fats have been associated with many diseases in the past including cancer and heart disease (Wikipedia). Obesity is an epidemic that continues to grow among the U.S., as well as many other countries around the world. Many ask how and when obesity first started to become such a huge problem in America. One main reason obesity has become so prevalent is the increasingly sedentary lifestyle that most Americans enjoy today. But, why has our society become more and more sedentary over the years? One reason that has been studied by Alabama Cooperative Extension Nutritionist Dr. Robert Keith is the electronic home media that became extremely popular during the early 1980’s (Wile). Instead of getting physical activity from outdoor activities, children started to stay inside more and play video games or watching television (Wile). As home video game systems emerged along with newer technology in television over the past few decades, obesity rates have exponentially increases. It is also believed that high fructose corn syrup that was introduced to foods in the 1970’s. High fructose corn syrup is currently found in many foods and drinks such as soda, cookies, juices, and candy (Wile). At the time this product was starting to be widely wised in food, obesity rates were much, much lower than they are now (Wile). In 1974 only about 50 percent of American people were overweight, and about 47 percent were obese (NIH). In 2010 about 75 percent of people were overweight and about 65 percent obese (NIH). A Princeton University research team actually found that rats that are fed high fructose corn syrup made much more weight gain than rats that are fed with table sugar of equal calories (Wile). This strongly supports the theory that high fructose corn syrup leads to weight gain. Also, fast food restaurants have become excessively popular since the 1970’s. A book called “Fast Food Nation” by Eric Schlosser mentions that in the 1970’s the U.S. annually spent about $6 billion dollars on fast food alone (Wile). In 2000 it was about $110 billion and now it is estimated to be around $135 billion (Ask.com). Fast food is very calorie and fat dense; which leads to heavy weight gain. Another direct correlation with obesity is the mode of transportation. Because of America’s heavy reliance on cars, people don’t have to exert any physical effort for transportation. As American suburbs became extremely popular, people could not walk to work or the grocery store. They had to drive or take a bus. Countries that do not have a big reliance on cars have much lower obesity rates (Wile). One great example of this correlation is Sweden. In Sweden only about 38 percent of people use a car as a primary source of transportation, and the obesity rate is only about 9 percent (Wile). In the U.S. about 88 percent of the population uses a car as a primary source of transportation (Wile). Obesity rates in America are at about 65 percent (NIH). This shows a very strong correlation between the use of cars and high obesity rates.
The lack of exercise and poor diet is believed by many to be the main cause of obesity.
The supporters of this claim believe that trans and saturated fats are what is ruining peoples diet, along with simple carbohydrates and sugar (McGroarty). Also, not having enough fruits and vegetables in your diet can be unhealthy. According to Gallop rankings only 56.7 percent of Memphis residents eat fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Although each individual is responsible for their own body and diet, Memphis is ranked fourth in the country in urban food deserts (Lollar). Some argue that this is the reason people’s diets are so poor. Healthy foods are much harder to afford in poverty stricken areas. And it is also very hard to find healthy food in some cases. A study from the University of Washington showed that when a person buys 2,000 calories worth of junk food the average price is $3.52, but when 2,000 calories of healthy food was bought the average price was about $36 (Buzzfeed.com). Many also argue that the lack of exercise goes hand in hand with a poor diet. Pam Reid, director of school nutrition programs for Mercer County Schools, states that exercise is very important to keep children from becoming overweight. She also says that kids are much more likely to play video games or watch television than to participate in any after school activity or do any exercise (Coil). Many people overestimate the calories they burn even when they do exercise (Schmidt). Running or walking the length of a football field burns off about the same amount of calories as one M&M candy has in it (Schmidt).
Many argue over why Memphis is one of the most obese cities in the country. Some blame it on the government. Some blame it on education. The reason I believe that Memphis obesity rates are so high is the lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and poverty. How can someone maintain a normal, healthy weight if they are eating foods loaded with sugar and fat, while getting little to no exercise on a regular basis? They can’t. This is the issue with many Americans. Many people eat fast food loaded with saturated fats and carbohydrates with a sugar filled coke to drink on a daily basis. This is fine sometimes, but many people eat fast food two or three times a day, and then don’t exercise. This is a daily cycle that causes many Americans, and Memphians, to become obese. The lack of exercise is a big reason America’s and Memphis’ obesity rates are so high. It is reported that only 18 percent of Americans meet the weekly recommendations for muscle strengthening and cardiovascular activities (Skerrett). The current exercise guidelines specify that the recommended amount of time doing moderate-intensity physical activity is 150 minutes, or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week (Skerrett). Moderate-intensity physical activity is exercise such as a brisk walk or raking. Vigorous physical activity includes higher intensity exercise such as jogging or swimming. These activities are recommended with two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that only 43 percent of adults met the recommended cardiovascular training per week, and that only 18 percent of adults met the recommended amount of muscle-strengthening activities per week (Skerrett). With these results it isn’t hard to see why obesity rates are high. Lack of exercise isn’t just prevalent in adults; it also is prevalent in many children. In a study done by the CDC in 2003 through 2007 showed that only 35 percent of high school students reported a significant amount of physical exercise (Bird). Only 13.8 percent of the children that reported adequate physical exercise were overweight. To maintain a healthy weight or to lose weight you have to burn more calories than you consume. With an inadequate amount of physical activity your body is unable to burn as many calories as it uses, therefore weight is gained. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise creates a perfect storm for obesity. Poor nutrition is another main cause of obesity and it is the primary reason Memphis obesity rates are so high. Memphis ranks number four in the country for urban food deserts (Lollar). There is more than enough of fast food restaurants in the Memphis area, but hardly any healthy places to eat. Fast food is loaded with calories. The average fast food meal has about 1,200 calories in it, along with an average of 53 grams of total fat (Health Encyclopedia). Jogging a mile burns about 125 calories in men, and about 90 in women (Burfoot). The average jogging speed is about 6 miles per hour (Wikipedia.com). At this pace, each mile would take about 10 minutes to complete. If a male completed the recommended 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity by jogging they would only be completing about 7.5 miles burning off about 940 calories. This isn’t even enough exercise to burn the amount of the calories present in a single fast food meal. The average calorie intake of an American male per day is around 2,640, and 1,800 for women, according to self-reported data (Coleman). This number is not completely accurate because these numbers are within the USDA’s recommended intake. Considering approximately 72 percent of men in the U.S. are considered overweight or even obese, and 64 percent in women. This suggests that people are lying about their true calorie intake. So if 2,640 is an underestimate of how many calories the average American male intakes, the real number could be surprising. It is true that the average American is overweight or obese. But, counties with obesity rates reaching greater than 35 percent have average obesity rates 145 percent greater than wealthy counties (Levine). These rates are because of the low accessibility of healthy foods in poverty stricken areas. Areas like this are all around the country. They are known as food deserts, and Memphis happens to be ranked fourth in the country in urban food deserts. In food deserts it is difficult to find fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also difficult to find markets that sell natural foods. Even if a store that sells fresh and healthy food is accessible to a poor neighborhood, the average price for healthy food is much higher than foods high in added fats and sugars. Fast food restaurants are usually more easily accessible to poor areas, and these foods are very energy dense packed with tons of calories and fat and are low in essential nutrients (Frac.org). Another important aspect of this issue is that poorer communities have less access for physical exercise. There aren’t many gyms in poor neighborhoods because most of the people in the area can’t afford gym memberships or home exercise equipment. Children in low income households are less likely to be involved in organized sports due to transportation and money issues. Also the crime level is higher in poor areas, therefore people are more likely to stay inside and partake in sedentary activities than go outside and exercise (Frac.org). And because these people stay inside and watch TV they have much more exposure to obesity promoting food products and other unhealthy advertising. Low income families are subject to unusual eating cycles. These cycles are usually cycles of deprivation and overeating. This often occurs because when money gets stretched thin families cannot eat much, but when money is available they overeat. This cycle is known as the “feast or famine” situation which can lead to metabolic changes that cause excess fat storage (Frac.org). Long term ups and downs in food consumption can lead to significant weight gain (Frac.org).
Although many agree that poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and poverty is the primary cause of obesity in Memphis, some have a different view. Some think that the government is to blame for the obesity epidemic in the United States. Cameron English, a science writer and editor from Sacramento, CA, argues that mainstream medical science, and the USDA’s dietary guidelines are to blame. He claims that the UDSA’s dietary guidelines consists of too many carbohydrates and not enough proteins and meats. And that these carbohydrates are converted to sugar in your bloodstream. These sugars are the same sugars that are found in many unhealthy foods like ice cream and candy. He states that high blood sugar caused by these carbohydrates is toxic, and your body produces insulin in attempt to lower blood sugar. The problem with this is that insulin turns blood sugar into fat and sends it to be stored (Cameron). Cameron goes on to say that the USDA is causing people to avoid fats and proteins necessary to function. While Cameron may provide truths about carbohydrate, but the USDA’s dietary guidelines are not causing people to consume an excess amount of carbohydrates. The USDA’s newest version of Dietary Guidelines for Americans lists all of the calorie and carbohydrate information someone could want or need in chapter 2. It also lists the top 25 sources of calories among Americans, which breaks down what each age group consumes the most calories from. Only about 7 of the 25 foods were high in carbohydrates (USDA, 12). If most Americans are obese, and the government’s recommended carb-loaded diet is to blame, then why aren’t most of the foods people get most their calories from high in carbs? Because the USDA’s recommended diet is not the primary cause of obesity and should not be identified as so.
Genetic makeup is something many believe to be the primary cause of obesity in America. It is true that some, very rare, genetic mutations can cause obesity in a person. But, in January 2010 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutritionit states that the percent of people that are obese because of a genetic variation was less than 1% (Nestle). It is true that genetic makeup effects our physiology, development, and adaptation (Harvard.edu). Although genetics may affect what we do and how we act to a certain degree, is it fair to blame obesity on this small correlation? The answer is no.
The cause of obesity in Memphis is clear. The lack of exercise, poor diet, and poverty has been stated to be the primary reason Memphis’ obesity rates are higher than most. Each of these specific reasons have been thoroughly explained and evaluated. Although there is not an overnight solution to poverty in Memphis, there are ways to help people that want to lose weight. The solution is education. In a study done by Netra Thakur and Frank D’Amico called Relationship of Nutrition Knowledge and Obesity in Adolescence, a survey was given to kids at three different schools. 292 students between the ages of 14 to 18 were given a survey that contained questions about nutrition knowledge, food-related behaviors, and food preferences. 289 students returned the survey and there was no conclusive difference between the test scores of the obese children and the non-obese children. But, overall the nutritional knowledge of the children was very low. 28 percent of the students listed popcorn as being high in fat calories; which is not correct (Thakur, D’Amico). 21 percent of the students did not know that peanut butter has a moderately high fat content. Also, over three fourths of the students did not know that 5 fruits and vegetables are recommended per day. The average student though that the number was 2 to 3 a day (Thakur, D’Amico). Although this study did not indicate that obese students had less knowledge than normal weight students, it did indicate that the overall nutritional knowledge of adolescents is poor. This is why students and adults should be exposed to more nutritional knowledge. Without nutritional education the obesity rates in Memphis will not go down. Dietary information plays a key role in making people aware of the food they’re eating along with helping them make changes to their diet. But, exercise plays a key role in the battle against obesity. People who want to lose a considerable amount of weight should do 300 or more minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and people who want to maintain healthy weight should do 150 to 300 minutes per week (NIH). A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that only about 20 percent of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise per week; which is about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week (Jaslow). That means that only 20 percent of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise to maintain weight (Jaslow). Considering that about 72 percent of males and 64 percent of females in the U.S. are overweight, it is safe to say that not enough exercise is being practiced (NIH). Even if there is not a gym nearby or a person’s neighborhood is not safe enough to run around, there are many other inexpensive ways to exercise at home. Simple push-ups and sit-ups can effectively help a person burn unneeded calories. Also, jogging in place can burn a large amount of calories. A 150 lb person can lose about 280 calories jogging in place for 30 minutes (Donner). A 200 lb person burns about 370 calories jogging in place for 30 minutes. Jogging in place is a moderate-intensity activity (Donner). So if a person over 200 pounds does 300 minutes of this a week they will burn 3,700 calories a week just from jogging in place. Will Memphis ever be out of the top ten lists for most obese cities in America? It could very possibly be off of these lists if many things change. First, people need to be aware of what and how much they eat. Though difficult in Memphis, it is possible to find affordable foods that are nutritionally better than a fast food cheeseburger; even for low-income families. Also, exercise needs to be pushed in the media and in schools. People will continue to be overweight when little to no exercise is done. Even if a gym is not available, and it is too dangerous to exercise outside, there are thousands of in-home exercises that do not require equipment. Although challenging, it is possible for Memphis to become a healthier, less overweight city that is now considered to be one of the fattest.
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It is no question that America’s obesity rates are among the highest in the world. Obesity rates are high in almost all U.S. cities but, which city is the fattest? Newsweek magazine named Memphis, Tennessee to be the fattest city in 2012 (Lollar). There is no argument Memphis’ obesity rates are ridiculously high but, there is controversy about why Memphis is the fattest city and what people can do to change. Some think that lack of exercise and poor diet is the problem. Some say that lack of education is the issue. Others even think that the government is causing obesity rates to skyrocket. I believe that poor diet and the lack of physical activity are causing Memphis to be one of the fattest …show more content…
cities in the world. This is only one opinion on a topic that is stirring up controversy but is also giving a bad reputation to Memphis, “The Home of The Blues.” Obesity rates in Memphis are high; that’s a fact.
The controversy around this topic is based on the arguments of why obesity rates are high. There are many arguments made on this topic that will be introduced and analyzed. But first, there are many key terms that the average person might not fully understand. The first term examined is body mass index or “BMI.” BMI is a measurement that is used to deem someone as being underweight or overweight. To calculate someone’s BMI you divide a person’s mass(kg) by their height(m2) (Wikipedia.com). The BMI chart lists as follows: very severely underweight less than 15, severely underweight from 15.0 to 16.0, underweight from 16.0 to 18.5, normal (healthy weight)from 18.5 to 25, overweight from 25 to 30, obese class I (moderately obese)from 30 to 35, obese class II (severely obese)from 35 to 40, obese class III (very severely obese)over 40 (Wikipedia.com). The next term is one that is often used is “overweight.” This is a term used to designate the area between normal weight and obese. Overweight means having a BMI from 25 to 30. The next term is “obese”, which means a person has a BMI over 30. In
2012, 29.7 percent of people in Memphis were considered obese. When a person is obese they have enough excess body fat to cause health risks such as heart disease and type II diabetes. The next key term is “food desert.” A food desert is defined as “an area where affordable healthy food is difficult to obtain, particularly for those without access to an automobile.” (Wikipedia.com). Memphis is a prime example of a food desert being that it is fourth in the country for food deserts. A large number of various fast food chains are all around Memphis, while healthy and more natural foods are much more difficult to attain. The last key term is “saturated fat.” Saturated fats are made of triglycerides and have only saturated fatty acids. These types of fats are found in many animal fats including butter, ice cream, chocolate, and cheese. Saturated fats have been associated with many diseases in the past including cancer and heart disease (Wikipedia). Obesity is an epidemic that continues to grow among the U.S., as well as many other countries around the world. Many ask how and when obesity first started to become such a huge problem in America. One main reason obesity has become so prevalent is the increasingly sedentary lifestyle that most Americans enjoy today. But, why has our society become more and more sedentary over the years? One reason that has been studied by Alabama Cooperative Extension Nutritionist Dr. Robert Keith is the electronic home media that became extremely popular during the early 1980’s (Wile). Instead of getting physical activity from outdoor activities, children started to stay inside more and play video games or watching television (Wile). As home video game systems emerged along with newer technology in television over the past few decades, obesity rates have exponentially increases. It is also believed that high fructose corn syrup that was introduced to foods in the 1970’s. High fructose corn syrup is currently found in many foods and drinks such as soda, cookies, juices, and candy (Wile). At the time this product was starting to be widely wised in food, obesity rates were much, much lower than they are now (Wile). In 1974 only about 50 percent of American people were overweight, and about 47 percent were obese (NIH). In 2010 about 75 percent of people were overweight and about 65 percent obese (NIH). A Princeton University research team actually found that rats that are fed high fructose corn syrup made much more weight gain than rats that are fed with table sugar of equal calories (Wile). This strongly supports the theory that high fructose corn syrup leads to weight gain. Also, fast food restaurants have become excessively popular since the 1970’s. A book called “Fast Food Nation” by Eric Schlosser mentions that in the 1970’s the U.S. annually spent about $6 billion dollars on fast food alone (Wile). In 2000 it was about $110 billion and now it is estimated to be around $135 billion (Ask.com). Fast food is very calorie and fat dense; which leads to heavy weight gain. Another direct correlation with obesity is the mode of transportation. Because of America’s heavy reliance on cars, people don’t have to exert any physical effort for transportation. As American suburbs became extremely popular, people could not walk to work or the grocery store. They had to drive or take a bus. Countries that do not have a big reliance on cars have much lower obesity rates (Wile). One great example of this correlation is Sweden. In Sweden only about 38 percent of people use a car as a primary source of transportation, and the obesity rate is only about 9 percent (Wile). In the U.S. about 88 percent of the population uses a car as a primary source of transportation (Wile). Obesity rates in America are at about 65 percent (NIH). This shows a very strong correlation between the use of cars and high obesity rates.
The lack of exercise and poor diet is believed by many to be the main cause of obesity.
The supporters of this claim believe that trans and saturated fats are what is ruining peoples diet, along with simple carbohydrates and sugar (McGroarty). Also, not having enough fruits and vegetables in your diet can be unhealthy. According to Gallop rankings only 56.7 percent of Memphis residents eat fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Although each individual is responsible for their own body and diet, Memphis is ranked fourth in the country in urban food deserts (Lollar). Some argue that this is the reason people’s diets are so poor. Healthy foods are much harder to afford in poverty stricken areas. And it is also very hard to find healthy food in some cases. A study from the University of Washington showed that when a person buys 2,000 calories worth of junk food the average price is $3.52, but when 2,000 calories of healthy food was bought the average price was about $36 (Buzzfeed.com). Many also argue that the lack of exercise goes hand in hand with a poor diet. Pam Reid, director of school nutrition programs for Mercer County Schools, states that exercise is very important to keep children from becoming overweight. She also says that kids are much more likely to play video games or watch television than to participate in any after school activity or do any exercise (Coil). Many people overestimate the calories they burn even when they do exercise (Schmidt). Running or walking the length of a football field burns off about the same amount of calories as one M&M candy has in it (Schmidt).
Many argue over why Memphis is one of the most obese cities in the country. Some blame it on the government. Some blame it on education. The reason I believe that Memphis obesity rates are so high is the lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and poverty. How can someone maintain a normal, healthy weight if they are eating foods loaded with sugar and fat, while getting little to no exercise on a regular basis? They can’t. This is the issue with many Americans. Many people eat fast food loaded with saturated fats and carbohydrates with a sugar filled coke to drink on a daily basis. This is fine sometimes, but many people eat fast food two or three times a day, and then don’t exercise. This is a daily cycle that causes many Americans, and Memphians, to become obese. The lack of exercise is a big reason America’s and Memphis’ obesity rates are so high. It is reported that only 18 percent of Americans meet the weekly recommendations for muscle strengthening and cardiovascular activities (Skerrett). The current exercise guidelines specify that the recommended amount of time doing moderate-intensity physical activity is 150 minutes, or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week (Skerrett). Moderate-intensity physical activity is exercise such as a brisk walk or raking. Vigorous physical activity includes higher intensity exercise such as jogging or swimming. These activities are recommended with two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that only 43 percent of adults met the recommended cardiovascular training per week, and that only 18 percent of adults met the recommended amount of muscle-strengthening activities per week (Skerrett). With these results it isn’t hard to see why obesity rates are high. Lack of exercise isn’t just prevalent in adults; it also is prevalent in many children. In a study done by the CDC in 2003 through 2007 showed that only 35 percent of high school students reported a significant amount of physical exercise (Bird). Only 13.8 percent of the children that reported adequate physical exercise were overweight. To maintain a healthy weight or to lose weight you have to burn more calories than you consume. With an inadequate amount of physical activity your body is unable to burn as many calories as it uses, therefore weight is gained. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise creates a perfect storm for obesity. Poor nutrition is another main cause of obesity and it is the primary reason Memphis obesity rates are so high. Memphis ranks number four in the country for urban food deserts (Lollar). There is more than enough of fast food restaurants in the Memphis area, but hardly any healthy places to eat. Fast food is loaded with calories. The average fast food meal has about 1,200 calories in it, along with an average of 53 grams of total fat (Health Encyclopedia). Jogging a mile burns about 125 calories in men, and about 90 in women (Burfoot). The average jogging speed is about 6 miles per hour (Wikipedia.com). At this pace, each mile would take about 10 minutes to complete. If a male completed the recommended 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity by jogging they would only be completing about 7.5 miles burning off about 940 calories. This isn’t even enough exercise to burn the amount of the calories present in a single fast food meal. The average calorie intake of an American male per day is around 2,640, and 1,800 for women, according to self-reported data (Coleman). This number is not completely accurate because these numbers are within the USDA’s recommended intake. Considering approximately 72 percent of men in the U.S. are considered overweight or even obese, and 64 percent in women. This suggests that people are lying about their true calorie intake. So if 2,640 is an underestimate of how many calories the average American male intakes, the real number could be surprising. It is true that the average American is overweight or obese. But, counties with obesity rates reaching greater than 35 percent have average obesity rates 145 percent greater than wealthy counties (Levine). These rates are because of the low accessibility of healthy foods in poverty stricken areas. Areas like this are all around the country. They are known as food deserts, and Memphis happens to be ranked fourth in the country in urban food deserts. In food deserts it is difficult to find fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also difficult to find markets that sell natural foods. Even if a store that sells fresh and healthy food is accessible to a poor neighborhood, the average price for healthy food is much higher than foods high in added fats and sugars. Fast food restaurants are usually more easily accessible to poor areas, and these foods are very energy dense packed with tons of calories and fat and are low in essential nutrients (Frac.org). Another important aspect of this issue is that poorer communities have less access for physical exercise. There aren’t many gyms in poor neighborhoods because most of the people in the area can’t afford gym memberships or home exercise equipment. Children in low income households are less likely to be involved in organized sports due to transportation and money issues. Also the crime level is higher in poor areas, therefore people are more likely to stay inside and partake in sedentary activities than go outside and exercise (Frac.org). And because these people stay inside and watch TV they have much more exposure to obesity promoting food products and other unhealthy advertising. Low income families are subject to unusual eating cycles. These cycles are usually cycles of deprivation and overeating. This often occurs because when money gets stretched thin families cannot eat much, but when money is available they overeat. This cycle is known as the “feast or famine” situation which can lead to metabolic changes that cause excess fat storage (Frac.org). Long term ups and downs in food consumption can lead to significant weight gain (Frac.org).
Although many agree that poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and poverty is the primary cause of obesity in Memphis, some have a different view. Some think that the government is to blame for the obesity epidemic in the United States. Cameron English, a science writer and editor from Sacramento, CA, argues that mainstream medical science, and the USDA’s dietary guidelines are to blame. He claims that the UDSA’s dietary guidelines consists of too many carbohydrates and not enough proteins and meats. And that these carbohydrates are converted to sugar in your bloodstream. These sugars are the same sugars that are found in many unhealthy foods like ice cream and candy. He states that high blood sugar caused by these carbohydrates is toxic, and your body produces insulin in attempt to lower blood sugar. The problem with this is that insulin turns blood sugar into fat and sends it to be stored (Cameron). Cameron goes on to say that the USDA is causing people to avoid fats and proteins necessary to function. While Cameron may provide truths about carbohydrate, but the USDA’s dietary guidelines are not causing people to consume an excess amount of carbohydrates. The USDA’s newest version of Dietary Guidelines for Americans lists all of the calorie and carbohydrate information someone could want or need in chapter 2. It also lists the top 25 sources of calories among Americans, which breaks down what each age group consumes the most calories from. Only about 7 of the 25 foods were high in carbohydrates (USDA, 12). If most Americans are obese, and the government’s recommended carb-loaded diet is to blame, then why aren’t most of the foods people get most their calories from high in carbs? Because the USDA’s recommended diet is not the primary cause of obesity and should not be identified as so.
Genetic makeup is something many believe to be the primary cause of obesity in America. It is true that some, very rare, genetic mutations can cause obesity in a person. But, in January 2010 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutritionit states that the percent of people that are obese because of a genetic variation was less than 1% (Nestle). It is true that genetic makeup effects our physiology, development, and adaptation (Harvard.edu). Although genetics may affect what we do and how we act to a certain degree, is it fair to blame obesity on this small correlation? The answer is no.
The cause of obesity in Memphis is clear. The lack of exercise, poor diet, and poverty has been stated to be the primary reason Memphis’ obesity rates are higher than most. Each of these specific reasons have been thoroughly explained and evaluated. Although there is not an overnight solution to poverty in Memphis, there are ways to help people that want to lose weight. The solution is education. In a study done by Netra Thakur and Frank D’Amico called Relationship of Nutrition Knowledge and Obesity in Adolescence, a survey was given to kids at three different schools. 292 students between the ages of 14 to 18 were given a survey that contained questions about nutrition knowledge, food-related behaviors, and food preferences. 289 students returned the survey and there was no conclusive difference between the test scores of the obese children and the non-obese children. But, overall the nutritional knowledge of the children was very low. 28 percent of the students listed popcorn as being high in fat calories; which is not correct (Thakur, D’Amico). 21 percent of the students did not know that peanut butter has a moderately high fat content. Also, over three fourths of the students did not know that 5 fruits and vegetables are recommended per day. The average student though that the number was 2 to 3 a day (Thakur, D’Amico). Although this study did not indicate that obese students had less knowledge than normal weight students, it did indicate that the overall nutritional knowledge of adolescents is poor. This is why students and adults should be exposed to more nutritional knowledge. Without nutritional education the obesity rates in Memphis will not go down. Dietary information plays a key role in making people aware of the food they’re eating along with helping them make changes to their diet. But, exercise plays a key role in the battle against obesity. People who want to lose a considerable amount of weight should do 300 or more minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and people who want to maintain healthy weight should do 150 to 300 minutes per week (NIH). A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that only about 20 percent of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise per week; which is about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week (Jaslow). That means that only 20 percent of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise to maintain weight (Jaslow). Considering that about 72 percent of males and 64 percent of females in the U.S. are overweight, it is safe to say that not enough exercise is being practiced (NIH). Even if there is not a gym nearby or a person’s neighborhood is not safe enough to run around, there are many other inexpensive ways to exercise at home. Simple push-ups and sit-ups can effectively help a person burn unneeded calories. Also, jogging in place can burn a large amount of calories. A 150 lb person can lose about 280 calories jogging in place for 30 minutes (Donner). A 200 lb person burns about 370 calories jogging in place for 30 minutes. Jogging in place is a moderate-intensity activity (Donner). So if a person over 200 pounds does 300 minutes of this a week they will burn 3,700 calories a week just from jogging in place. Will Memphis ever be out of the top ten lists for most obese cities in America? It could very possibly be off of these lists if many things change. First, people need to be aware of what and how much they eat. Though difficult in Memphis, it is possible to find affordable foods that are nutritionally better than a fast food cheeseburger; even for low-income families. Also, exercise needs to be pushed in the media and in schools. People will continue to be overweight when little to no exercise is done. Even if a gym is not available, and it is too dangerous to exercise outside, there are thousands of in-home exercises that do not require equipment. Although challenging, it is possible for Memphis to become a healthier, less overweight city that is now considered to be one of the fattest.
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