Obesity
Obesity: An Epidemic Ailments such as cancer, emphysema, and multiple sclerosis are usually associated with a painful death. However, diseases like these are not the exclusive killers of Americans. Many fall prey to a more silent killer, but one that should be respected just as much as any other serious physical ailment: obesity. “Obesity is a disease with severe repercussions such as heart disease or stroke. Though largely overlooked in importance, it is an epidemic, and like other epidemics, such as cancer, it can become fatal if it progresses sufficiently” (Harcombe 19). Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 30%. Obesity is distinctly different than being overweight, which may imply excess muscle or bone density (“Obesity in America”). According to statistical findings, obesity is most abundant in the United States (“Adult Obesity Facts”). Obesity is a vicious disease that can be found in all parts of the world, but is more widespread, and thus more detrimental, in America than any other country. Factors such as a stressful lifestyle, lack of exercise, unhealthy food choices, fear of change, and ignorance of the importance of teaching prevention all contribute to the pervasive problem of obesity. Obesity is a pressing issue in the United States; over a third of the country, or about thirty-five percent, is impacted by obesity (Ellis). The large percentage of Americans affected by obesity is attributed to the American lifestyle. Many Americans lead a lifestyle of indulgence. This style of life naturally includes gluttony, which contributes to the unhealthy lifestyle (Harcombe 34). Anyone who lives in the capitalist working world is well acquainted with stress. Stress has been proven to lead to obesity, as hormones released in response to stress halt the natural breakdown of fat. Two stress hormones that affect body fat are cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol causes bloating and fat retention, while adrenaline provides
Bibliography: Keller, K. Encyclopedia of obesity. 1. Sage Publications, Inc, 2009. Print. The Encyclopedia of Obesity is a critical read for one researching this condition. This book, readable at a high school level, outlines the potential health effects of obesity and exposes the eventual consequences. Not only are direct results discussed, but also secondary afflictions brought on by obesity, such as Type II Diabetes. As I researched the impact of obesity on our society today, this book provided not only many invaluable facts but also concise evidence. Harcombe, Zoë. The Obesity Epidemic, What Caused It? How Can We Stop It?. 2010. Print. As I looked for a resource explaining how obesity became such a problem, this book caught my eye. Giving answers to questions such as “How did we get here”, this book takes a novel approach to discussing the country’s obesity problem. Instead of listing many irrelevant medical facts and opinions, this book gives a social history of obesity, possible risk factors, and suggestions on how to stop the phenomenon, both personally and in our entire culture. Thus, it proved beneficial to my research. Ellis, J. Obesity Related Statistics in America. N.p.. Web. 21 Apr 2013. . In the search for more information about current obesity levels in America, I found this page. A clear summary of the current standings of many health complications related to or caused by obesity, this page gave a clear indication of the impact of obesity on America. Also given were historical levels of obesity in certain areas of the country and their trends, which generally went up. Thus, it was a useful tool when writing my paper. Adult Obesity Facts. N.p.. Web. 21 Apr 2013. . While looking for dependable sources, government databases are your best friends. When I came across this article published by the United States Center for Disease Control, I immediately read it searching for relevant information. Current trends and percentages regarding obesity levels give the article the unique ability to compare the issue today to its past levels of severity. Therefore, it was of use in the writing of my paper. "Obesity In America." Medical Update 23.7 (2000): 2. Academic Search Premier. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. The findings of a medical journal, the facts uncovered in this paper are based entirely on human biology. Giving crucial information such as how obesity is measured and diagnosed, this entry was necessary in the writing of my paper. Without an interpretation of the scale of obesity, how was I to make comparisons between those afflicted, or gauge their condition? Consequently, information pulled from this source was exceptionally useful.