Obesity among Youth in America

Paper Summary:

In this essay the writer notes that there can scarcely be any question that obesity is a growing problem among American youth and a growing concern in the United States. Most of all, the simple reality is that there is no clear consensus on what factor contributes more so than any other to the rapid spread of obesity among young Americans. The writer discusses that some scholars favor the idea of physical inactivity as the cause, while others emphasize diet and still others insist that genetics are at play. The writer maintains that the uncertainty or ambiguity around the problem is brought into sharp relief by the fact that all of these factors undoubtedly play a role; we just do not know the precise extent to which each plays a role.

Outline:
Introduction
Obesity is a Growing Concern in the United States
Defining the Issue
Establishing that it is an Open-Ended Problem
Theory One
Theory Two
Theory Three
Discussion and Critical Evaluation of the Evidence
Quality of the Evidence
Conclusion: Solutions, Limitations and Recommendation

From the Paper:

"The "Obesity as a Disease" perspective. Many individuals find evidence put forward in defense of this thesis problematic inasmuch as many people who have overweight parents do not become overweight themselves; the converse is also true. The problem with this evidence is also that, with such a strong correlation between physical activity and diet and obesity, there appear to be other factors which merit greater regard from academics. At the same time, the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization (Edlin, 2004) both recently designated obesity as a disease - even though this designation, as Hwaley's 2006 work attests, has met with scrutiny among scholars who believe that obesity does not fit the criteria for being called a disease."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Edlin, Mari. (2004). Plans encouraged by activities that lift obesity's heavy burden. Managed Healthcare Executive, 14(3): 36-38.
• Furedi (2006). Additional information on this citation arguing against the idea that television causes obesity has not been provided by the client.
• Hwaley (2006). Additional bibliographic information not provided by client.
• Kaufman, Ron. (2006). Television is Responsible for the Obesity epidemic. In J. Carroll (ed.), Television: Opposing Viewpoints. (87-93). Opposing Viewpoints Ser. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2006. Retrieved June 14, 2007 from Thomson Gale database.
• Maddock, Jay. (2004). The relationship between obesity and the prevalence of fast food restaurants: State-level analysis. American Journal of Health Promotion, 19(2): 137-143.

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