Childhood Obesity in America - A Critical Evaluation Analytical Essay

A look at health issues surrounding childhood obesity.
# 150582 | 1,511 words | 9 sources | APA | 2012 | US


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Description:

This paper presents an overview of childhood obesity in America, with a focus on the theories of its causes, reasons that contribute to it, strengths and weaknesses of the evidence presented, and possible solutions to the problem. First, the paper presents various theories about obesity and then shows how none are accurate. Additionally, the paper notes that 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. Then, the paper presents three possible solutions to the problem of obesity, stating the limitations and drawbacks to each solution. The paper concludes by stating that the best solution is just to watch what one eats and to exercise, since these approaches address the biological realities of the human body when it comes to making use of food.

Outline:

Introduction to the Problem
Biases/Assumptions of these Perspectives
Quality of the Evidence and Alternative Interpretations
Three potential solutions to the problem of Obesity
Limitations or drawbacks to Each Solution

From the Paper:

"The physical activity perspective. Suffice it to say, the strength of the proposition that physical activity is the root cause for whether or not someone becomes obese is that it takes into account the essential fact that the human body takes in energy and then uses that energy; if more goes in than goes out, fat cells storing unneeded energy begin to proliferate - just as Schlicker (1994) points out. All in all, the causal relationship is quite proximate - simply owing to the biology of the human body - and that is why the evidence presented for this position is strong."
"The fast foods perspective. The strength of the fast foods proposition is similar to the strength of the physical activity perspective: the biology of the human body is such that ingesting fat-laden foods with high amounts of "useless" calories will result in obesity as the body struggles to break down and find use for the material being consumed by the individual. The problem with the fast food perspective - and this is also true of the physical activity perspective - is that there is a basic failure to appreciate how genetics can play a role in turning someone in an obese individual."

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.

Cite this Analytical Essay:

APA Format

Childhood Obesity in America - A Critical Evaluation (2012, March 18) Retrieved September 27, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/childhood-obesity-in-america-a-critical-evaluation-150582/

MLA Format

"Childhood Obesity in America - A Critical Evaluation" 18 March 2012. Web. 27 September. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/childhood-obesity-in-america-a-critical-evaluation-150582/>

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