Solutions to Obesity in the United States Term Paper by Nicky

A discussion on two opposing views on what must be done to combat the obesity crisis in the United States.
# 150326 | 1,267 words | 5 sources | APA | 2012 | US
Published on Jan 31, 2012 in Medical and Health (Nutrition and Exercise) , Political Science (U.S.) , Medical and Health (Public Health Issues)


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Description:

The paper discusses the contention that the focus should be on culture and education, as well as the argument that the government should intervene in the form of legislation. The paper considers the strengths and weaknesses of both options and examines which will benefit the greatest amount of U.S. citizens. The paper reaches the conclusion that while legislation may have a place in the curbing of obesity in the United States, it is education aimed at changing the culture of obesity in the United States that will have real, long-term effects on the issue.

Outline:
Introduction to the Problem: Obesity in America
Discussion and Critical Evaluation of the Evidence
Conclusion Including Solutions and Limitations

From the Paper:

"The two primary solutions to ending obesity in America each appeal to a select group and have each been offered for a variety of valid reasons. The first solution is presented by those who favor changing America's culture using education in order to make Americans aware of the problems associated with obesity, what causes obesity, and that obesity is a disease; obese people need to be helped, not ridiculed. On the opposing side, those who favor legislation suggest that when given an option, most will choose to continue engaging in behaviors that make them obese even if they know the outcome. Citing obesity as a national health crisis, they call for legislation, a "fat tax,' that would raise the taxes on junk food items such as potato chips, French fries, and candy bars (Satchell, 2009). Because junk food adversely impacts the pocket book, Americans could be encouraged to eat healthy.
"Both of these solutions have strengths and weaknesses that could respectively aid or debunk the attempt to curb obesity in the United States. By focusing on changing America's culture through education, educators would have the chance to impact whole generations, possibly eradicating the problem in the long term through offering health education courses at schools in addition to through libraries and other centers for adult education."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Centers for Disease Control. (2009, July 24). U.S. Obesity Trends. Retrieved August 7, 2009, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web Site: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html#State
  • Frankenfiled, G. (2000, Jan. 14). Obesity Plus Low Self-Esteem May Lead to Risky Behavior in Teens. Retrieved August 7, 2009, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/news/20000114/obesity-plus-low-self-esteem-may-lead-risky-behavior-teens
  • Satchell, S. (2009, July 30). UVa Researchers Say A Fat Tax May Curb Obesity." Retrieved August 7, 2009, from Newsplex: http://www.charlottesvillenewsplex.tv/healthwatch/headlines/52077352.html
  • "Schools urged to fight obesity." (2004, May 27). Retrieved August 7, 2009, from BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/3751305.stm
  • Stehr, M. , 2006-06-04 "The Effect of Education and Parental Education on Obesity" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Economics of Population Health: naugural Conference of the American Society of Health Economists, TBA, Madison, WI, USA <Not Available>. 2009-05-25 from http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p93464_index.html

Cite this Term Paper:

APA Format

Solutions to Obesity in the United States (2012, January 31) Retrieved December 07, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/term-paper/solutions-to-obesity-in-the-united-states-150326/

MLA Format

"Solutions to Obesity in the United States" 31 January 2012. Web. 07 December. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/term-paper/solutions-to-obesity-in-the-united-states-150326/>

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