Academic Course Contribution - Essay Example

Reflective Paper The essence of knowledge is wisdom. It is the epitome of success to be achieved after a successful completion of an academic course. Consequently, for any student involved in the rigorous academic process, he or she should be able to provide an intellectually reflective opinion on the knowledge and skills gained so far. As a student in my own respect, I have evolved intellectually from the course and based my reflective paper on the academic course sojourn so far. The knowledge and experience gained has offered me personal and future skills that will prove worthy in my lifetime and service to society. Consequently, the academic course has contributed in writing development, knowledge in course components such as; summary, critique synthesis, research proposal, sentence outline, final paper, commenting process; as well as impacting on performance, constraints, writing skills, future career, change in writing process and situational application. Foremost, the academic course has provided me with a new found level of knowledge and professionalism in writing from the course components covered. In particular, course components such as the summary, critique and synthesis provided immense knowledge on my formative writing skills. The knowledge gained on summary writing was very helpful in finding resourceful articles for reference in my essay topic on obesity. It offered the insight in judging the credibility and relevant articles, books and websites pertinent to my research topic. Furthermore, the component on critique was helpful in accessing counter articles that were useful in developing argumentative essays. The critique component provided insightful knowledge on how to properly cite counter arguments on the essay topics from literary works of other authors. I was able to employ the critique component on the obesity argumentative essay when presenting anti opponent views against obesity control proposals. In addition, the synthesis component was insightful in developing a general flow and connection to the paper. The synthesis component equips a student with the ability of combining the different ideas into one comprehensive essay. Consequently, I was able to synthesize both the proposal and counter proposal arguments in developing the paragraphs of the obesity argumentative essay. The knowledge gained from the course lectures and notes on research proposal was equally pertinent. It enabled me to develop a comprehensive research topic based on obesity. In recognition of the global epidemic and particularly the immense effect on the American society, obesity proved to be an intellectually stimulating research proposal for the argumentative essay. Furthermore, the knowledge gained in research proposal enabled me to formulate a raft of proposal options to curb obesity such as increase in taxes and health premiums in the thesis statement. In addition, the component on sentence outline provided sufficient skills on sentence structure. The basic tenets of sentence outline taught in class, dictated on my ability to cite evidence from various obesity articles, explain the reference cited, respond or offer a personal opinion on the proposal, and consequently connect to the thesis statement. Moreover, the final paper component was influential in determining the layout, format, paper outline, citation and reference criteria of an argumentative essay. The knowledge on final paper outlook such as the MLA format was aptly integrated in the obesity research paper complete with proper in text citation technique such as the author and page number. Lastly, the commenting process component in the course outline provided in depth intellectual skills in offering a personal, objective, standpoint in the argumentative essay. Consequently, in the obesity argumentative essay I was able to use it in justifying my objective belief of increasing the cost of living and premiums for obese people. The final paper grades achieved have provided me with much contentment since I was able to achieve a score of 70-75%. This above average grade is a testimony of the course knowledge gained and effective application of it in the essays tackled such as the obesity essay. In the duration of the course the only constraint that I encountered at first was initial difficulties in synthesising essay paragraphs. However, with more practice and dedication I was able to overcome the challenge of synthesis from a weakness to one of my points of strength. As a result of the course, my writing technique has changed profoundly. Initially, my essay writing process was unstructured, disorganized and biased in opinion. However, the course equipped me with writing techniques such as synthesis, sentence outline and critique skills that has provided a professional edge to my writing style. In light of my future, I will use my writing skills in further academic development such as writing my dissertation. In general, my writing process has taught me to be more objective by acknowledging all views pertaining to the essay topic, offering an explanation and responding from a personal perspective. Conclusion The course content has contributed in developing my writing appeal from an amateur level to a more professional and intellectual captivating style. Consequently, knowledge in gained in course components such as; summary, critique synthesis, research proposal, sentence outline, final paper and commenting process; have transformed me into a confident and proficient academic writer. Name University Course Instructor Date Obesity The word that best describes the obesity situation in the United States is “epidemic.” The life threatening condition defined as an excessive amount of body fat has become a matter of critical health concern worldwide. The prevalence of obesity in the US has been on the rise, with statistics showing that “over two thirds of adults in the US are either obese or overweight” (Balentine). Moreover, the World Health Organization described obesity as ‘globesity’ due to the rapid spread of the epidemic globally (A?cs, Lyles, and Stanton 2).The grave reality of such sentiments emphasizes the health crisis affecting the United States and the need for drastic action. According to an obesity report released by Latta in the Middletown Journal, the state of Ohio was identified as the 10th fattest state in the US. Moreover, the report further revealed that “28.6% of adult Ohioans are obese and a third of the youths are overweight” (Latta). The health ramifications associated with obesity are many and equally life threatening. At the top of the list is health risks associated with reduced life expectancy whereby obesity accounts for about 300,000 deaths annually. Clearly, the gravity of obesity cannot be understated as it contributes to a myriad of social, economic and health problems in the United States. Obesity is an epidemic in the USA in general and Ohio in particular, which can be reduced by adopting radical but effective solutions, such as increasing the health insurance premium rates of obese individuals, litigation of fast food enterprises, increase in taxes, unhealthy food restrictions, drug therapy, surgery and mandatory employee fitness tests. Causes of Obesity The major causal factors of obesity are divided into two succinct categories, namely genetic and habitual/behavioural factors. Genetic causes are attributed to the genetic makeup of family members with a history of relatives predisposed to being obese. Consequently, families with family members having similar kinds of looks, e.g. chubby or skinny, are very common. The tendency of an individual to become overweight or obese is significantly determined by the physique of the parents. Scientists and doctors worldwide are in agreement that genetic causes of obesity are the most complex and strenuous to manage. This statement has been reiterated in newspaper articles such as the one by Friedman. According to this article, “Genetic studies have shown that the particular set of weight-regulating genes that a person has is by far the most important factor in determining how much that person will weigh” (Friedman). Moreover, according to Lyon and Hirschhorn, contributing authors in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “common forms of obesity have a strong hereditary component” (1). Clearly, the genetic factors play a significant role in the growing epidemic in the United States and, when coupled with other environmental factors, they become a problem. These sentiments are clearly echoed by cancers researchers in the UK stating that “Our genes and our environment both affect the setting of this ‘weight thermostat’ and can cause a calorie imbalance” (Cancer Research UK). Obesity is also a result of the activities and lifestyle habits adopted by an individual. Factors like the type of food one likes and the amount of exercise one does to burn the fat have an important role in determining one’s body-mass-index. Eating junk food is a common cause of obesity. The NIH News of 2004 are on record by stating that “young adults who eat frequently at fast food restaurants gain more weight and have a greater increase in insulin resistance in early middle age” (NIH News). Moreover, according to an article by Ygoy titled, “How Does Fast Food Cause Obesity,” the author states that, ““Even small amount of fast food can increase your calorie intake considerably” (2). Clearly both statements place the blame on the unhealthy eating lifestyle habits adopted by American citizens, and this consequently leads to the ‘ballooning’ of the country. Effects of Obesity Foremost, obese people are vulnerable to potential life-threatening diseases owing to a low immune system. These include insulin resistance, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol, heart attack, gallstones, gout, osteoarthritis and cancer. According to information derived from Stanford Hospital organization website, “Each year obesity-related conditions cost over 150 billion dollars and cause an estimated 300,000 premature deaths in the US” (Stanford Hospital Organisation). This just shows the excessive healthcare costs as well as the rampant loss of life as a result of obesity in the United States. Moreover, obese individuals face a number of challenges such as the risk of losing their jobs. Obesity affects the productivity of individuals as they find it harder to cope with the strenuous work load. Furthermore, it is no secret that employees would rather opt to lay down obese workers rather than risk to bear the burden of expensive health insurance covers and low work output. In addition, the chronic condition eats up into relationships such as family and friends. Marriages are broken as obese partners place a strenuous responsibility on their healthy partners. They become more and more dependent for support in basic things such as bathing or going to the toilet; moreover, a huge budget is needed to satisfy their insatiable appetite. The obese people are also alienated by their friends since no one is ready to bear the cost of caring for them. Ways to Fight Obesity Foremost, it is true to say that each and every individual is free to live a lifestyle of their choice. Consequently, it should be logical that each individual should be accountable for the implications of their lifestyle! Therefore, the insurance premium costs of obese individuals should be adjusted upwards so as to cater for their expensive treatment requirements. An article by Fleming in the Wall Street Journal stated that “Insurance companies in most countries already take people's size, weight, smoking habits and medical history into account before underwriting life and health polices” (Fleming). Furthermore, if their health care costs are increased, obese people may be inspired to live more healthy lifestyles. Sentiments advanced in the article entitled “Grappling with Obesity” by Swiss Re, an international life insurer, are in agreement. They have stated that “insurers need to understand obesity risks and adjust premiums accordingly” (“Grappling with Obesity”). Homer et al. have also emphasized the increasing role played by the health care sector in resolving the epidemic (441). Clearly, the obese citizens place an enormous burden, due to the cost of healthcare, on the country’s economy. The United States healthcare cost is the most expensive globally, and the cost of treatment for the increasing number of obese patients exposes the economy to undue stress. If health premium costs for obese individuals are raised, these people will be stimulated to lead healthier lifestyles in the hope of avoiding the high insurance rates. As a result, the health care cost changes will contribute to lower incidences of obesity. According to Balentine, a medical author at MedicineNet.com, the contributing factors to obesity include genetic inheritance from obese parents as well as eating large meals frequently that cause increase in insulin levels after meals. Moreover, the low rates of metabolism, overeating and physical inactivity have been identified as causes, too. However, one leading causal factor that has generated much debate and controversy relates to the contributing factor played by fast-food restaurants. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s report has stated that “young adults who eat frequently at fast food restaurants gain more weight and have a greater increase in insulin resistance in early middle age”(NIH News ). It is quite clear from the article that fast food joints attract a great number of youthful clients who are on the verge of obesity or already obese. Consequently, these businesses need to be held accountable for the spread of obesity. Nowhere else is the scourge of obesity evident as in the State of Ohio. The obesity report by Latta, a journalist in the Middletown Journal, alluded to this fact by stating that, “33.3 percent of youth in Ohio aged 10 to 17 are overweight” (Latta). Moreover, in the article titled “Supersizing of America: Obesity becomes an Epidemic,” it is estimated that the fast food industry spends more than 15 $ billion yearly in marketing their foods to children (Coventry).These sentiments echo the role played by the rapidly expanding fast foods restaurants that offer unhealthy and high calorie foods to Ohio residents. Consequently, the growth of fast food industries reflects on the growing cases of obesity. As a matter of national concern, fast food restaurants need to be streamlined fast. Murphy, a journalist, in her article titled “The Supersizing of America,” states that “fast food chains such as Burger King, McDonalds and Wendy’s have notoriously oversized their burgers and increased the servings for fries and sodas at low prices to their consumers” (Murphy). Consequently, consumption levels of fast foods have been on the increase and contributed to growing cases of obesity. Meanwhile, these fast food franchises continue to rake in astronomical profits at the expense of the consumers’ health. Murphy further states that “fast food chains do not alert their customers to the hazardously high calorie and fat content of the food they offer” (Murphy). Obviously, the fast food chains bear some blame for causing obesity and should take responsibility for the treatment costs. Furthermore, they should be held liable for compensating lawsuits lodged by obese victims. Consequently, such regulations on fast-food businesses contribute to curtailing of obesity. However, Brownell, a researcher and a PhD holder, nullifies the blame ascribed to fast-food holdings in his commentary “Fast Food and Obesity in Children.” According to study findings released by the US National Chamber of Commerce, “This study finds that fast food restaurants are not a chief culprit in the fattening of America” (Brownell). These statements are based on the fact that fast foods are not the primary and sole cause of obesity. Furthermore, consumption of these foods does not automatically result in obesity. Daynard, a law expert, proposes legal measures against fast food companies in his article “Legal Approaches to the Obesity Epidemic.” He states that “some elements of the food industry may be contributing to this epidemic through the ways in which they formulate and market their products” (Daynard 154). Consequently, legal measures such as litigation that have previously worked against tobacco companies need to be carried out to force the food companies to improve their marketing strategies. Ultimately, legal measures such as litigation will aid in bringing about more market responsibility in food advertisement and lowering the number of obesity cases. Moreover, the health care costs of obese individuals need to be revised through increasing the insurance premium rates of obese individuals. However, critics who opposed legal measures against fast food industries have sought legal redress from courts. According to Grant, this has led to heated campaigns aimed at seeking federal laws banning litigation against fast food industries by the political class (Grant). Another radical proposal worth considering in the fight against obesity in the US is the increase of taxes for obese people. According to Maris David, a contributing author in the Forbes magazine, a high number of Americans are in support of more taxes to be imposed on obese individuals. The article states that “1 in 3 Americans believe that obese people should pay more in taxes than healthy weight people” (Maris, “Is a Fat Tax in America’s Future?”). Clearly, the goal of increasing the taxes imposed on obese individuals is to compel them to lead a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, if more taxes are imposed on the basic income of obese individuals, the high cost of living would leave them with no option other than opt for healthier foods. In addition, if the American population supports the taxation of obese people, the measure of success will be high and the goal of decreasing the prevalence of obesity will achieve some progress. However, according to some critics against more taxes on obese people, the option is viewed as discriminatory and politically divisive. According to Maris, “taxing some subset of people, such as the obese, might be unappealing for politicians who are periodically seeking re-election from those very people” (“Is a Fat Tax in America’s Future?”). In light of this fact, the idea of imposing discriminatory taxes against obese people is a politically divisive move bound to end some political careers. The politicians clearly view the option as political suicide, especially for those in states occupied by most of obese individuals. Consequently, the chances of support are minimal, owing to the fear of political backlash from their obese constituents. Furthermore, the article by Maris David titled “The Obesity Epidemic – Two Policy Experts Speak Out” addresses the divergent points of view on the issue of taxing obese people. In the article, Donna Arduin, the president of a policy research firm in the United States, argues against the proposal. Her sentiments caution against the assumption that all overweight people should be viewed as “unhealthy or not eating healthy”. The basis of this logic is that the judgement based on physical perception rather than verified health status will subject some overweight individuals to unfair taxation policies. An article entitled “Public Health campaigns and Obesity – a Critique” by Walls, Peeters, and McNeil proposes food restrictions as a solution in the fight against obesity. Hellen Walls, a corresponding author affiliated with the department of Epidemiology at Monash University in Australia, proposes restrictions on unhealthy food through zoning and limited display in food stores (Walls, Peeters, and McNeil 2). Furthermore, the article emphasizes “changes to canteen menus and the introduction of fruit to canteen menus” (Walls, Peeters, and McNeil 1). Moreover, decreasing the exposure of children to fast foods can result in better nutrition and reverse cases of obesity (Frieden, Dietz, and Collins 357). Clearly, the increased availability of unhealthy foods that are high in calorie content entices people affected with obesity and promotes their unhealthy eating habits. If restrictions such as zoning and limiting of display areas of the unhealthy foods are imposed in supermarkets and other fast food restaurants, obese individual would find it increasingly difficult to gain access to them and consume them. Moreover, Walls, Peeters, and McNeil emphasize the need for adjusting the prices of healthy and unhealthy foods (3). It is no secret that unhealthy fast foods such as burgers and French fries are relatively cheaper than wholesome healthy foods in groceries. The cheap pricing of these fast foods compounded by the high number of fast food joints doting states such as Ohio attracts high number of customers. Therefore, if pricing adjustments such as decreasing the cost of healthy foods while increasing the costs of unhealthy fast foods were enacted, the popularity and consumption of fast foods would diminish. The simple logic that should be applied is to increase the cost of unhealthy foods beyond the reach of obese people and consequently compel them to opt for cheaper and healthier foods. Counter arguments against food restrictions have been vehemently advanced by fast food and beverage industries. Their views that are expressed in the article by Wells et al. state that they are opposed to encouraging healthy eating habits that will ultimately restrict their profit margins (2). In their opinion, obese and overweight people have the freedom to choose whatever they want to consume, and no regulations should be prescribed to curtail their choice of food, especially those that are designed to hurt their products. Weight loss, or anti-obesity drugs, is another approach to tackling the growing epidemic of obesity in affected states such as Ohio. According to Walls, Peeters, and McNeil, the approach is among the pharmaceutical methods designed to reduce the weight of obese patients (1). Such a mandatory medical regiment imposed against obese patients would control and keep their weight in check. However, opposition by critics in the article argues that anti-obesity drugs have serious side effects on obese users. The critics further doubt the effective percentage of weight loss which they estimate at most 5% (Walls, Peeters, and McNeil). These sentiments, however true, should equally appreciate that anti-obesity drugs have proven effective irrespective of the low statistics. Consequently, weight loss drugs should be viewed as part of the high risk solutions in reversing the spread of obesity. As a substitute to drug treatment for obesity, a better and effective method is surgery for chronic obese patients. This option has been supported by Walls, Peeters, and McNeil stating, “In contrast to drug therapy, surgery has demonstrated significant efficacy” (1). Clearly, this method poses a higher chance of life expectancy, especially for chronic obese patients. Moreover, the efficacy of surgery extends to other benefits such as reversal of disease related conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart risk factors. The opponents of this measure, who are mostly obese patients, have argued that they cannot afford the surgery costs of the procedure (Walls, Peeters, and McNeil 2). Moreover, those who have undergone the surgery procedure complain of serious physical and physiological side effects after surgery. These counter arguments do hold some truth in them, but then again, if the healthcare premiums earlier proposed were carried out, then, the obese patients would be in a capacity to finance their surgery costs. Consequently, it would prove that surgery is a worthy solution in reversing obesity prevalence! One major area where obesity poses a major problem is in the labour market. Many employers are left grappling with decreased labour productivity as more employees are increasingly overweight or obese. Thus, a radical proposal in addressing the crisis is the adoption of mandatory fitness tests and exercise regiments for employees. According to observations of Ceniceros, a business insurance author, in the article titled “Employers Weigh new ways to Address Obesity,” “some employers have opened fitness centres, conducted health education programs and even have provided incentives for employees who participate in proven weight loss programs” (Ceniceros 2). The major goal of these rafts of measures is to instil a healthy lifestyle change among obese and overweight employees. It is of paramount importance to instil a healthy regiment among obese employees, and, hopefully, the positive changes will trickle down to changes in diet and lifestyle at home. However, sceptics against this measure state that most of obese individuals shy away from the subsidized employee gyms that instead attract healthier employees (Ceniceros 2). Irrespective of such critics, these measures should not just be initiated by employees but also made compulsory to all overweight and obese individuals. These are the radical solutions by employees that can help increase labour productivity and reverse the prevalence of obesity in the United States. Conclusion Obesity is growing in the USA and is the cause of many health and socioeconomic risks for the people. To fight obesity, several methods can be adopted: the increase in the insurance premiums for the obese people; the increase of taxation imposed on obese people; litigation of fast food enterprises; unhealthy food restrictions; drug therapy, fat surgery removal, and mandatory employee fitness tests.These measures are demotivating and discouraging factors as regards gaining weight. Moreover, some of the proposals may appear radical, but the long term benefits of a healthy, vibrant and productive population considerably outweigh the costs. Works Cited A?cs, Zolta?n J., Alan Lyles, and Kenneth R. Stanton. Obesity, Business, and Public Policy. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar, 2007. Print. Balentine, Jerry. "Obesity (Weight Loss) Center - Mansfield, OH." Mansfield OH Internist Doctors - Obesity Facts, Statistics, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment-MedicineNet. MedicineNet. 4 July 2012. Web. 5 July 2012. . Brownell, Kelly. "Fast Food and Obesity in Children." Paediatrics. Version 113. American Academy of Paediatrics. 1 Jan. 2004. Web. 6 July 2012. . Cancer Research UK. "The Causes of Obesity-Genes, Behaviour and the Environment." Cancer Research UK. 25 Sep. 2009. Web. 20 July 2012. . Ceniceros, Roberto. "Employers Weigh New Ways to Help Address Obesity." Business Insurance 40.36 (2006): 3,3,30. Proquest. Web. 6 July 2012. Coventry, Martha. "Super-sizing of America, Obesity Becomes An Epidemic." Whatscookingamerica.net. University of Minnesota, n.d. Web. 6 July 2012. . Daynard, Richard A. "Legal Approaches to the Obesity Epidemic." Consumer Policy Review 13.5 (2003): 154-8. ABI/INFORM Global. Web. 6 July 2012. . Fleming, Charles. "Costlier Insurance may Lie Ahead for the Overweight." Wall Street Journal: D.5. ABI/INFORM Global. Apr 06 2004. Web. 6 July 2012. . Frieden, Thomas R., William Dietz, and Janet Collins. "Reducing Childhood Obesity through Policy Change: Acting Now to Prevent Obesity." Health affairs 29.3 (2010): 357-63. ABI/INFORM Global. Web. 6 July 2012. . Friedman, Jeffrey. "The Real Causes of Obesity." The Daily Beast 9 Sept. 2009: n. pag. thedaily.beast.com. Web. 14 July 2012. Grant, Jeremy. “Cheeseburger' Bill Stirs Controversy Over Blame for Obesity." Financial Times: 8. ABI/INFORM Global. 22 Oct 2005. Web. 6 July 2012. . "Grappling with Obesity." Reactions (2004): 1-. ABI/INFORM Global. Web. 6 July 2012. . H.N, Lyon, and J.N. Hirschhorn "Genetics of Common Forms of Obesity: a Brief Overview." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1.82 (2005): 2155-2175. obesity prevention. Web. 20 July 2012. Homer, Charles, and Lisa A. Simpson. "PERSPECTIVE: Childhood Obesity: What’s Health Care Policy Got to do with it?" Health affairs 26.2 (2007): 441-4. ABI/INFORM Global. Web. 6 July 2012. < http://search.proquest.com/docview/204644883?accountid=30552> Latta, Tiffany. "Ohio 10th Fattest State, According to Obesity Rreport."Middletown Journal. N.p., 22 Nov. 2009. Web. 6 July 2012. . Maris, David. "Is A Fat Tax In America’s Future? - Forbes." Forbes.com. Forbes. 19 Apr. 2012. Web. 6 July 2012. . Maris, David. "The Obesity Epidemic - Two Policy Experts Speak Out - Forbes." Forbes.com. Forbes. 14 May 2012. Web. 6 July 2012. . Murphy, Jenny. "The Super-Sizing of America: Are Fast Food Chains to Blame for the Nation’s Obesity?" whatscookingamerica.net. n.d. Web. 6 July 2012. . NIH News. "Eating at Fast-food Restaurants More than Twice per Week is Associated with More Weight Gain and Insulin Resistance in Otherwise Healthy Young Adults." National Institutes of Health (NIH). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), 30 Dec. 2004. Web. 6 July 2012. . Shelly B. "Obese America: Is Food the Next Tobacco? Wall Street Journal: B.1. ABI/INFORM Global. 13 Jun 2002. Stanford Hospital Organisation. "Health Effects of Obesity." Stanford Hospital and Clinics 1 (2012): n. pag. obesity. Web. 20 July 2012. Retrieved from . Walls, Helen, Anna Peeters, and John McNeil. "Public Health Campaigns and Obesity - a Critique." BMC Public Health 11 (2011): n.p. BMC Public Health. Web. 5 July 2012. . Worstall, Tim. "Alcohol, Obesity and Smoking Do Not Cost Health Care Systems Money. Forbes.com. Forbes. 22 Mar. 2012. Web. 6 July 2012. . Ygoy. "How Does Fast Food Cause Obesity?" fitness. n.p., 27 Nov. 2008. Web. 20 July 2012. . Name University Course Instructor Date Factor One: Relevance and Content The article by Daynard Richard the journal on Consumer Policy Review, “Legal Approaches to the Obesity Epidemic”, is pertinent to the research topic as it is helpful in explaining one of the solutions for obesity. I have used it in quoting some of the legal measures proposed as solutions for obesity. The main point advanced by the article is the proposal of using litigation against fast food restaurants due to the role they play in promoting obesity. In the article, the author argues that the marketing policies of fast food restaurants are playing a critical part in advancing the obesity epidemic in the United States. Consequently, legal measures such as litigation need to be imposed against the fast food industries. The source is useful in explaining the legal measures for controlling obesity as proposed in the thesis. Some of the lines that are directly quoted and derived from the abstract include, for example, this one: “Some elements of the food industry may be contributing to this epidemic through the ways in which they formulate and market their products.” (Danyard) The statement is in agreement with other sections of the essay that apportions blame to fast foods. Furthermore, the source addresses the topic of obesity extensively by providing more information on its causes and impacts and proposes litigation as a solution. The pages that are directly related to the topic are 154, 155,156 and 158. Moreover, the information derived from these pages is of good quality as they provide sufficient reasons as to why fast foods ought to be held legally responsible in promoting obesity. Furthermore, the author is objective and reasonable as he draws in the successes of legal measures imposed against tobacco industries that resulted into more responsible marketing of their products to consumers. In support of his conclusions, the author discusses the litigation measures imposed against the tobacco industry. He argues that litigation led the tobacco industry to being more responsible for the health of their consumers. Consequently, if such legal measures were imposed against fast food industries, it would result in a considerable increase of consumer responsibility in their marketing strategies. The source supports other sources used such as the study published by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (2004) in connection to frequent consumption of fast foods and weight gain. However, the author avoids information that does not support his arguments, such as the report on fast food and obesity released by the US National Chamber of Commerce. The resolution of the report was that fast food businesses not the chief culprits in the prevalence of obesity. Factor 2: Type of Source and the intended Audience The source is scholarly and any reader would agree that the writing is easy to read and understand. The only part that has been ignored in the article relates to the counter arguments by opponents against legal measures being imposed on fast food restaurants. Moreover, this source was designed to inform about the need to impose legal measures against the fast food industry that contribute to the prevalence of obesity. Lastly, the source is secondary and is a journal article. Factor 3: Author The author of the article expresses his concern regarding the obesity epidemic by emphasizing the culprit role played by the food industry. He argues that the American legislators should employ legal measures such as litigation in curtailing the obesity epidemic. The author, Richard Daynard, is a lawyer with the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI). He successfully made an onslaught on the tobacco industry through litigation and was at the forefront of promoting lawsuits against the fast food industry. His expertise that makes him a qualified writer on obesity is drawn from his previous successful litigation cases against tobacco industries and his position as a board member on PHAI. Factor Four: Timeliness The information from this source was published in 2003 and currently is nine years old. However, it is up to date since the debates revolving around food litigation are issues that dominate the legal and public domain in the fight against obesity. The information is accurate and reliable as it draws parallels from the successful tobacco litigation cases. Lastly, it does cover obesity objectively as it provides evidence against the poor food marketing strategies of fast food joints and their consequent promotion of obesit Works Cited Daynard, Richard A. "Legal Approaches to the Obesity Epidemic." Consumer Policy Review 13.5 (2003): 154-8. ABI/INFORM Global. Web. 6 July 2012. . Read More