Writing an Argument - Essay Example

?Obesity is one of the most daunting issues that continues to haunt the American society. Despite all the evolutions that occurred in the fitness industry, it is clear that obesity continues to plague American society. Obesity, like other health- related behaviors is one of the chief causes for disability. Obesity is not a simple disease resulted from one factor. But it is rather a chronic condition that develops as a result of genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. In addition, it is associated with heart disease, heart stroke, high blood pressure, and even cancer. Undoubtedly, obesity is sky high as two-thirds of the American population is obese. It is evident that children in this current generation has a shorter life expectancy due to high rates of obesity as opposed to children 2 decades ago, which is highly shocking. According to this article, “Obesity has become a huge phenomenon that is big of a hazard as smoking is adolescence.” Without a doubt, obesity is a prevalent problem that is detrimental to society and must be addressed for the health and the wealth of the future generations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity along with physical inactivity caused 400,000 U.S. deaths. In addition, obesity is linked with major health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and stroke. According to healthamericans.org, almost 60% of children in America are obese and the rates continued to increase in an alarming rate in 23 states. With the current economic recession, obesity rates will continue to increase since nutritious foods will become more expensive. Clearly obesity has detrimental effects on individuals, and attempt to understand the root causes of obesity. Medical experts after intensive research have contributed four major factors that cause obesity. One of the main causes of obesity is due to lack of physical activity. Physical inactivity remains as a top cause for obesity than any other factors. A study conducted by medical experts proved that a lack of vigorous physical activity is the main contributor to obesity for adolescents. This has been a huge issue especially with the advent of technology. Young adults are more likely to stay home and indulge in TV rather than engaging in physical activity. This concern has been prevalent in American society as obesity rates have staggered amongst teens. The key element is to ensure that adolescents get the necessary physical activity in order to prevent them from being obese. The second leading cause of obesity that plagues our society is poor nutrition. According to womenfitness.net, intake of excess calories and consumption of food that are high in fat, sugar, and sodium are proven to be linked to obesity. In addition, studies conducted by the National Institute of health, implementing a meal plan that is rich in lean protein, high in fiber and minerals, limiting sugars and fats can drastically lower the chance of obesity. Poor nutrition has been a huge factor that has prolonged this issue. Recently, many schools have rectified this issue by eliminating trans-fat or sugary snacks out of their cafeteria. This has somewhat rectified the issue and made students make healthier alternative choices. Another major issue trending in the realm of nutrition is junk food. It is evident that the young generation which is constantly being bombarded with “supersized meals.” If the younger generation understands the consequences of their nutritional habits, they are more like to modify their lifestyle that can benefit their health. In addition, the younger generation understands the importance of having a good sex appeal, which can push the youth to eat healthy, exercise and adapt a healthy lifestyle. For instance, the education system and the food industry clearly promote an unhealthy eating habits couple with no physical activity for children. It is evident that these factors are key elements towards the rise of obesity rates in society, which must be addressed as society progresses to the 21st century. If obesity becomes a bigger issue than smoking, it will truly be a detrimental factor for the younger generation. The FDA has also administered the correct sources of nutrition for promoting health. For instance, the food pyramid is an excellent source for making the correct food choices. It is clear that when lack of physical activity along with poor nutrition is prevalent, obesity in adolescence will undoubtedly sky rocket. Another cause of obesity that plagues our society is the extensive use of drugs abused by individuals. According to the lifeextension.org, steroids such as testosterone and some anti-depressant drugs may lead to obesity and weight gain. Moreover, diseases such as diabetes, in which patients inject insulin is also shown to increase body mass index resulting in obesity. Insulin is a dangerous drug because it allows individuals to gain excess weight that might not all be fat. Fat and water accumulate to weight increase, which diminishes motivation for young adults to by active. While some drugs must be consumed that need medical attention, the overall use of drugs and steroids not only pose serious health risks, but also are linked to obesity. The fourth cause of obesity that plagues our society is having a negative state-of- mind. It is a well-known fact that individuals resort to consume “comfort foods” when faced with a stressful situation such as relationship troubles, stress due to studying, and passing away of a close relative. Unfortunately, most of these foods lack the adequate nutritional requirements that are needed for the body, but are high in fats, sugars, and carbohydrates. Researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, have found that psychological stress is linked to overeating by conducting an experiment on female rhesus macaques. Undoubtedly, obesity is a major issue that needs to be addressed in an efficient and urgent manner. Therefore, there are steps that can be implemented in order to reduce obesity in our society. In order to reduce obesity that plagues our society, some major steps need to be implemented. First, healthier food choices must be provided in all institutions, so individuals have a better alternative. Some schools have taken a great approach to rectify this problem as mentioned above and eliminated sugary snacks. This will be a great opportunity for individuals especially adolescents to make smart food choices that have an important impact towards their health. In addition, it will enable individuals to be motivated about their health because they will see the results when their body is strong, energized and well nourished. Moreover, individuals should be encouraged to be active and physical by promoting extracurricular activities and sports. Without a doubt, obesity will be reduced, granted if these steps are adopted by individuals on a daily basis. Unmistakably, obesity continues to haunt our society and is caused by lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, drug abuse, and having a negative state of mind. Individuals must acknowledge the fact that obesity rates will continue to escalate granted proper steps are not taken. Combating obesity will be slow and challenging, it is a long-term plan that can improve the lifestyles of millions of individuals in the country by offering healthier food choices and educating the young generation about obesity. Without a doubt, American can be a healthier nation for the future generations ahead. Works Cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Overweight and Obesity,” 2010. Web. 2nd May 2010. Doctorslounge.com.“CDC: Obesity approaching tobacco as top preventable cause of death.” 2004. Web. Forbes.com. “World’s Fattest countries.” 2007. Web. 2nd May 2010. Healthyamericans.org. “How Obesity Policies are Failing in America,”2009. Web. 2nd May 2010. < http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2009/> Harvard School of Public Health. “The Nutrition Source Healthy Eating Pyramid” 2010. Web. 2nd May 2010. Lifeextension.org. “Obesity,” 2010. Web. 2nd May 2010. < http://www.lef.org/protocols/metabolic_health/obesity_03.htm> Womensfitness.net. “Top 10 Contributing Factors to Obesity.” 2009. Web. 2nd May 2010. Yerkes National Primate Research Center. “Primates.” 2008. Web. 2nd Mat 2010. < http://www.yerkes.emory.edu/primates> Read More