The Problem of Obesity in America - Essay Example

Obesity in America The problem of obesity is not restricted to a single or place these days but it has expanded throughout the face of the planet. Not even the developing states have been affected by the problem but also the developed ones. The problem of obesity in America has risen to such alarming levels that several policies are given out by the state to decrease this problem. It is equally important for me to solve this problem as this problem might affect me and my coming generations if it is not decreased. Yes I am willing to put a lot of effort and time to decrease the problem for the betterment of my fellow citizens and our coming generations. We can have a healthy life if we curb this problem now only as the problem seems to be increasing in the coming years. The age expectancy has decreased to quite a level because of this very problem. Though the problem has increased to such levels that my effort alone would not finish the problem however if I put an extra effort I can aware the individuals of the threats that this problem poses. And thus it can have an affect on the whole problem. Step 1 Identifying the problem The problem of Obesity in America was not of much importance in the early ages, but as years have passed a gradual rise in the number of obese people has been seen. Obesity is viewed as a problem because it poses a threat to the lives of people. It can be termed as a carrier for diseases to happen in the body of individuals. It is known in medical terms that obesity is the irregular accumulation of fat at weak positions inside the body (points like veins and arteries). “Obesity is by definition an increase in fat” (Fletcher, Grundy and Hayman). And obesity is known to be a major cause of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in individuals. This shows that the problem not only affects the physique of a person but also his inner environment of the body. Thus it can altogether be termed as lethal. Obesity is affecting the whole environment of the society by making the individuals more prone to health related problems. It is not only affecting health of the individuals but also the processes of physical properties in our daily lives. Life can come to a standstill if all the individuals in the world become obese this is because obese people do not tend to involve in physical processes. Further it can be said that it is of immense importance that this problem is curbed. Step 2 Analyze and Evaluate the Problem The problem of obesity has started since the very beginning of the world. But the extent to which this problem extended was only limited, however in the recent years the problem has turned into an epidemic. The problem is caused by the individuals by themselves or is at times hereditary also. However the actions of individuals are the most that matter in making an individual obese. It has been identified that obesity occurs in individuals who do not properly churn out the calories that they intake. This means that they eat more but do not carry out any exercise to churn the calories that the food they have taken has. The government of the United States has initiated several strategies to curb out the problem of Obesity. These strategies provide behavioral and environment approaches so the people are attracted towards doing exercises and burning out their extra fat. Medical approaches have also been derived by the government to curb obesity. The problem of obesity has risen to such levels that it is estimated that most of the people in America are obese. The most recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 65 percent of U.S. adults — or about 129.6 million people — are either overweight or obese (Robert Longley). The strategies implemented by the government are not successful to that extent as they were expected to and more aggressive means should be used to curb out the problem. Common individuals who are obese or overweight are involved in the problem and most of them would come forward to get rid of the problem. No, I would have no such restrictions in providing a solution to the problem of obesity. Step 3 Propose Alternative Solutions The problem of obesity can only be curbed by the help of individuals and their concern for their health. In order to decrease the problem I would with my friends aware the obese individuals of their problem. This would make them conscious about their health and thus they would automatically follow the methods to avoid obesity as laid out by the government. Secondly I would give out charts of certain products which have the most calories in them. This would help the individuals to realize which products are healthy and which non healthy. Thirdly I with my friends would promote certain exercises amongst the obese individuals which would make them get rid of their problem. The exercises which I would promote would not be strenuous so the obese people are attracted towards them. Further after doing these exercises the obese people would be able to get rid of their problem accordingly. Step 4 Evaluate the Alternative Solutions The awareness program as proposed by me as the first solution is a difficult task but can be carried out with the help of different factors. This can help the individuals to realize the potential of the problem they are suffering from. The problem can be carried out only with the help of different resources and factors. The marketing of the awareness program may be expensive enough so this can be considered as a negative factor of the first proposal given out by me. Most of the resources to carry out the proposal are available except for the huge amount of money involved in the process. Individuals are willing to work on such a proposal thus the workforce involved in the proposal is achieved. Further the government itself is involved in such a process so it can be easy to achieve it. Different NGOS are available for contact for such an awareness program and they have all the necessary requirements for such a plan. No, it won’t in any way affect any individual involved in the process rather it would help the individuals to realize the potential of the problem. The program can have a huge impact on the whole system of obesity and it can help to change the epidemic into a smaller problem. The hazards of the problems are laid to the people in this problem and thus they would be able to follow the respective measures to curb the problem. The second solution to the problem is giving out charts to people in real as to what products are high in calories and what are not. The solution can be carried out only if a huge workforce is given with. The cost of such kind of program is comparably lower to that of the awareness program. The resources involved in the solution are available except for the workforce involved in it. The money factor is not that high as in the awareness program and it is affordable. Certain organizations are also willing to take out the process but as this is a mass project involving a lot of people, it would get difficult to organize the individuals. Individuals who work towards the solution would not be affected in a negative way by the solution but would rather have a positive one. The problem can be solved through this solution only the individuals follow the chart properly. The calorie intake of the individuals can be reduced by providing them with these charts and thus this can on an overall review reduce obesity amongst individuals. This solution involves only my close associates which can help in making aware the individuals of exercises and their affect on individuals. The solution can be carried out within our own social circle. The costs of such a program are lower as they don’t involve any marketing agencies. Money does not take into notice in this kind of program. No organizations are to be taken into confidence in this program as it can be implemented through my own associates. The individuals who follow the solution will benefit only and may reduce their weight. Yes, positive changes can take place if this solution is followed as it would help them greatly as the exercises can help individuals greatly to get their weight reduced. Step 5 Selected Prepared Solution The first solution of creating awareness about obesity amongst people is the problem that I think would be most effective in reducing the problem of obesity. The problem though a bit expensive can be considered more important because of its possible consequences. The problems of obesity are over laid in this program so the people get aware and take action to reduce obesity. It can be considered as a very important factor in reducing obesity. The other two solutions though may prove to be effective but not like this one as the other two do not tell as to why the problem of obesity should be curbed. Step 6 Carry out prepared solution Quotes "This is the first FREE scheme of its kind operating in the UK and is a new programme designed exclusively for Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs with the aim of easing the obesity crisis. We feel it is important to pioneer ways to combat the growing obesity problems in the UK and make Britain a healthier, fitter and happier nation" (Rosemary Conley CBE). Professor Rush says while the code alone will not solve the obesity problem, it will raise international awareness and leadership for ways of working together at global and local levels to provide supportive environments for promoting health. "Campbell admitted that, ideally, the obesity awareness campaign would be run by an organisation with no conflict of interest, but insisted that this was not happening. I certainly think there is a need for greater public awareness of the health risks of obesity and the potential solutions. Ideally, this would all be forthcoming from some agency that does not have a commercial interest, but the reality is that it is not being done to the degree that we would like. I do think the campaign is justifiable and should be able to point people in the right direction… Campbell has called for the number of people being prescribed obesity drugs in the UK to be doubled." Bibliography Fletcher, Gerald F., Scott M. Grundy, and Laura Lucia Hayman. Obesity: Impact on Cardiovascular Disease. American Heart Association Monograph series. Armonk, NY: Futura Pub, 1999. NIH Has Strategy to Fight U.S. Obesity Plan aims for treatment and prevention By Robert Longley, About.com Borton, Janis, and Leslie Teach. Obesity in America. NCSL legisbrief, v. 8, no. 42. Denver, Colo: National Conference of State Legislatures, 2000. Wexler, Barbara. Weight in America: Obesity, Eating Disorders, and Other Health Risks. Information series on current topcis. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2005. Jordan, Amy. "Overweight and Obesity in Americas Children: Causes, Consequences, Solutions." The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. 615. 1 (2008): 225-243. West KM. "Obesity in America." Annals of Internal Medicine. 92. 6 (1980): 854-5. Counihan, Carole, and Penny Van Esterik. Food and Culture: A Reader. New York: Routledge, 1997. Read More