Reasoning and Problem Solving of Obesity Problem - Essay Example

obesity: the problem & its solutions The New Disease Problem Identification & Clarification Obesity is defined as an excess accumulation of body fat to the point where the ratio of the body fat to total body mass is higher than accepted norms (Carson-Dewitt, et al, 2007). An obese person is not only exposed to risk of cardiac and other diseases but experiences difficulties in normal daily activities. The overall symmetry and uniformity of anatomical structures like the torso and the limbs become unmanageable and locomotion and balance are affected. All diseases in the past have been identified, tackled and cured or managed by extensive medical research. Preventive / therapeutic interventions and systematic application of knowledge has succeeded in curing most diseases afflicting humanity, unless they are of incurable nature, such as AIDS or malignancy. Economic prosperity in the last few decades of the twentieth century, the resultant sedentary lifestyle which is not in accordance with how nature intended man to lead his life, has given rise to utterly novel diseases which were unheard of in the primitive world. Obesity is one such disease, which has reached serious proportions in recent times in the American society as well as other affluent nations of the world. Uncertainties & Ambiguities Obesity cannot be classified in the traditional framework of diseases, as it does not have any infectious or pathological cause, except a few exceptional genetic factors which make certain people more prone to this malady. Generally obesity has been observed in affluent nations, in people irrespective of race or ethnic background. It is more of a lifestyle disease which can be prevented by going back to nature. Obesity is a scourge affecting majority of the people in the US and in other parts of the world where affluence and dietary patterns are congenial for its incidence. Planning & Information Gathering United States of America is a nation which has led the world in terms of economic growth, industrialization and application of technology for a better life for its citizens during the major part of the twentieth century. Tremendous growth in the various states and cities of America, improvements in terms of civic amenities and healthcare has resulted in a lifestyle in the majority of the population which is unfortunately, not in tune with nature. In the United States, the last thirty years have churned up increasing number of obese people with 65% of today’s adult population suffering from one or the other obesity related problems (www.cdc.gov). The number of obese children living in the United States has quadrupled over the last fifty years. The latest figures suggest that there has been a dramatic increase particularly during the last two decades. Interpretation & Analysis of Data (Organization) With the exception of Colorado, all other states had obesity figures greater than 20% of their populations, with Alabama ranking at the top (>30%). Equally alarming are the figures for obesity related diseases which account for figures of 80% of cases of Type II Diabetes, 70% of cardiovascular diseases, 42% of breast/colon cancer cases, 30% of gall bladder surgeries and 26% of people suffering from hypertension (www.annecollins.com). It is clear that this marked rise in the incidence of obesity has been a development of the latter half of the twentieth century, when economic prosperity had started affecting human lifestyles. The figures suggest that it is high time that the health authorities in the US should realize the gravity of the situation and initiate programs so that obesity does not afflict the future generations. The US government has already initiated programs for physical activity in schools to address this issue. Interpretation & Analysis of Data (Evaluation) The problem of obesity is being looked at with increasing concern in the United States and the pertinent authorities are well aware of the situation (www.surgeongeneral.gov). There is no second opinion that to get rid of obesity in society, stringent measures need to be enforced. Increased physical activity among the growing children and teens in the country is absolutely necessary for prevention of obesity in the country in order to have a healthier future generation. Besides physical activity, healthier eating habits and the spread of health literacy among the youngsters have been identified as the other two important factors (www.surgeongeneral.gov). The problem has been aptly summarized as ‘too many children eating too much and moving too little’. Programs therefore need to be initiated which encourage physical activity combined with appropriate and nutritious food which meets the endogenous requirements of growing children and does not fill them up with excessive calories. Such means need to be applied with national consensus in an organized manner all over the country with a uniform pattern. Critics of such drastic means may take this as a challenge to their democratic human rights, but such means are necessary to avoid this burgeoning problem, which is already leading to early occurrence of obesity related diseases and death in people. Assumptions & Values The scientific and medical fraternity attributes the occurrence of obesity to certain hormonal and endocrine disorders (obesityamerica.org). It is true that certain metabolic rhythms and patterns are decided by hormones and endogenous triggers, but the actual facilitation of hormonal impulses and activities come from mother nature, from which mankind has distanced itself. This is the reason that lesser number of obese people is seen in rural areas where life is not overdriven by technology. People living in farms, forests and environmentally balanced locations are less likely to suffer from obesity. Modern technology has give rise to sedentary lifestyles coupled with artificial activities such as television viewing, video gaming and other means of indoor entertainment. The same stimuli which the primitive man needed for entertainment and fulfilled by strenuous outdoor games and activities are now being replaced by such electronic emulations which provide the mental satisfaction minus the physical exertion. This coupled with junk food consumption, which is the norm in present society in the US is an important aspect which is increasing the obesity figures. Hectic schedules of working parents and increasing family isolation are the other contributing factors. The present work environment is highly strung with deadlines to meet and targets to be achieved, which enforces dependence on technology and tendency for short cuts. The modern day demands on individuals as well as families are intense and can sometimes lead to depression which can trigger abnormal behavior like bulimia or tendency to eat excessively when faced with tense situations. Such combined factors have given rise to this malady which is threatening to assume epidemic proportions in the present era. Reaching well Founded Solutions The present generation of adult population should owe the moral responsibility for the spread of sedentary lifestyles in their children which they have inculcated by example. The tremendous increase in fast food chains have also allowed dependence on ready made food instead of painstaking cooking at homes, which is now a rare if not extinct phenomenon. Working parents and increasing jobs by women in the corporate world and the sense of equality among the liberal society has brought about social changes which have disrupted normal familial patterns. These need to be set right or modified in a way which is congenial for a life pattern more in tune with nature so that the excessive abuse of resources is avoided. Overindulgence is the watchword for obesity and the technological innovations in the past century are responsible for the emergence of this malady which has assumed threatening proportions in the US as well other parts of the developed world. No doubt some percentage can be attributed to genetic causes, but the major reason is the lack of physical activity, familial isolation and over indulgence in junk food. The US health authorities have started noticing this problem and have initiated positive steps to ward off this evil so that the future generations don’t suffer the ills of obesity as is being experienced today. Solution Limitations Although the problem of obesity has been well researched and the reasons identified, all solutions for getting rid of the problem are easier to suggest than practice. It is difficult to break the lifestyle habits of people who have become accustomed to the use of technology and less use of physical means for daily activities. The processed food industry is now such a giant that it cannot be overlooked or done away with overnight. Overindulgence in food and drink have become associated with affluence and it is difficult to advise such people who have less of intellectual capabilities and more money. The overindulgence and dependence on red meat and other non vegetarian sources of food has also altered the metabolic activities in the human body which have been deviated towards accumulation of excessive body weight. The food habits are such that the general public does not have access to a properly planned diet according to age and body requirement, and most of them eat whatever suits their fancy. Exercise cannot be enforced on everybody as the laziness that has crept into the psyche of growing children in affluent countries will be a very difficult habit to break. Conclusion As technology and machines dominate humanity in the present era, only a very drastic change in lifestyle patterns enforced by discipline as well as seriously directed education effort at a very early age in children can save the future generations from suffering from obesity and related problems. Diet patterns need to be planned scientifically and enforced religiously with more reliance on vegetarian ingredients rich in fiber. Physical activity at all age groups needs to be ascertained in a systematic manner with advice and facilitation by government and social health authorities and organizations. References: Carson-DeWitt Rosalyn, Frey Rebecca J. and Davidson Tish, (2007) "Obesity.", The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Ed. Jacqueline L. Longe. 3rd ed. Detroit: Gale, Online update, 2007. 5 vols. Obesity in America Headlines, Online article available at: http://www.obesityinamerica.org/ Obesity Statistics, Online article available at: http://www.annecollins.com/obesity/statistics-obesity.htm The obesity crisis in America, Statement of the Surgeon General available online at: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/news/testimony/obesity07162003.htm U.S. Obesity Trends 1985–2007, online article available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/maps/ Read More