Epidemic Solution to Obesity - Essay Example

Epidemic Solution to Obesity Obesity has become an epidemic in the United s that affects both children and adults. At the same time, the UnitedStates is focused on fitness. The government has created a fitness program that goes along with the food pyramid and there are a variety of different fitness centers that offer weight rooms, swimming pools, and aerobics. The question is, "Why are people still obese?" The answer to this question is complicated but an epidemic problem needs an epidemic solution. An epidemic solution will need to combine exercise, nutrition and The Law of Attraction ("The Law"). Many people today understand The Law and they put it to use in their daily lives. The Law basically says that "like unto itself is drawn". In other words, whatever you think about is what you get. Using The Law with exercise and diet will insure that the psychological aspects of weight loss are addressed. Star athletes have used The Law to see the end result of a race before they actually start the race. The Law has helped many people and I think it could help people keep focused during this weight loss program. A good way to begin this process, someone would be to start a study. The study would start with 20 people who would commit to diet, exercise, and classes over a period of time. The classes would consist of nutrition, fitness, and the Law of Attraction. We would need Connectors to not only connect us to the people who would be interested, but also to the money that would help support the program. Participants would pay a small fee to belong because this would insure are more interested in the program and may add to its stickiness factor. The Connectors would also talk to people from all different cultures, socio-economic levels, and talents. As the program was getting started, we would also need the Mavens. The Mavens would be responsible for gathering information about programs in the area as well as on the Law of Attraction; any information they found would be useful. The Mavens would be able to identify the information we needed based on their own knowledge. We would also need the Mavens for marketing because of their ability to not only understand the market, but also to find the best price for services. The Mavens and Connectors working together would insure that we had the best possible program. Mavens could also help us make the least amount of mistakes getting involved with people and products because they would think ahead. Some of the Mavens may also have enough knowledge to teach some of the classes. We would need the Salesmen to persuade people to come into the program. Salesmen are charismatic and they are able to bring people in by drawing them into conversation. Of course, the Salesmen are able to get people to imitate the rhythm of their conversations which would keep people interested and engaged in the process. Social networks would be important to this endeavor because according to Malcolm Gladwell, author of the book, the acquaintances that we know are more important than people we know well. Social networks, including those on the Internet, allow large groups of people to obtain information quickly. By using a social network, we could reach thousands of people all at once (the Connectors would assist us with this endeavor). The stickiness factor would come into play by creating the program in such a way that people would stay interested. As an example, there would be a system of rewards created as the individual went through the program. There would be a series of five or ten very interactive steps and each one would have its own reward. There would be an interactive workbook for the participants that had colorful illustrations. The first program would be geared towards adults and it would include components that were fun. These fun aspects would encourage adults to become like children again. The program would be so much fun that the participants would talk to their friends and family about it. Another element for stickiness would be to make the program available to a small group of people and to start a waiting list. The waiting list would add an air of exclusivity, mystery and suspense to the program. The stickiness factor is important to help spread the word because it is through people reaching other people that great programs have been born and have spread. Gladwell talks about Sesame Street and how children were brought to the television screens for many years. The stickiness factor is what creates the interest that holds the attention for the program which in turn brings people to it again and again. Gladwell suggests that the Power of Context shows that people are more sensitive to change when it happens in a context that they understand. As an example, the "broken window theory" states that if people see a broken window, they will assume that no one cares about the broken window or there is no one in charge of the situation. If the window stays broken, after awhile, more windows will be broken in the same area, which will send an unconscious signal to other people that they can join in the "fun." Eventually, more mischief will ensue beyond the broken windows and the area will be in a state of chaos. In other words, people have to pay attention to the small things or events that may trigger the larger disordered event. Gladwell believes that the Power of Context and the broken window theory are the same. He states that these ideas "are based on the premise" (146) that people can reverse an epidemic by focusing on the small details that are happening in the current environment. This concept is important because Gladwell also suggest that behavior is a function of social context" (150) which means that in my epidemic solution, we must watch for signs of boredom or minor complaining as the program begins and throughout the process so that the participants are always engaged. By giving them rewards at strategic places throughout the program, we will keep the change within the context of the environment we have created for health. By doing all these things, we will be able to keep people interested. Another area for the Power of Context is the fact that people are looking for ways to lose weight and many are using The Law of Attraction in other areas of their lives. Because of this, the larger culture is already geared towards these two subjects which will help drive people to the program. In conclusion, creating an epidemic solution to obesity must be different than what is currently available. There are many programs that offer exercise, but these often do not offer nutrition in the same space. Also, adding the Law of Attraction will help participants learn to keep their focus on what they want instead of what they do not want, which could benefit them in other areas of their lives. Gladwells book is a very interesting way to understand major changes that have already taken place in the world. As I was reading it, I wondered how this may have worked for the current economic crisis, for school reform or for healthcare reform. I also wondered how many social problems have already changed because of Gladwells book. I wonder how it would look to shape healthcare or education in the United States. Read More