The Incidence of Obesity in the USA - Term Paper Example

Obesity in United s of America” Summary Obesity is coming up as an issue that is engulfing the well-being of individuals in the present era, asit is emerging as an epidemic in the United States of America. The incidence of obesity amongst adults has become two fold in past couple of decades intensifying the health concern and related issues of the inhabitants (Flegal, 2010). Obesity condenses eminence of life, enhances the probability of untimely death, augments the jeopardy for numerous persistent diseases, related to heart such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, other related disorders encompass high cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, overweight resulting in orthopaedic problems, early signs of puberty in case of obese kids, reduced life expectancy, stroke, enhances the possibilities of witnessing Type 2 diabetes, elevated BMI, cancer, arthritis, metabolic disorders and other related anomalies (US Department of Health and Human Services: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Obesity). Obesity not only brings concern about health but it adds to the financial burden too. Obesity augments the health care costs. Estimates reveal that obesity accounts for approximately 10% of yearly medical expenses, increasing the obesity-associated medical costs to $147 billion in 2008 (Finkelstein. 2009). Obesity has reached an alarming position in USA, and two well distinguished categories have been demonstrated namely obese and extreme obese. Findings disclose that over one-third adults of United States adults were found to be obese during the year 2007–2008 (Flegal, 2010). According to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the incidence of obesity in the United States could be estimated by means of data for height to weight ratio. The prevalence rate of obesity display that there was a steady increase in obesity equally in both the sexes belonging to all ages from 1976 -1980 to 1988-1994. On the other hand the trend in obesity augmentation between 1988-1994 and 1999-2000 was significant in other ages except for the males belonging to the age between 40 to 59 years. While data analysis from 2001-2002 to 2003-2004 recommended escalating trends since 1999-2000 in males and not in females (Ogden, 2006).​ Obesity trends also varies between the ethnic and racial communal groups which is displayed by means of BMI, a helpful tool to measure obesity for the examination and comparison of the obesity and to procure data in a standard format across the world as BMI indicates the percentage of body fat (Bouchard, 2008). Concern According to Oliver and Lee (2005), Obesity is becoming a critical issue and it has started gaining prevalence in Americas political awareness. Some of the inhabitants are conscious about their body weight and eating habits while others are not and they do not consider obesity as a crime and are not critically worried with obesity, therefore feebly support strategies related to combating obesity. Numerous beliefs or political leanings favor and condemn the pervasiveness of obesity . Rather, low-valence issue, obesity, people are more inclined towards other attitudinal structures responsible for obesity including attitudes on smoking rule and other environmental issues contributing to obesity. Discussion Overweight is followed by obesity in many cases where weight control measures are not considered or given significance. It occurs due to discrepancy between the consumption of food and the utilization of calories. The quality of food also matters, if the diet is rich in fats and carbohydrates then surplus fats starts accumulating leading to obesity. According to Dr. Francine Kaufman, former president of the American Diabetes Association and head of pediatric endocrinology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, "...children are increasingly exposed to genetic and environmental "triggers" that can lead to obesity and possibly diabetes" (Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics: Pediatrics, August 2003). A child who is obese will grow to be an obese adult. The triggering factors could be varied, starting from loneliness to eating discipline. Observation reveals that children are becoming dependent on fast food which are easy to cook, or readymade, tempting and pleasing to tongue. These food items are highly calorific and constant consumption may lead to fat accumulation, a step towards obesity. Supply of these food stuffs directly relates to the augmenting demand for such products. Proponents of fast food consumers have their view point, in the present scenario both the partners are working, stressful and hectic schedule press on the search for easy means to prepare food. If readymade items or ready to cook consumables are available these working groups are likely to opt for them. Moreover, to sail high in the market companies are promoting their sale for this group of individuals. Since both the partners are working their children also look for the easy options to satisfy their hunger pangs (Rosenheck, 2008). From the business point, fast food restaurants are finding openings near to schools where they can attract wide range of customers to run their business and earn their livelihood. Preparation as per the demand to thrive well in the market is the key to business success and therefore fast food business is thriving well across the world. The more advanced the economy of the nation, more involvement of people in the work, less time for preparation of food results in dependency on fast food corners to please their tongue as well as fulfill their appetite. Where are these measures heading- towards making the working class obese or enabling them to manage their time well? When fast food consumption is combined with sedentary life style, it becomes an additional contribution towards obesity. Consumption of sweetened cool drinks, fruit juices, consumption of pizza, burgers, meat, adds calories to the body. Such a high calorie burn-out require regress physical activities, lack of physical output results in weight-gain followed by over-weight and gradually to obesity. Sedentary life style is always associated with weight gain (Jacobs, 2006). The prevalence of obesity has reached an alarming situation as it has emerged as the second-foremost reason of avoidable death in US following smoking, therefore various health reforms are coming forward to have a concern about public health. According to Reimer, Andrea "Hold the fatty foods to keep kids slim and trim". According to Dr. Richard Atkinson, president of the American Obesity Association, "Obesity is killing 300 thousand people a year, so thats an epidemic, it is a serious problem". Those opposing the reasons could have varied reasons to stay in false hopes. Theories are being formulated stating that genetic predisposition is the basic reason for obesity while some propose that it is the virus that is responsible for obesity and therefore obesity cannot be controlled and should be categorized as a disease. The view was also supported by The National Institutes of Health. Although most of the surgeons and scientists do not support the view that obesity is a disease. According to the Rick Berman of Center for Consumer Freedom, "Thats not a disease, thats something thats within the control of everyone. And for us to now shift this over to say ... its societys responsibility is a real sorry day for this country" (Americas Obesity Problem Spurs Debate). Proponents for obesity prevention support the government intervention for putting up heavy taxes on cigarettes as well as alcohol consumption. This is an effort to minimize the use of these commodities by individuals, as they have serious health implications. When coming to obesity, which is equally harmful and hampering the well being of the inhabitants. Government intervention is seriously desired towards self-directive of food promotion in order to embark upon the obesity disaster. According to environmental campaigner, John Gibbons, “much like burning coal, processed foods laden with salt, sugar and fats are only cheap as long as you don’t have to pay to clean up the mess, and society, rather than the producers and polluters, continues to pick up the tab” (Debate on Obesity Our view: Hooked on junk food). The first lady of United States of America emphasized on enhancing the activities to burn off calories and promotion of healthier school lunches. Proponents of obesity control further propose the application of fat tax. There has to be a limit for fat in the food stuff. Further, trans fat is present in some of the cool drinks chips and fried items. Should these items be banned? Will it bring any kind of check in their consumption? Tempting advertisement promotes the consumption of these food stuffs "you just cant stop eating; "you just cant eat one" "mouth watering.... yummy" are some of the common slogans that are enough to elicit salivation. Children and also adults definitely get carried away with such food stuffs and gradually they frame the habit of consuming them. Could imposition of fat tax reduce the consumption of food items associated with promoting obesity? The situation is not so easy as it looks. Imposition of heavy taxes on cigarettes could not stop people from purchasing, besides creating awareness about the health hazards caused by tobacco consumption could generate responsiveness in some leaving others to continue with their habits. In a similar manner implementation of fat tax could be a little help unless people understand their responsibilities and concern for their health and well being. Imposition of fat tax could not stop affluent class from purchasing rich food but it is going to affect the deprived individuals further. Fat tax cannot be imposed in simple manner but it must have a fair check based upon the calories which should always be maintained. Another factor that is an issue of great concern is the lifestyle of individuals. Tam Fry, Chairman of Britain’s Child Growth Foundation considers over-nutrition to be a form of child abuse. According to him the eating habit and training that is provided to the children by the parents that is solely responsible for the childhood obesity. As parents now-a-days are paying little attention towards their child’s health and well-being and are providing them with all the processed and readily available stuff in order to fulfill their appetite, they are responsible for creating a craving in the child for the processed food gradually forming a habit. Although some of the parents do not agree as they have their own say related to job stress, overburden, high level of expectations, presentation, competition, adjustments, likes and dislikes that pre-occupy them to pay little attention towards their wards; while others support the view of genetic predilection, the genotype of an individual, which may be one of the biggest reasons for the tendency to gain weight even on little eating; the phenotypic variables like socioeconomic conditions, environmental factors including lifestyle, exposure to playgrounds and parks are also contributing to the child’s obesity (Should Parents of Obese Kids Lose Custody?). On the other hand, parents cannot always be blamed for inculcating wrong eating habits in their wards at times children are also responsible for such condition as the social setup is one of the major factors that are predisposing obesity in children. Children keep on comparing their parents with their peer parents, in order to prove them better and superior; parents involve and promote wrong habits in their wards resulting in the indiscipline shown by the children in the form of eating disorder. They gradually enjoy eating all the time. It is also essential to understand that stress in children, pressure in school, peer pressure and cut-throat competition is also responsible for their uncontrolled eating behavior (Should Parents of Obese Kids Lose Custody?). Conclusion Obesity pervasiveness is mounting increasingly irrespective of the age or class. Debate continues to understand obesity and its health implication and the role it plays in disease- explicit transience, its clinical significance and treatment. BMI understanding is essential to determine the health consequences. It is essential to delineate between health and tongue satisfaction; between premature death and healthy life style; complications and physical fitness, negligence and health concern; ease in procuring readily available stuff and spare some moments to eat healthy food. The debate is always a continuous process and opponents have their one or the other excuse ready to put for the day . References 1. "Americas Obesity Problem Spurs Debate". 22 October 2011. . 2. Bouchard, C. "How much progress have we made over the last few decades?" Int J Obes (Lond). 32(suppl 7), S2–S7, 2008. 3. Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics: Pediatrics, August 2003. 4. "Debate on Obesity Our view: Hooked on junk food". 22 October 2011. . 5. Finkelstein, E.A., Trogdon, J.G., Cohen, J.W., Dietz, W. "Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: payer-and service-specific estimates". Health Aff. 28(5), w822–w831. 2009. 6. Flegal, K.M., Carroll, M.D., Ogden, C.L., Johnson, C.L. "Prevalence and trends in obesity among US adults, 1999–2008". JAMA, 303(3), 235–241. 2010. 7. Jacobs, D. R. "Fast food and sedentary lifestyle: a combination that leads to obesity". American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 83(2), 189-190. 8. Ogden, C.L., Carroll, M.D., Curtin, L.R., McDowell, M.A., Tabak, C.J., Flegal, K.M. "Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States, 1999-2004". JAMA. 295(13), 1549–1555. 2006. 9. Oliver, J. E., Lee, T. Public Opinion and Politics of Obesity in America. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law. 30(5), 923-954. 10. Reimer, Andrea "Hold the fatty foods to keep kids slim and trim", The Vancouver Sun (British Columbia, Canada), October 2, 2003. 11. Rosenheck, R., “Fast Food Consumption and increased caloric intake: a systematic review of a trajectory towards weight gain and obesity risk," Obesity Reviews. 1-13. 2008. 12. "Should Parent of Obese Kids Lose Custody?". 22 October 2011. . 13. "US Department of Health and Human Services: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Obesity." Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, US Public Health Service, Office of the Surgeon General; 2001. 20th October 2011. . Read More