Problem 1 Pollan (2006) makes it very clear that we are part of national eating disorder. Many make the decision to be unhealthy on a daily basis. Maybe because they are in a hurry or just got home late from work so they choose drive to the local drive-thru to order dinner. Nothing is wrong with that except what you are ordering, the 550 calorie packed burger or the 250 calorie salad. A side of spaghetti may be ordered in a restaurant but the amount you get is enough to feed a table of three. It is no secret that portion sizes in this country are expanding with the idea of getting more food for your money. According to the CDC portion size is the amount of a single food item served in a single eating occasion, such as a meal (CDC, 2006 para. 9). The average cheeseburger in the US 20 years ago was a mere 333 calories compared to the average cheeseburger today, weighing in with a shocking 600 calories (Nordqvist, 2012, para.11). However, the rise of portion sizes is not just limited to restaurants, but also to snacks, pops, and meals at home or from a vending machine (CDC, 2006, para. 1). Most items that we as consumers tend to buy are larger portion sizes; it is difficult to buy a soda or snack that is just the recommended single serving size. If we can manage to pay attention to our portion sizes with each meal and than the amount of calories for the next meal than we she would be able to manage our weight by taking in the allotted calories for the day (CDC, 2006, para. 3).
The average adult male needs about 2,500 calories a day to maintain a constant weight, the average female, only 2,000. As this amount varies based on weight, age, health factors, etc., US authorities recommend 2,700 per day for the adult male & 2,200 for the average adult female (Nordqvist, 2012, para.2).
Problem 2
There are many factors that contribute to obesity, including lack of adequate physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, and eating habits. According to May 2004 article in the Harvard Men’s Health Watch, only a quarter of all Americans get the exercise they need. There’s increasing evidence that our sedentary lives are putting millions of us at increased risk of health problems and even early death. Changes in the environment and increases in labor saving technology has decreased work and daily related physical activities contributing to sedentary lifestyles meaning that they have no regular physical activity program and are generally inactive around the house or yard (Struber, (2004), para. 7). Increasing activity is just as important as watching calorie consumption because physical activity alone only produces about 2% to 3% of weight loss (Prescott & Fedorenko, 2012, para. 4).
It is recommended that we start with moderate levels of exercise and then increase moderation gradually to help us adhere to our plan of weight loss or management.
Solution 1
By making the decision to eat at home you can control your portion size and an advertisement is not helping you make the decision. You could choose to deep fry your meals at home and still keep the calorie count lower than most fast food choices by choosing healthier oil or a better cut of meat, maybe sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for fries. Rather than fry food try baking or broiling. Try leaner cuts of meats, poultry or fish. Avoid high sodium foods or adding extra salt to your dinner after it’s cooked. Offer fruits and vegetables for snacks. Listed above are just some of the recommendations by the 2010 US dietary guidelines for making healthier food choices for you and your family. Yes, healthier foods tend to be more expensive, but try growing your own garden with fresh fruits and vegetables. It is cheaper and you know what was fed to your produce and you know that it is fresh, you picked it yourself.
When at a restaurant to help keep within caloric intake order small portions or have half of meal put into a doggie bag before you even start to eat. Try to monitor your intake of calories so that adjustments can be made to keep you within the recommended daily caloric intake. It only makes sense to ask for smaller portions or low fat versions of their meals. Not only does what we eat affect our weight, but so also the lack in physical activity.
Solution 2
You do not need a membership to a gym to stay active. When you go to the grocery store, chose a parking space farther from the entrance than you usually would to get in some extra steps. Choose the stairs at work instead of taking the elevator up one floor of steps. Do you have steps at home? Instead of waiting until there is a pile of items to take up the steps, take each one as you find it needs to go up. Go outside and take a walk with family to catch up on the day. If the kids are jumping in the trampoline or swimming in the pool, you could join them. It has been proven by The America Heart Association that 30 minutes of exercise a day is healthy for the heart and waist line, (American Heart Association, 2011, para. 1). I had a physician tell me that if you walk 3 miles a day you are guaranteed to lose 30 lbs in a year. Wouldn’t you like to do that? I know I would and I did after my recent back surgery. It is recommended that the average American exercise for 30-45 minutes for three to five days out of the week (Prescott & Fedorenko, 2012, para. 12). Call to Action
We need to make stand and act now as a nation. Individual behavior and lifestyle choices influence the development of chronic conditions (U.S. Department of health and human services, 2003). If we continue with unhealthy behaviors, such as poor diet choices, and lack of physical activity we increase our risk of for many diseases and chronic conditions (U.S. Department of health and human services, 2003). A high- calorie diet and sedentary lifestyle commonly result in weight gain. Becoming overweight and obese are risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, stroke, and high blood pressure (U.S. Department of health and human services, 2003). By changing the way we as individuals live can improve our health status dramatically (U.S. Department of health and human services, 2003). Education is key in helping us make healthier food choices, the recommended daily calorie intake, and the amount of exercise required to help us maintain our weight. So take a stand now, not just for yourself, but your family as well.
Reference
(2004, May). Leisure time exercise. Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Leisure-time-exercise.htm
(2011, January). American Heart Association guidelines for physical activity. Retrieved from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/StartWalking/American- Heart-Association-Guidelines-for-Physical-Activity_UCM_307976_Article.jsp
CDC. (2006, May). Do increased portion sizes affect how much we eat? Research to practice series, No. 2. National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity. Retreived from www.CDC.gov
Nordvist, C. (2012, May). How many calories should I eat? Medical News Today. Retrieved From http://medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245588.php.
Ogden, C., Ph.D. (2012, January). Prevalence of obesity in the United States. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/response_rates_CPS.htm
Pollan, M. (2006). Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, 1/e for DeVry University [1] (VitalSource Bookshelf), Retrieved from http://online
Prescott, J., & Fedorenko, M. (2012). Maintaining a healthy diet for weight loss. Pharmacy Times, 78(1), 82-83.
U.S. Department of Health and human Services. (2003, September). Prevention makes common cents. Retreived from http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We can: making healthier food choices. Retrieved from http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Obesity among students has become a national phenomenon. It becomes a concern among the public and school personnel - including teachers, school psychologists, and counselors, as to the effects of student obesity. With the numbers of student obesity on the rise, it is important to see how school personnel, teachers, as well as other students perceive this situation. Overweight and obese students have a higher risk of continuing to become overweight adolescents and they are more likely to experience serious long term morbidity, including coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and some cancers. Current physical activity levels among Malaysian adolescents remain low, together with unhealthy dietary practices and a passive lifestyle, these lead to obesity and being overweight. Lack of or minimal physical activities at home and at work, have resulted in increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, which it becomes one of the important causes of premature death in the Southeast Asia region. Such sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits of adolescents may well lead to an increase in the prevalence of obesity today (Low W J, 2006).…
- 5899 Words
- 24 Pages
Powerful Essays -
One of the leading causes of death in America is obesity. Healthier food options and nutrition start with our youth. Changes to schools breakfast and lunch options can give the students an opportunity to improve nutrition and health. Then maybe we can prevent obesity from continuing to be the cause of death for so many American’s. We want to work within changes to the new breakfast and lunch programs to help children fight obesity. Not every food option has to be something sugary or fried. They always say an apple a day, keeps the doctor away. Obesity is an excess body fat, because of which some cannot move as quickly as others.…
- 981 Words
- 4 Pages
Better Essays -
In today’s America we as citizens are faced with the ongoing crutch known as obesity. Obesity is defined as a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent of major health issues. I view obesity as a “crutch” because it is disease that will slow the American populous down. The topic on obesity has been debated over many years as to who would take the blame of America’s overweight problem and what that individual or group would do to prevent it. Many different state legislatures and school board committees have started to ban vending machines in school grounds. “Congress has considered a menu-labeling legislation that would force chain restaurants to list fat, sodium, and calories for each item” (Balko, 2004, p.522). Many individuals like me believe that this is definitely the most improper approach to preventing the obesity epidemic that has plagued the United States over the last twenty years. It is not the United State government’s place to tell American citizens what they can or cannot consume. Obesity has become more and more of a problem because American citizens are executing poor dietary techniques. The next influential factor to obesity is the influence of our biological need and genetics. These factors play a large part in the obesity epidemic but the key factor to obesity is the fact that Americans are drastically decreasing their urges for physical fitness and health. Data has…
- 1424 Words
- 6 Pages
Powerful Essays -
In the article “Battling Obesity: Where do we go from here?” Joanna Pinkley claims that obesity has made diseases and complications grow widespread, as our nation, have become heavier (Pinkley 1). It has brought shorter life spans and higher medical costs. She also informed us about how the Mayor of New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, attempted to put a legislation limiting the size of sugary drinks sold to New York residents at local establishments. Pinkley argued that, “ In the minds of many opponents, this type of legislation seems to cross the boundary of what government should – and should not – be allowed to control (Pinkley 2). She insists that one approach towards obesity will not solve the problem for everyone nor will it start to reverse obesity on a greater scale. For example, many education programs and food labeling provide customers with health information, but not enough specific enough to tell them to do anything. Also, funding for bike lanes and other exercise facilities provide a place to workout but don’t force anyone to actually move a muscle (Pinkley 3). She says that the idea that strict reliance on personal responsibility has not done anything to change obesity’s progression in a positive way, shows that additional action is surely needed. “The greatest trend reversal is likely to occur when individuals, communities and government all dedicate resources toward well-analyzed, meaningful and varied solution,” Joanna Pinkley (Pinkley 6). The author’s purpose was to inform us on how the obesity epidemic has taken a toll on many individuals and affected the society as a whole. Joanna Pinkley’s work is important because she reported how obesity has affected us, how some organizations and government leaders have worked toward helping reverse obesity’s trend. Lastly what it might take for our generation and future to help find solutions toward obesity! People should care because s obesity has grown it has not only…
- 363 Words
- 1 Page
Satisfactory Essays -
If the mystery food is tofu, then it will react with the reagent that indicates the presence of…
- 1051 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays -
The United States is facing a growing epidemic of obesity. Obesity affects individuals of any age, gender, or nationality. Diseases increased by obesity are increasing at alarming rates in children and adults. It is thought that children suffering from obesity will not live as long as their parents. Along with health risks in children they have to endure ridicule and teasing from other children at school resulting in psychological problems that can follow them into adulthood (Neighmond, 2010). Americans have a fascination with fast food and consuming too much food in one meal…
- 2161 Words
- 9 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Obesity is becoming a major worldwide epidemic that is a chronic disease which affects everyone young and old, male and female alike. The exact cause is still unknown and scientists are still trying to understand what triggers it. One cause is that in today’s fast paced world, people do not have time to sit down to home cooked meals, or exercise and really take good care of their heath. Fast food restaurants are replacing the home cooked meals and providing bigger portions on their menus and people not finding time to exercise. Instead, they choose to sit down and watch movies at home or surf the net as a source of entertainment due to economic reasons. Children are playing video games instead of playing sports or riding bikes (Obesity in America: What’s driving the epidemic?, 2012. 02). This is becoming a harmful trend which is contributing to the rise of chronic diseases. Obesity does not discriminate and studies over the years have found that there is a significant difference in obesity by ethnicity and race and it differs by sex and age. Obesity is a major contributor of heart disease, cancer, liver and gallbladder diseases, sleep apnea and respiratory issues, depression, infertility, erectile dysfunction and mental health conditions (Jacobson, 2000).…
- 1156 Words
- 5 Pages
Powerful Essays -
With the new nation of The United States nearing the end of the 18th century, many people were still participating in the slave trade. Benjamin Banneker decided to seek the help of the Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, in order to change the country’s position on slavery. By pointing out the faults in one of the most powerful documents in history and forcing Jefferson to decide his own remedies for the situation, Banneker disputes a topic that to this day remains controversial.…
- 382 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
The obesity epidemic is a multifaceted crisis and not just a food addiction. Since 1957, the government has been conducting the National Healthy Interview Survey (NHIS) which takes sample from 35,000 households containing 87,500 individuals (Center for Diseases Control, 2013). The survey revealed that the steady rise of obesity cases started in 1997. The crisis is expected to worsen; warns that childhood obesity is expected to increase. Since then, the scientific community took notice and started studying the crisis. A plenitude of study recognized that obesity is widely driven by environmental and social factors (Rosengren & Lissner, 2008).…
- 587 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
There is no wonder that we have an obesity epidemic in America. Food is everywhere we turn. Whether it’s sitting along the roadside, calling at you in bright colors from grocery store shelves, glowing in vending machines or even in the elaborate television commercials we watch. There is no way to escape from the never ending advertisements. This is where the epidemic of obesity begins. We as Americans consume more food portions than our body can handle and not enough physical activity, causing higher medical costs and a lower quality of life.…
- 774 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
The factors that influence the obesity epidemic are mostly of social and economic nature. From economic perspective, people with average or below-average income are not always able to afford buying healthy food. Moreover, the popularity and affordability of fast food contributes to obesity epidemic as well. Since early childhood years, children consume unhealthy food that tastes good and yet adds fat to body. In addition, the level of physical activity is steadily decrease as active games outdoors are replaced with passive spending of spare time, such as playing video games or surfing the internet.…
- 625 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
In the United States today, obesity has become an enormous problem. In the last 3decades, the number of people overweight has increased dramatically. A study done by theCenters of Disease Control showed that since 1980, one third of our adult population has becomeoverweight. America is the richest but also the fattest nation in the world, and our obese backsides are the butt of jokes in every other country (Klein 28). The 1980s were a time whenAmericans suddenly started going crazy over dieting, jumping onto the treadmills, and buying prepackaged non-fat foods. However, while all of that was going on, the number of obeseAmericans began to increase. According to a report in the Journal of the American MedicalAssociation, 58 million people in our country weigh over 20 percent of their body’s ideal weight.The article “Fat Times” states, “If this were about tuberculosis, it would be called an epidemic”(Elmer-Dewit 58). The eating habits of society have steadily become more harmful and havestarted to produce gluttonous children, over-indulgent adults, and a food industry set too muchon satisfying our appetites.Obesity can begin at a very young age. Many children in our society are overweight,setting themselves up for serious health problems later in life. Type 2 diabetes, high bloodcholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart problems are just some of the risks. Children who areoverweight also tend to feel less secure, less happy, and be stressed more than normal weight…
- 2583 Words
- 11 Pages
Good Essays -
Obesity has become a common issue in many American lives. In America, there is currently about “seventy-eight million adults and thirteen million children that are dealing with obesity, which accounts for more than one-third of the entire United States population” (“Adults Obesity Facts”). Obesity in adults and children is an issue that continues to grow. With a combination of education and government involvement, it is possible can decrease the number of obese Americans. Finding a solution for obesity can result in multiple benefits for the country like wasting less tax money on people who require medical assistance as a result of obesity. The issue of obesity has been recognized as a disease that can often be linked to other health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart complications. every year, it is estimated that “obesity cost millions of dollars in weight-related medical bills” (Why are Americans Obese?”). Therefore, reducing obesity would benefit more than…
- 1491 Words
- 6 Pages
Better Essays -
So why is it that the U.S. has become so big in the last twenty years? The obvious, almost trivial answer is that we eat too many high-calorie foods and don 't burn them off through exercise ("Adult Obesity Facts."). If only we could change those habits, then this big problem might fade. Clearly, changing these habits isn 't simple. Americans have been eating ‘more often,’ more and more over the years, and its effects are unfortunately catching up to us. Over the last 30 years, the average number of meals has risen from 3.8 to 4.9 per day ("Obesity in America: What 's Driving The Epidemic."). The disproportionate amount of meals that everyone eats has played a huge factor in our nation’s obesity rise ("Obesity In America: What 's Driving The Epidemic." 6).…
- 2237 Words
- 9 Pages
Better Essays -
About one in five American kids is overweight enough to be considered obese (Parr 45). Obesity being 20% or more overweight, is considered a disease because it is associated with so many health problems, like heart disease and diabetes. Being obese as a child usually leads into being obese through adulthood. “One third of adults are obese, and a third of these got that way in childhood” (Parr 53). That is why it is so important to keep kids from becoming overweight and to help obese kids lose weight. The increasing number of obese parents, technology, children having no supervision after school, and the unhealthy content of school lunches are to blame for the increasing number of overweight kids in the United States. A majority of the information used in writing this paper came from obesity source books, magazine articles, and websites devoted to helping children lose weight.…
- 2046 Words
- 9 Pages
Powerful Essays