Research Paper Outline

Sample Outline: Obesity and Government Intervention

1. Introduction 1. Thesis: An individual’s weight should be a governmental concern because the

medical costs associated with weight-related issues cost taxpayer money, retailers

of unhealthy food need to be regulated, and children need to have better options

for diet and exercise made available to them.

2. Body Paragraph 1: The medical cost associated with weight-related issues has significantly contributed to individual taxes.

1. Supporting evidence: “…the costs of obesity arising from individuals’ poor nutritional choices are borne by society as a whole through taxes, lost

productivity, and an overburdened healthcare system. In 2008, the medical costs

associated with obesity and obesity-related illnesses totaled US $147 billion in the

United States” (Franck, Grandi, & Eisenberg, 2013, p. 1951).

1. Explanation: This quote demonstrates not only the connection between obesity, medical costs, and increased taxes, but also shows the exact dollar

number costs from a fairly recent year.

2. So what? This quote supports the claim that weight-related medical issues contribute to increased taxes for all taxpayers by explaining the connection

and demonstrating the high dollar costs to show that this is a current

problem affecting a government process (taxation) and therefore could

appropriately be addressed by government intervention.

3. Body Paragraph 2: Another reason that weight should be considered a governmental issue is that the market for unhealthy food in America has overtaken the general food market

and the government needs to actively curb the incentives to frequent these

establishments.

1. Supporting Evidence: “[M]eals are increasingly being consumed outside the home, and these meals tend to be higher in fat. A literal fat tax… theoretically

would encourage individuals to opt for low-fat or nonfat alternatives” (Franck et

al., 2013, p. 1950).

1. Explanation: This quote alludes to many of the main problems with fast food consumption and explains what a fat tax would attempt to do to curb

the consumption of junk food.

2. So what? Showing that a fat tax would be able to curb overconsumption of obesity-causing fast food demonstrates the need for the government to

impose such a thing.

4. Body Paragraph 3: Finally, the government is responsible for ensuring that children have access to healthy food and exercise while in school.

1. Supporting Evidence: A connection between Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign and a reduction in overall childhood obesity across America has been

demonstrated (Tucker, 2013, p. 1).

1. Explanation: This information shows the effectiveness of government- backed programs, with “Let’s Move!” as the specific example.

2. So what? Demonstrating the effectiveness of “Let’s Move!” campaign supports the concept of government involvement in school food and

exercise initiatives to help curb childhood obesity and provide children

with the foundation for establishing healthy habits.

References

Franck, C., Grandi, S., & Eisenberg, M. (2013). Taxing junk food to counter obesity. American

Journal of Public Health, 103. DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301279

Tucker, C. (2013). Q&A with first lady Michelle Obama: How the Let’s Move! Campaign is

changing the way kids eat, move. Nation’s Health, 43 (9). Retrieved from

nationshealth.com