Editing essay IN 2 HOURS

A

Professor Martin

English 113B

28 March 2016

The Obesity Epidemic

Obesity poses a major risk to public health as it contributes to over one hundred thousand deaths that are preventable. Adults affected by the condition face more health risks such as high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease as well as other respiratory problems (Scheele 37). Furthermore, research indicates that children with excess body weight as indicated by the body mass index (BMI) are more likely vulnerable to high blood pressure as well as insulin resistance which may consequently lead to diabetes. Other than the physical illnesses, obese individuals may also experience discrimination and social stigmatization which may consequently result in psychological problems. The obesity epidemic needs to be solved to reduce the number of deaths that result from the condition. This essay aims at identifying the causes and the possible solutions to the obesity epidemic.

There are several causes of obesity. Research indicates that genetics contribute to obesity in that those children of obese parents are more likely to be obese than those of lean parents. Furthermore, such environmental factors as poor eating during childhood may also contribute to the condition. In most cases, obesity in the family can be avoided since family members tend to have the preset mentality that the condition runs in the family, and there is nothing they can do about it.

Another cause of obesity in the world today is the lack of physical activities (Heinberg and Thompson 118). Most people sit on desks the whole day and depend on cars when going everywhere. They use very little energy and store much of it in the form of fats. Performing exercises burns out the extra calories hence preventing the occurrence of the condition.

Poor diet is also a major cause of obesity. Given that the condition does not happen at once, it is the life choices and the regular diet that individuals adopt which determines their intake of calories. For instance, eating large amounts of fast foods and drinking a lot of alcohol increases the amount of calories in the body. When these habits go on for some time, a lot of calories accumulate in the body making the individual to develop the obesity condition.

Hormones such as insulin and leptin also play a crucial role in the obesity epidemic. Insulin regulates how the body stores and burns out energy. The diet, especially in the west, increases insulin resistance in many individuals hence elevating its levels in the body. Over time, the hormone causes the body to store a lot of energy (Heinberg and Thompson 120).

The consequences of obesity are health risks, a risk to social and psychological wellbeing and overall difficulty in day-to-day living. The condition leads to a shorter life expectancy since research indicates that those suffering from the condition have fifty to one hundred percent increased chances of premature deaths. These individuals have higher risks of heart disease, urinary incontinence, and high blood pressure, type two diabetes, digestive disorders as well as joint problems (Rossen and Rossen 56).

The condition also affects the individual in that they develop social isolation and a negative self-image. These individuals tend to have low self-esteem and may occasionally face discrimination. Lastly, the condition makes it difficult to perform daily operations. Obese individuals tend to tire quickly and may even find the maintenance of personal hygiene difficult. Also, they may find public vehicle seats and telephone booths small for them.

There also exist various solutions to the obesity epidemic. They range from weight loss drinks, physical activity, online calorie counters, surgeries, weight loss tablets as well as hypnotherapy. However, all these solutions revolve around diet management and the intervention of exercises. This is because they aim at decreasing the amount of energy that is available in the body and changing the input of the same energy.

The obese individuals should change their diet so that they consume a maximum of six hundred calories in a day. They can achieve this target by shifting from high-energy and unhealthy food choices. These foods include fast foods and drinks that are sugary including alcohol. The deaths as a result of obesity can also be minimized by reducing the intake of salt as it contributes significantly to high blood pressure (Rossen and Rossen 61).

Obese individuals should also join diet programs and avoid fad diets which mostly advocate for unsafe practices such as restraining from some food groups and fasting. These practices make the individual to feel ill and do not offer lasting solutions to the problem. Researchers recommend that a diet program should not be very restrictive regarding the foods to be eaten but should focus on educating the individuals concerning portion size and healthy eating.

Research indicates that these conventional methods such as exercises and dieting do not provide permanent solutions. The studies show that these programs tend to reduce only ten percent of the weight but within one year, almost all of the lost weight is regained. Other studies reveal that only five percent of the patients can maintain their reduced weight in the following five years.

The solutions have been proved to work by scientists. Most of them have been arrived at through empirical experimentation and analysis of data. For instance, patients who stop consuming the fast foods and large amounts of alcohol tend to show a reduction in weight over time. Further, performing exercises regularly burns out the body fats that are responsible for excess weights. Furthermore, the diet programs regulate the intake of calories. Over time, the body weight reduces hence making it the most economical option of weight loss.

The above solutions have diverse benefits in reducing the number of deaths that result from obesity. When individuals combine the diet programs with exercises, they benefit a lot since it is a more effective way of losing the weight than calorie restriction. These exercises also minimize risks of diseases such as heart attack. Engaging in physical activities also helps to reduce risks of a breast as well as colon cancer (Rossen and Rossen 62). The solution is, therefore, the most effective since it serves two purposes at once that is, reducing weight and preventing other diseases that accompany obesity. Research also reveals that individuals who perform physical exercises develop more sense of confidence and self-appreciation. Consequently, the rates of depression and anxiety are significantly lowered.

Opposing arguments against the above statements is that the solutions are not permanent and that individuals gain weight few months after these practices. These arguments are baseless because research indicates that those patients who follow the regulations closely show long term benefits. These claims are based on those individuals who follow the solutions for some time and consequently give up.

In conclusion, obesity poses a major health risk and individuals should adopt the preventive measures of exercising and proper dieting. Those that are affected should also take steps to join diet programs aimed at curing the situation.

Works Cited

Heinberg, Leslie J, and J. Kevin Thompson. Obesity in Youth. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2009. Print.

Rossen, Lauren M, and Eric A Rossen. Obesity 101. New York: Springer Pub. Co., 2012. Print.

Scheele, George. Obesity Cure. San Diego, Calif.: Nova Life, 2011. Print.