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Obesity Research Paper

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Jamie Earley ENG-112-D2-2018SP Mr. Wren Final Essay (Final Draft) 7 May 2018 Obesity is Not Just a Physical Problem Obesity is measured on a scale called the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale. The BMI scale uses the factors of weight and height to determine an individual’s BMI number. According to Joel Young, MD, an individual whose BMI is over 25 is considered to be overweight, and someone whose BMI is over 30 is considered to be obese. More than two-thirds of Americans qualify as obese (Young sec. 1). Being obese clearly has multiple negative effects on physical health. However, it also affects mental health. Though many people sometimes overlook them, the mental health impacts of obesity can be very devastating, and just like the physical impacts, …show more content…

But that thought is not fully correct. Obesity does not just involve physical health issues. It involves much more. Obesity can result from or result in a number of mental health issues. These issues can be detrimental to obese individuals and result in death, just like the physical issues can. People often overlook the mental health issues associated with obesity, but in order for people suffering from obesity to receive proper and successful treatment, overlooking the mental health half of the problem must stop. Assuming obesity is only a physical disorder is a misunderstanding of what obesity truly encompasses. The only way for individuals with obesity to truly be helped and treated is to address their mental health issues as well as their physical health issues. Works Cited Brody and Pratt PhD. “National Center for Health Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Oct. 2014, www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db167.htm. Diamond, Lisa. “Links between Obesity and Mental Health.” Clinical Advisor, 14 Mar. 2016, www.clinicaladvisor.com/features/links-between-obesity-and-mental-health/article/164957/2/. Lupo, Taylor. “How Obesity Affects Your Mental Health.” Sharecare, www.sharecare.com/health/obesity-overweight-condition/article/obesity-affects-your-mental-health. Molitor, PhD and Weiss, PhD. “Mind/Body Health: Obesity.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association,

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