The social and economic environment someone grew up could have a big impact on whether they become obese. This is because as humans we learn and observe habits and began to take decision based on them. Seeing that many people in your neighborhood, community, or other places are overweight might create a belief on a person that being obese is normal. New England Journal of Medicine made a publication in 2007 of a study that demonstrated how individuals that collaborate with obese people have a high chance to become obese themselves (Mayo Clinic, 2015). From this study it was known that people have 40 percent more possibilities to become obese if their spouse or sibling is obese and is 60 percent more common to become obese if their friend …show more content…
In addition, many public and important places do not provide healthy option and do not teach good habits. For instance, many schools and child care centers do not require physical activities or provide healthy food (“Overweight & Obesity,” 2017b). This could simply be seen on how many schools have vending machines that provide sugary and high calorie drinks and food. Moreover, people have difficult time staying active since most gyms are expensive. This is complication for many citizens because in many situations outside activities are not safe or the community doesn't provide places where to go. Also, many times people can not afford staying healthy. Considering, that in most cases healthy food is more expensive. This dilemma could be seen and proved in a report that was published in California the year 2014. The title was A Cancer Journal of Clinicians. In this paper the author explained how Americans spend a small amount of their income in food compare to others (Mayo Clinic, 2015). This is an awful situation because many Americans buy inexpensive food that do not have enough nutrients. In order to save money and time, most of the society avoids doing home cooking. A great amount of the population has a busy schedule such as having many work hours. This might prevent them from having enough time to take healthy options. As to this most find it easier to make ready-to-eat foods
It has become impossible for low-income families to provide healthy meals for their families. Government, Farm policies and the food industry itself are main reasons as to why the cost of healthy foods has become harder for American families, especially low-income families, to provide the healthy foods needed to fight the obesity epidemic. With low- income families being the main focus point on the problem of
Individuals of higher income levels often have private insurance that allows them to see a physician on a regular basis. These individuals are able to prevent many diseases before they exacerbate. They often eat low fat diets or plant based diets. They are educated on their nutritional health and often make better choices when choosing the different types foods to eat. Due to their income, they can afford to eat healthy food and make healthy food choices. Even though these individuals may be predisposed to certain diseases, their diets prevent them from becoming prevalent in their lives. Due to the individual’s socioeconomic status they make enough money that they don’t stress about the necessities in life. These individuals live in areas such as Roswell, Johns Creek. Alpharetta, Buckhead, Kennesaw, and Stockbridge. Individuals of a poor economic status have limited access to healthcare. These individuals often have Medicaid, Medicare, or no health insurance at all. They often eat diets that are high in fat. Individuals of poor economic status aren’t often educated about eating healthy. They often eat unhealthy because it is too expensive to eat healthy. These individuals often receive government subsidiaries such as WIC and SNAP benefits for themselves and their children. There aren’t many healthy food stores if any at all in these neighborhoods. Stores such as Whole Foods, Sprout, and Trader Joe’s aren’t located in poverty stricken communities because the individuals can’t afford the prices. It is a disadvantage that the grocery chains in the neighborhood don’t offer the resident a healthier option. Individuals of poor economic status often fight chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and often cancer. They often live sedentary lifestyles that contribute to these diseases. They eat diets that are high in red meats one that contributes to
Obesity is a continuing problem in the American society. Obesity, occurs when, the amount of energy taken is more than the energy released (Abraham 237). The growing obesity rates could be slightly declined by the availability of more affordable, healthier foods and the decline of these temporary quick fit diets, many Americans put themselves on as a means to get fit. The opposing viewpoint may suggest that obesity can be fixed simply by shopping for better, healthier food choices in grocery stores and learning how to count calories to maintain a healthy weight; but that simple solution may not be an achievable solution for every American. Furthermore, the difference of cost between healthy compared to unhealthy foods is completely outrageous. Numberless people strive to go into a grocery store and select all of the healthy food options of their liking; however, healthy food options cost more and are seemingly unaffordable compared to junk food. The government should regulate the prices of junk and healthy food as a means to combat obesity in America, so that all persons can achieve good health.
A consumer might think they are saving themselves some money but in reality they are increasing their chances of obesity if they are not already obese. In addition to having fast-food locations nearby there is also fitness facilities such as a gyms. A study done by IUPUI shows that location has nothing to do with a child becoming obese but when studying more than sixty thousand children most were categorized by poor and publicly insured. This research shows that location is not the main issue but economy is. Not only do the poor live by fast-food but that's all they can afford, unlike gyms and other high-priced fitness facilities. Since money is a problem and fast-food is inexpensive it seems more reasonable to consume fast-food because every competitor in the industry has deals going on, for example Wendy's four for five dollars. In the article, "Obesity in America," the author notes that Americans take advantage of cheap prices, but by consuming these cheap prices no nutrients are being consumed, as the author
“We’re the only nation in the world where all of our poor people are fat”’ (Herbert 323). The truth is that Americans are worried about not having enough food and rather buy food that is much cheaper and that is very unhealthy, the least of their concerns is making sure if the food they buy is healthy or not. ‘The 12 million families represent 11.2 percent of all U.S households. “At some time during the year,” the report said, “ these holds were uncertain of having, or unable to acquire, enough food for all their members because they had insufficient money.” (Herbert 323). Low income families cope with not being able to afford healthy food by buying food that are high in calories, low in nutritional values and low in cost. People that have low incomes are more obese than those with high income because people with higher income are able to afford fresh and healthy ingredients without concern of quantity or quality of
Just like we say “We are what we eat”, the role nutrition plays in our life is essential to determine our health status.Obesity can lead to other critical diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems or even cancer.Overweight is an issue that is increasing rapidly and it is being inherited by generations. More than just a social issue obesity is taking control of obese people's life by placing them under a category of American citizens who believe they are not capable to overcoming their weight. One of our perspectives on the topic is that obesity can be prevented if Making America healthy can inspire and teach Americans for a better nutrition. Many issues develop into huge problems because of the lack of information to solve them.Our solution is focused on providing free information and about a healthy diet along with effective practical solutions to every American willing to take the journey with us making no exceptions on race or social status. Other fact is that healthy food in general is more expensive and it takes time to be prepared. The American life is consider as being busy, Americans rarely spend time on their kitchens that is why many citizens lean towards greasy fast food most of the time of low prices due to the
Today’s society is infatuated with the thought of being fit and skinny. Although eating healthy and balanced sounds ideal for most Americans, this can be more difficult than it seems. Because of the number of families living in poverty, eating a nutritious and balanced diet is a tremendous challenge. Healthy foods generally cost more than cheaper, processed foods. Families attempting to make the most of their scarce amount of money will try to stretch their dollar and purchase large quantities of food, disregarding the nutritional value. Many studies show the correlation between obesity and other health issues, with a family’s financial status. Although there are now several ways for today’s society to be healthful, including new diet
One concept that the author suggests is the link between the choices that American’s make now versus the choices American’s made in the past. The kinds of foods we choose to eat is very crucial to the body and if we don’t pay enough attention, it can lead to health problems later on in life. In the past, there were not much processed foods with added sugars and fats, as compared to now. Americans are consuming more processed foods than eating healthy, but eating healthy is not the only answer to lowering the risks of diseases; we also have to include daily intakes of vitamins and minerals and daily exercise. If Americans continue to choose eating processed foods and not maintain their health and weight; they will have a higher risk of diseases
In this study, they investigated the social spread of obesity by performing a quantitative analysis on 12,067 people that were a part of the Framingham Heart Study. Longitudinal statistical models were used to assess the effect of another person’s weight gain on an individual. They found that a person was 57% more likely to gain weight if they had a friend who became obese, 40% more likely if their sibling became obese, and 37% more likely if their spouse became obese. Hence, obesity seems to be influenced by social factors. This study seems like a reliable source as it was published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007.
In “How Cooking Can Change Your Life” renowned author and food activist Michael Pollan argues that cooking is the most important step people can take to mend our country’s broken relationship with food. His main points are that cooking at home can improve the health of individuals and counteract our increasing dependence on large corporations. He argues how important cooking at home is detrimental to our overall health. Pollan says that eating fast food, highly processed convenience foods, and restaurant meals are detrimental to our health and well-being. If people were to just start cooking their own meals again at home, obesity and other diet related diseases would decrease in our society.
In America more than 35.7% of the population is obese or overweight. (“Overweight and Obesity Statistics”). That is nearly around 78.6 million people in America (‘’Obesity in U.S.’’). Americans are drastically becoming more obese over the years. There are a few americans who practice the habit of physical exercise and many who have a habit of super-sizing. Foods in America are available anywhere and people become overwhelmed when they see food ads. The percentage of our economy who have lower income tend to choose foods that are unhealthy because it's cheaper to afford. This leads to many health problems that people aren't aware of or they choose to disregard it. People who live in lower income neighborhoods maybe not be able to get out
All of these contribute to obesity. Some attitudes might foster an acceptance within a peer group or family for obesity. Causal behaviors for obesity include overeating and lack of activity. Conditions consequential to obesity include socioeconomic factors and poor education.
In the articles, “Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?” by Mark Bittman and, “Gap in Diet Quality Between Wealthiest And Poorest Americans Doubles, Study Finds” by Tracie McMillan. The problem why people’s diets and a healthy lifestyle is expensive.
The shift towards greener and fresher food is a notion that more and more people are adhering to. While irrational people consider this to be a fad, making adjustments to prolong one’s life is a movement in American culture that is not predicted to go away. Although most people desire to eat cleaner, healthy eating is considered to be an expensive luxury that underprivileged people do not have access to. Indigent college kids and low income families can only afford what is the cheapest, which is most commonly the unhealthiest. Healthy eating is an indulgence that only the wealthy can maintain due to the government increasing the price of produce, the high cost of organic food, and limited healthy food options in high poverty neighborhoods. Penniless Americans are more likely to suffer from serious health complications due to poor dietary choices.
Previously, i have acknowledged that parents are failing to educate their children on proper nutrition and that the increase of junk food’s consumption needs to be addressed. This speech should be promoted at a wider level to continue educating parents and future generations on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. As a nursing student, I learn that nutrition is the ultimate source for energy enabling one to perform the activities of daily living. Everything consumed is vital to maintaining the body. If unhealthy options are consumed eventually it will cause health implications, either being a disease or weight complications. In order to improve future generations, an increase of campaigns should be promoted to spread this crucial discussion. The one surprising component from the talk is the recognition of individuals failing to continue to cook at home. Growing up, my mother always prepared home cooked meals whereas going to a restaurant was a luxury. As I got older, I realized that life is the Western world is not as traditional as it used to be. As technology is advancing, the preferences of cooking at home are