Obesity Draft

Brianne Butler
bmbutler@mail.usi.edu
English 201.010
Essay 3 Draft
Word Count: 1515
Obesity: A Growing Epidemic

Over the years, more and more people have become obese. Obesity is a medical condition where excess body fat has accumulated. As stated in an article by Kristie Leong, over thirty percent of the population, worldwide, is classified as obese and the trend towards obesity is growing. There are numerous factors which contribute to obesity. This is usually a life-long issue that one has to deal with. Obesity is not only caused by genetics; it is also caused by the choices people make.
Research has proven that genetics is not a direct cause of obesity, it is an underlying cause. If one parent is obese, there is a fifty percent chance that the child will be obese; if both parents are obese, there is an eighty percent chance (aacap). There are medical conditions which cause people to eat all the time. With these conditions, their bodies cannot digest and store the proper enzymes. Their bodies will store too many fat cells and not digest them. Having an underactive thyroid slows down ones metabolism causing weight gain. Another medical condition which can contribute to weight gain is Cushing’s syndrome, a condition where the body’s adrenal glands produce too much of the cortisol hormone (nhlbi). One cause which is not as obvious as eating is age. Muscle tone is lost as one gets older. Loss of muscle tone can slow down the rate at which your body burns calories (nhlbi). If one is less active as she gets older, this could increase their chances of gaining weight. Sleep also contributes to weight gain and obesity. Studies have proven that the less sleep people get, they are more likely to become obese (nhlbi). On average, one should get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Those who sleep for fewer hours seem to prefer eating foods that are higher in calories and carbohydrates (nhlbi). Sleep helps regulate hormones. Those who do not get enough sleep have a higher level of ghrelin, which causes hunger, and lower levels of leptin, which helps curb hunger (nhlbi).
If the obesity gene runs in one’s family, there are ways that one can decrease their possibility of becoming obese. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2008 showed that even if you have this particular gene, it can be offset with regular, moderately intense exercise (Leong). One of the possibilities to prevent obesity is to schedule for a regular exercise program. The key to not becoming obese is to stay active. Adding regular exercise to a part of one’s lifestyle can enable them to achieve a normal body weight despite having a genetic tendency towards obesity (Leong). Even if one cannot set up a daily work-out schedule, going to work-out a couple times a week will still be beneficial. Some people do not get the proper amount of exercise. There are many reasons for this. In the younger generations, a main reason for not getting an adequate amount of exercise is because of video games. Some people can sit and play video games for hours upon end without getting up. With all of the gaming systems today, it is no wonder that some do not go outside to exercise and to enjoy the fresh air, but instead play video games.
External environments are factors of obesity. The lack of neighborhood sidewalks, not enough parks, trails, and sidewalks are some external environment factors that contribute to obesity rates (nhlbi). If people do not have places where they can go for recreation that is just promoting people to not go out and exercise. People’s work schedules may not allow them to be active during the work day; a customer service specialist is not able to be up and active during the work day, due to the fact they have to answer phones. The sedentary lifestyle of the younger generation is rapidly increasing the obesity rates. With all of the different gaming systems, it is no wonder to why adolescents are not active outside, they want to beat the next level on their favorite game. Studies have proven that more than two hours a day of regular television time has been linked to overweight and obesity (What Causes Overweight and Obesity). People do not always have time to access and eat healthy food. College students, for example, are studying constantly and they do not always eat the healthiest foods, pizza is one of the most delivered food items to college campuses. People who are inactive are more likely to gain weight because they do not burn up the calories that they take in from food and drinks. (What Causes Overweight and Obesity).
Nutrition is another contributing factor to obesity. In order for one to stay healthier, proper nutrition needs to be practiced. Metabolism will vary from person to person. Everyone’s body will be able to break down substances at different rates. For good nutrition, one must eat healthy foods and get the proper amounts of servings as stated on the food pyramid. The food pyramid says that daily you should drink eight glasses of water, eat six servings of rice and pasta, three servings of vegetables, milk, yogurt, and cheese, and two servings of fruit, meat, and dry beans; it also states that fats, oils and sweets should be eaten sparingly (ohsu). From this information, it is implied that desert food and other junk foods should not be eaten too often. Research has shown that people who eat fast food consume more calories than people who do not eat fast food; those who eat fast food also consume more fat, saturated fat, and sodium, while consuming fewer fruits, vegetables, and milk (emedtv). Adolescents have an increased intake of sweetened beverages, French fries and pizza; they are not getting the recommended amount of fruits, vegetables, dairy food, whole grains, learn meats, and fish (Increasing obesity). The changing of eating habits and better food selections will help also. People could eat meals with their family instead of sitting and watching television or sitting at a computer. Limited snacking is another way to manage overeating.
Within the past few decades, there has been an increase in the amount of fast food intake. Every day, nearly one-third of American children consume fast food, which likely packs on an average of six extra pounds per child each year (CBSnews). The obesity rates have jumped nearly twenty percent in the past decade, now days, one in five Americans are obese whereas in 1991 one in eight Americans were obese (Speakout). In America, the highest levels of fast food consumption was in boys, older children, youngsters with higher household income and children living in the South; whereas the lowest levels of fast food consumption was found in those living in the West, rural areas, and those aged from four to eight. (CBSnews). Fast food does not have all the nutrients that one needs. Eating excessive amounts of fast food is not good for one’s health; it is also an underlying cause for obesity. Not only can too much fast food cause obesity, it can clog arteries and is the most common denominator for type II diabetes. Fast food lovers consume more fats, sugars, and carbohydrates than those who did not eat fast food (CBSnews).Fast food is high in calories and serves large portions, promoting the consumption of too many calories (emedtv). Calories also have an effect on obesity. Fast food chains do no alert their customers to the hazardously high calorie and fat content of their food (SpeakOut). Within the recent years, restaurants have been adding healthier options to their menus. The portions of food in restaurants are oversized. Overconsumption of fast food can have a negative impact on a person’s weight Large portions of food are not only at fast food restaurants, they are also distributed at sit-down restaurants.
Fast food and obesity are interrelated. Most fast food is bought on impulse without any time to think about the purchase. Fast food is cheap and its products are restrained with high levels of sodium, oil, and refined sugar and flour (fastfoodobesity). The number of times one consumes fast food with directly influence their chances of becoming obese. If someone takes in a fast food meal two times a week, their obesity ratio will be raised by about fifty percent (fastfoodobesity); those who visited fast food restaurants at least two times a week for fifteen years gained ten pounds more than those who went less than once (The Fast Track to Fat).
There are many ways that everyone can help prevent obesity and rapid weight gain. Exercise is vital, as well as eating properly. All people should try to eat the recommend amounts of food, based on of the food pyramid. As of 2010, there are nine million American children who are obese ( Raising fit kids in a fattening world). The climbing obesity rates can be halted if people take better care of themselves. Moreover, it is up to the individual to take the precautionary measures if they do not want to become obese.










Reference Page

Food Pyramid. OHSU, n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .
"Health Statistics Obesity (most recent) by Country." Nationmaster. N.p., 2009. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .
Holguin, Jamie. "Fast Food Linked To Child Obesity." Fast Food Linked To Child Obesity. N.p., 5 Jan. 2003. Web. 19 Apr. 2010. .

Increasing Obesity In Children and Adolescents: An Alarming Epidemic. Kimberly M. Wilkinson. JAAPA: Journal of the American Academy of Physcian Assistants. Montvale: Dec 2008. Vol 21, Iss. 12; pg. 31, 7 pgs
Leong, Kristie, MD. "How to Understand the Role of Genetics in Obesity." Editorial. eHow. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .
Murphy, Jenny. The Super-sizing of America: Are Fast Food Chains to Blame for the Nation's Obesity? N.p., 15 June 2000. Web. 19 Apr. 2010. .

"Obesity In Children And Teens." aacap. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, May 2008. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .
Raising Fit Kids in a Fattening World. Barbara Loecher. Prevention. Emmaus:Nov 2002. Vol 54, Iss.11; pg. 114
Schoenstadt, Arthur, MD. "Genetics and Obesity." Editorial. EMEDtv. N.p., 28 Apr. 2009. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .
Teenage and Childhood Fast Food Obesity Epidemic Is Affecting The World Now. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2010. .

The Fast Track To Fat. Mary Ellen Strote. Woodland Hills: Jun 2005. Vol 24,Iss. 10; pg. 104, 1 pgs.
"What Causes Overweight and Obesity?" Editorial. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .

Second Post for April 16

The research over the past few days has taught me a lot of valuable information that I may potentially use in my paper. Some of the things that I may use in my paper, which I just recently learned include: obesity factors and on sets, the nutrition of fast food and the amount of consumption per person, as well as advertisement of fast food chains. There are many factors to the cause of obesity, I thought that genetics was a direct cause of obesity, yet I found out that it is only an underlying cause. The nutrition of the meals from fast food chains is one of the major causes for the sky rocketing increase of obesity. In the world today, adolescents have an increased intake of sweetened beverages, French fries, pizza, and fast food entrees, and a consequent inadequate intake of recommended fruits, vegetables, dairy foods, whole grains, lean meats, and fish. Most fast food is bought on impulse and without any thought about the nutritional values. Personally, I rarely eat at fast food restaurants due to the unearthliness of its nature. The fast food restaurants advertise more towards the younger generation. If you think about it, in Happy Meals, from McDonalds, they have commercials all the time airing about the new line of toy that will be put in the Happy Meals for a limited time and you can only get them until supplies last.
In the beginning, I was going to focus on the causes and preventions of obesity. Now, I am finding so much information about the correlation of fast food and obesity that I believe that I will be sticking with that as the main focus point of my essay.
Thus far, the working point of the thesis is… Obesity is not only caused by genetics; it is also caused by the choices people make. I still have to tie in fast food and nutrition into my thesis.

6 more sources that may potentially be used for my paper

1. "What Causes Overweight and Obesity?" Editorial. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. N.p., n.d.
Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .

What Causes Overweight and Obesity?
Lack of Energy Balance
A lack of energy balance most often causes overweight and obesity. Energy balance means that your energy IN equals your energy OUT.
Energy IN is the amount of energy or calories you get from food and drinks. Energy OUT is the amount of energy your body uses for things like breathing, digesting, and being physically active.
To maintain a healthy weight, your energy IN and OUT don't have to balance exactly every day. It's the balance over time that helps you maintain a healthy weight.
• The same amount of energy IN and energy OUT over time = weight stays the same
• More energy IN than energy OUT over time = weight gain
• More energy OUT than energy IN over time = weight loss
Overweight and obesity happen over time when you take in more calories than you use.
Other Causes
An Inactive Lifestyle
Many Americans aren't very physically active. One reason for this is that many people spend hours in front of TVs and computers doing work, schoolwork, and leisure activities. In fact, more than 2 hours a day of regular TV viewing time has been linked to overweight and obesity.
Other reasons for not being active include: relying on cars instead of walking, fewer physical demands at work or at home because of modern technology and conveniences, and lack of physical education classes in schools for children.
People who are inactive are more likely to gain weight because they don't burn up the calories that they take in from food and drinks. An inactive lifestyle also raises your risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, colon cancer, and other health problems.
Environment
Our environment doesn't support healthy lifestyle habits; in fact, it encourages obesity. Some reasons include:
• Lack of neighborhood sidewalks and safe places for recreation. Not having area parks, trails, sidewalks, and affordable gyms makes it hard for people to be physically active.
• Work schedules. People often say that they don't have time to be physically active because of long work hours and time spent commuting.
• Oversized food portions. Americans are surrounded by huge food portions in restaurants, fast food places, gas stations, movie theaters, supermarkets, and even home. Some of these meals and snacks can feed two or more people. Eating large portions means too much energy IN. Over time, this will cause weight gain if it isn't balanced with physical activity.
• Lack of access to healthy foods. Some people don't live in neighborhoods that have supermarkets that sell healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Or, for some people, these healthy foods are too costly.
• Food advertising. Americans are surrounded by ads from food companies. Often children are the targets of advertising for high-calorie, high-fat snacks and sugary drinks. The goal of these ads is to sway people to buy these high-calorie foods, and often they do.
Genes and Family History
Studies of identical twins who have been raised apart show that genes have a strong influence on a person's weight. Overweight and obesity tend to run in families. Your chances of being overweight are greater if one or both of your parents are overweight or obese.
Your genes also may affect the amount of fat you store in your body and where on your body you carry the extra fat. Because families also share food and physical activity habits, a link exists between genes and the environment.
Children adopt the habits of their parents. A child who has overweight parents who eat high-calorie foods and are inactive will likely become overweight too. However, if the family adopts healthy food and physical activity habits, the child's chance of being overweight or obese is reduced.
Health Conditions
Some hormone problems may cause overweight and obesity, such as underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Underactive thyroid is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Lack of thyroid hormone will slow down your metabolism and cause weight gain. You'll also feel tired and weak.
Cushing's syndrome is a condition in which the body's adrenal glands make too much of the hormone cortisol. Cushing's syndrome also can develop if a person takes high doses of certain medicines, such as prednisone, for long periods.
People who have Cushing's syndrome gain weight, have upper-body obesity, a rounded face, fat around the neck, and thin arms and legs.
PCOS is a condition that affects about 5–10 percent of women of childbearing age. Women who have PCOS often are obese, have excess hair growth, and have reproductive problems and other health issues due to high levels of hormones called androgens.
Medicines
Certain medicines may cause you to gain weight. These medicines include some corticosteroids, antidepressants, and seizure medicines.
These medicines can slow the rate at which your body burns calories, increase your appetite, or cause your body to hold on to extra water. All of these factors can lead to weight gain.
Emotional Factors
Some people eat more than usual when they're bored, angry, or stressed. Over time, overeating will lead to weight gain and may cause overweight or obesity.
Smoking
Some people gain weight when they stop smoking. One reason is that food often tastes and smells better after quitting smoking.
Another reason is because nicotine raises the rate at which your body burns calories, so you burn fewer calories when you stop smoking. However, smoking is a serious health risk, and quitting is more important than possible weight gain.
Age
As you get older, you tend to lose muscle, especially if you're less active. Muscle loss can slow down the rate at which your body burns calories. If you don't reduce your calorie intake as you get older, you may gain weight.
Midlife weight gain in women is mainly due to aging and lifestyle, but menopause also plays a role. Many women gain around 5 pounds during menopause and have more fat around the waist than they did before.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women gain weight so that their babies get proper nourishment and develop normally. After giving birth, some women find it hard to lose the weight. This may lead to overweight or obesity, especially after a few pregnancies.
Lack of Sleep
Studies find that the less people sleep, the more likely they are to be overweight or obese. People who report sleeping 5 hours a night, for example, are much more likely to become obese compared with people who sleep 7–8 hours a night.
People who sleep fewer hours also seem to prefer eating foods that are higher in calories and carbohydrates, which can lead to overeating, weight gain, and obesity over time.
Hormones that are released during sleep control appetite and the body's use of energy. For example, insulin controls the rise and fall of blood sugar levels during sleep. People who don't get enough sleep have insulin and blood sugar levels that are similar to those in people who are likely to have diabetes.
Also, people who don't get enough sleep regularly seem to have high levels of a hormone called ghrelin (which causes hunger) and low levels of a hormone called leptin (which normally helps curb hunger).

Annotation: This source is beneficial to my paper because it talks about the different contributors to the rising rates of obesity.

2. Schoenstadt, Arthur, MD. "Genetics and Obesity." Editorial. EMEDtv. N.p., 28 Apr. 2009. Web. 1 Dec.
2009. .

Final Thoughts
Genetics does not cause obesity. However, obesity and genetics are closely tied together. So the answer to the problem of obesity does not rest on the idea that it is a matter of genetics versus the environment -- clearly, both components are involved. For more information about your particular situation, talk with your healthcare provider. Also, regardless of your genetics, everyone should adopt a heart-healthy diet and increase their physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.


Annotation: This source is beneficial to my paper because it informs me that genetics does not cause obesity.

3. "Health Statistics Obesity (most recent) by Country." Nationmaster. N.p., 2009. Web. 1 Dec. 2009.
.

# 1 United States:
30.6%
# 2 Mexico:
24.2%
# 3 United Kingdom:
23%
# 4 Slovakia:
22.4%
# 5 Greece:
21.9%
# 6 Australia:
21.7%
# 7 New Zealand:
20.9%
# 8 Hungary:
18.8%
# 9 Luxembourg:
18.4%
# 10 Czech Republic:
14.8%
# 11 Canada:
14.3%
# 12 Spain:
13.1%
# 13 Ireland:
13%
# 14 Germany:
12.9%
= 15 Portugal:
12.8%
= 15 Finland:
12.8%
# 17 Iceland:
12.4%
# 18 Turkey:
12%
# 19 Belgium:
11.7%
# 20 Netherlands:
10%
# 21 Sweden:
9.7%
# 22 Denmark:
9.5%
# 23 France:
9.4%
# 24 Austria:
9.1%
# 25 Italy:
8.5%
# 26 Norway:
8.3%
# 27 Switzerland:
7.7%
= 28 Japan:
3.2%
= 28 Korea, South:
3.2%
Weighted average: 14.1%




DEFINITION: Percentage of total population who have a BMI (body mass index) greater than 30 Kg/sq.meters (Data for Australia, Austria and Portugal is from 2002. All other data is from 2003). Obesity rates are defined as the percentage of the population with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. The BMI is a single number that evaluates an individual's weight status in relation to height (weight/height2, with weight in kilograms and height in metres). For Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, figures are based on health examinations, rather than self-reported information. Obesity estimates derived from health examinations are generally higher and more reliable than those coming from self-reports, because they preclude any misreporting of people's height and weight. However, health examinations are only conducted regularly in a few countries (OECD).

Annotation: This source is beneficial to my paper because it gives me the statistics of obesity in different countries throughout the world.

4. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/05/health/main591325.shtml

CHICAGO, Jan. 5, 2003
Fast Food Linked To Child Obesity
Study: One-Third In U.S. At Risk Of Obesity
By Jaime Holguin
(AP) Every day, nearly one-third of U.S. children aged 4 to 19 eat fast food, which likely packs on about six extra pounds per child per year and increases the risk of obesity, a study of 6,212 youngsters found.

The numbers, though alarming, are not surprising since billions of dollars are spent each year on fast-food advertising directed at kids, said lead author Dr. David Ludwig, director of the obesity program at Children's Hospital Boston.

The findings suggest that fast-food consumption has increased fivefold among children since 1970, Ludwig said.

The nationally representative study included boys and girls from all regions of the country and different socio-economic levels.

The highest levels of fast-food consumption were found in youngsters with higher household income levels, boys, older children, blacks and children living in the South. The lowest levels were found in youngsters living in the West, rural areas, Hispanics and those aged 4 to 8, but more than 20 percent of youngsters in each of those groups still reported eating fast food on any given day.

Fast-food lovers consumed more fats, sugars and carbohydrates and fewer fruits and non-starchy vegetables than youngsters who didn't eat fast food. They also consumed 187 more daily calories, which likely adds up to about six pounds more per year, the study found.

The results are based on children questioned in government surveys from 1994 to 1996 and 1998. The study lacks data on the children's weight.

Children's current levels of fast-food consumption probably are even higher because of an increase in the number of fast-food restaurants and in fast-food marketing since the late 1990s, Ludwig said.

The study appears in the January issue of Pediatrics, published Monday.

The nation's obesity epidemic has focused attention on fast-restaurants, and while recent class-action lawsuits attempting to blame McDonald's Corp. for making people fat have failed, many chains have begun offering healthier fare.

Recent data suggest that nearly 15 percent of U.S. youngsters and almost one-third of adults are obese.

The new study results bolster evidence that fast food contributes to increased calorie intake and obesity risk in children, Yale University obesity researcher Kelly Brownell said in an accompanying editorial.

Brownell said the study refutes a July report from the U.S. National Chamber of Commerce, which includes fast-food companies, that suggested fast-food restaurants "are not a chief culprit in the fattening of America."

Brownell said there are encouraging signs that policy-makers are taking action to protect children from the fast-food trend, including efforts to limit soft drink and snack food sales in schools, and to curb food advertising aimed at children.

Annotation: The source is beneficial to my paper because it gives more statistics about children and fast food consumption.

5. http://www.speakout.com/activism/issue_briefs/1333b-1.html

The Super-sizing of America: Are Fast Food Chains to Blame for the Nation's Obesity?

by Jenny Murphy
Thursday, June 15, 2000
Americans are getting fatter and fatter every year. It is estimated that as many as one in five Americans is obese, a condition defined as being more than 30 percent above the ideal weight based on height. Even more alarming is that fact that obesity rates for children have doubled over the past 20 years, and overweight children are being diagnosed with obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, sleep apnea and respiratory illnesses that in the past have only afflicted adults.
As the health care costs of treating obesity-related illnesses mount, some are looking to place the blame for increasing obesity rates on the purveyors of fast food. Facing fierce competition for customer loyalty, fast food chains such as McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy's have promoted their over-sized burgers, extra-large servings for fries, and buckets of soda, all at low prices. Busy and cash-strapped families increasingly rely on take-out food for family dinners, and regular consumption of over-sized portions of fatty foods can leads to widespread obesity.
Some trial lawyers, fresh from a $90 million (and growing) windfall from the tobacco lawsuits, have set their sites on fast food companies. Following the tobacco lawsuit model, some argue that these companies should be held liable for the health care costs of treating illnesses associated with obesity, since they peddle dangerously unhealthy foods to unwitting consumers. The combination of the staggering number of obese Americans and the fat wallets of the fast food companies makes such lawsuits a tantalizing prospect for many trial lawyers and their potential clients.
On One Hand
The portions served by fast food chains and other restaurants are far larger than the recommended portion size for most foods. Food costs for restaurants are relatively low, compared to the costs of rent and labor, so it makes sense for them to offer larger portions that make their customers feel like they are getting a bang for the buck.
As American eat out more and more frequently, they become accustomed to those oversized portion, and think that such portions are normal. The high caloric content of these large servings leads to weight gain for regular fast food customers, and obesity can lead to many dangerous health problems.
Fast food chains do not alert their customers to the hazardously high calorie and fat content of the food they offer. They deserve some of the blame for the epidemic of obesity, and lawsuits brought by victims of their toxic food would force these companies to take some responsibility for their dangerous products.
On the Other Hand
Cigarettes contain substances that are addictive to smokers, and tobacco companies have been made to pay the price for selling a product that is dangerous to the health of their customers. But no one can claim that a Big Mac or a Whopper is addictive. They may be tasty, and people may eat too many of them, but McDonalds and Burger King are not responsible for their customers' lack of self-control.
Lawsuits against fast food companies on behalf of obese "victims" would say more about the greed of trial lawyers than about any real danger posed by fast food. Most people choose to eat fast food even though they know it's bad for them. Individuals have to take responsibility for that choice, not the company that provides the food.
• The US. Department of Agriculture estimates the cost at more than $ 71 billion a year in added health-care and related expenses.
• In 1991, one in eight Americans were obese. In 1999, the number had increased to one in five.
• A study by Policy Analysis Inc. concluded that overweight people cost their employers $12.7 billion in sick time and insurance coverage in 1994 alone.
• It is estimated that kids get up to 40 percent of their meals from fast-food chains, convenience stores and restaurants.
• There are fast-food franchise outlets in 13 percent of the nation's schools.
• One American Medical Association study estimates that 300,000 Americans die each year from obesity-related causes such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
• Obesity levels are sky-rocketing despite the fact that $33 billion a year is spent on weight-loss aids.
Washington Post, Guest Choice Network, the Nation, Time

Annotation: It talks about how the fast food portions are getting larger than the recommended portion size for most foods and the obesity rate have doubled in the past twenty years and overweight children are being diagnosed with obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, sleep apnea and respiratory illnesses that in the past have only afflicted adults.

6. http://www.fastfoodobesity.net/

Teenage And Childhood Fast Food Obesity Epidemic Is Affecting The World Now!!!
Today, teenage and childhood fast food obesity epidemic is growing around the world. Part of the reason is advertising, which has positioned fast food as an 'in' thing and this has appeal to the teenage and childhood group. Look at the Breakfast, what you have just order? It might be a sausage and biscuit with an order of soft drink and hash brown potatoes. The fast food biscuit is usually come with margarine, or even worse, lard.
Fast food obesity is a problem because fast food meal contains low quality carbohydrates; high levels of saturated fat, white bread, and a sugary soda and also has relatively low fiber content. This kind of eating pattern is entirely gives negative effect, which resulted cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the United States. This alarming teenage and childhood fast food obesity epidemic is rapidly rising during the past few years.
Fast food and obesity is interrelated with each other. For a person who takes fast food meal twice a week, obesity ratio will be raised about 50%. In this juncture most of our people are taking fast food many times a week. You can now imagine what ratio is this kind of people will get. Though fast food is very cheap and tastier, these products are restrained with high levels of sodium, oil, refined sugar, and refined flour. You may all aware that these combination are how much harmful to our health.
The Danger Of Fast Food Obesity Epidemic
Fast food obesity is one of the main causes for Type II diabetes. The content of the fast food leads much strain to the body to produce insulin. If a person is having fast food very often, body needs to take much strain to produce insulin and thereby one day the body will loses the ability of producing insulin which resulted type II diabetes. Now in the modern life style , most of the people are not getting any physical activities and getting fast food and pre-packed food products, beverages etc. This lead us to believe that teenage and childhood fast food obesity epidemic has just began and the problem doesn't seem to end soon.
Teenagers and children have forgotten the ways of reducing the calories they intake and thereby obesity is inevitable. This leads to increased body sugar levels and possible blocked arteries. Medical professionals say that fast food obesity along with the sedentary life style are becoming one of the top causes for type II diabetes and coronary artery disease. Most of the people are spending more time on watching TV, riding cars etc., without getting any physical activity and also having fast food products more than that of their body need thereby they can't isolate fast food and obesity.

Annotation: This source talks about obesity is a problem because fast food meal contains low quality carbohydrates; high levels of saturated fat, white bread, and a sugary soda and also has relatively low fiber content. It also talks about the different types of health problems that obesity can cause.

Annotated Biblography

1. Increasing obesity in children and adolescents: An alarming epidemic
Kimberly M Wilkinson. JAAPA : Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Montvale: Dec 2008. Vol. 21, Iss. 12; pg. 31, 7 pgs

Abstract (Summary)
Currently, adolescents have an increased intake of sweetened beverages, French fries, pizza, and fast food entrees, and a consequent inadequate intake of recommended fruits, vegetables, dairy foods, whole grains, lean meats, and fish.11 School lunch programs are also to blame for the rise in the numbers of overweight children. Behavior targets include increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-containing grain products, switching from full-fat to 1% or fat-free dairy products after age 2 years, preparing and eating family meals at home, increasing daily physical activity, and limiting sedentary time.8 Interventions that include changes to classroom and physical education curricula and after-school programs as well as dietary modifications in school meals and vending machine products, can improve dietary patterns and increase physical activity.

Annotation: Since my paper is pertaining to fast food and nutrition, this information is important since it talks about fast food entrees.

2. Fatty meals, advertising linked to youth obesity
Anonymous. The Nation's Health. Washington: Apr 2004. Vol. 34, Iss. 3; pg. 7, 1 pgs

Abstract (Summary)
Food advertising and marketing aimed at children as well as fat-laden restaurant meals are two recent targets of public health advocates seeking to stem skyrocketing childhood obesity rates. To counteract the problem, Center for Science in the Public Interest called for nutrition labeling on restaurant menus. Legislation that would require all chain restaurants to print nutritional information such as calories, fat and sodium on menus is pending in five states, the District of Columbia and Congress.

Annotation: The fast food industry is advertising to the younger generations and those are this is the generation which is increasing in obesity.

3. the fast track to fat
Mary Ellen Strote. Shape. Woodland Hills: Jun 2005. Vol. 24, Iss. 10; pg. 104, 1 pgs

Abstract (Summary)
Researchers tracked the fast-food habits of more than 3,000 healthy men and women ages 18-30. After 15 years, people who had frequented fast-food restaurants more than twice a week gained ten pounds more than those who went less than once weekly.
» Jump to indexing (document details)
Full Text
(127 words)
Copyright American Media, Inc. Jun 2005
If you eat fast food often and are a young adult, you may be more likely to enter middle age fatter and at greater risk for insulin resistance (a risk factor for diabetes) than your peers who forgo the drive-through. Researchers tracked the fast-food habits of more than 3,000 healthy men and women ages 18-30. After 15 years, people who had frequented fast-food restaurants more than twice a week gained 10 pounds more than those who went less than once weekly. They also had double the increase in insulin resistance, a risk factor for adult-onset diabetes, says Gina Wei, M.D., project officer of the study. If you must eat fast food, Wei suggests you look up your meal's nutritional content before ordering. - Mary Ellen Strote Jafe

Annotation: I was informed that research has proven that those who eat at a fast food restaurant more than 2 times a week gained 10 pounds more than those who went less than once. To me this correlates obesity and fast food.

4. Fast Food Really Can Be Unhealthy...
Anonymous. Child Health Alert. Newton Highlands: Mar 2005. Vol. 23 pg. 3, 1 pgs

Abstract (Summary)
Obesity is widely recognized as a major public health problem in the US, and health experts are particularly concerned about the dramatic increases in obesity among children. Two major causes are lack of exercise and diet; when it comes to diet, many have blamed fast food. In a study, researchers have found out that the more people ate fast food, the more their body weight increased.
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Copyright Child Health Alert Inc. Mar 2005
Obesity is widely recognized as a major public health problem in the U.S., and health experts are particularly concerned about the dramatic increases in obesity among children. Two major causes are lack of exercise and diet; when it comes to diet, many have blamed fast food. Though it is surprising, there have been few scientific studies that have actually considered the impact of fast-food on body weight. To fill that gap, researchers reviewed data on over 3,000 young white and black adults who took part in a 15-year follow-up study of cardiovascular risk factors. The authors studied how often the subjects ate at fast-food restaurants over the 15-year period and they measured changes in bodyweight over that time.

Annotation: There are more than one cause to obesity yet fast food is the one that contributes to the majority of obesity.

5. Compensation for Energy Intake From Fast Food Among Overweight and Lean Adolescents
Cara B Ebbeling, Kelly B Sinclair, Mark A Pereira, Erica Garcia-Lago, et al. JAMA. Chicago: Jun 16, 2004. Vol. 291, Iss. 23; pg. 2828, 6 pgs

Abstract (Summary)
Fast food consumption has increased greatly among children in recent years, in tandem with the obesity epidemic. Fast food tends to promote a positive energy balance and, for this reason, may result in weight gain. Ebbeling et al test the hypothesis that overweight adolescents are more susceptible to the adverse effects of fast food than lean adolescents.

Annotation: The consumption of fast food in the adolescence time frame greatly deals with the obesity rates. Since fast food restaurants promote to adolescence it makes sense to me to why that is where the majority of obesity comes from.

6. Governing childhood obesity: Framing regulation of fast food advertising in the Australian print media
Julie Henderson, John Coveney, Paul Ward, Anne Taylor. Social Science & Medicine. Oxford: Nov 2009. Vol. 69, Iss. 9; pg. 1402

Abstract (Summary)
Childhood obesity is widely constructed as reaching epidemic proportions with consumption of fast food viewed as a contributing factor. This paper analyses media reporting of the regulation of fast food consumption to children. A media search of five Australian newspapers for the period January 2006 to June 2008 elicited 100 articles relating to the regulation of fast food advertising to children. Content and thematic analysis of the articles reveal conflicting perspectives on the role of the state; the level of accountability of the food and advertising industries; and responsibilities of parents for regulating fast food consumption in children. The Federal Government, food and advertising industries and free to air broadcasters favor industry self-regulation and personal responsibility for fast food consumption while the proponents of government regulation include consumer groups, state government health ministers, nutrition and public health academics and medical and health foundations. The regulation of fast food advertising to children is discussed in relation to ideas about governance and the public health strategies which follow from these ideas. The paper argues that all proposed solutions are indicative of a neoliberal approach to the governance of health insofar as the responsibility for regulation of food marketing is viewed as lying with industry and the regulation of lifestyle risk is viewed as an individual responsibility. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Annotation: Fast food is viewed as a contributing factor to obesity and the fast food consumption with children is majorly increasing. The fast food industry is most advertised to children with children’s meals and including a toy with them.

Brianne's Game Plan

Word Count: 506

1. My purpose for writing is to inform others of the relations between fast and unhealthy food to obesity in response to prompt number two. In this day and age, more and more people are becoming obese. There are many causes to why more people are becoming obese but the unhealthy lifestyle is a major component. This selection is the best one for me to write about due to the fact that I am going into the health profession field and obesity deals with health. I have learned a lot about obesity thus far, from medical facts to facts about fast food nutrition. I believe that my peers will have a general understanding about my topic. I considered numerous other options before deciding to write my paper on obesity; my overall goal to writing my paper is to inform everyone on the alarming rates of obesity.
2. The specific topic that I plan on writing about is obesity and the factors that are making more and more people obese. Thus far, I have composed a list of reasons which I will write paragraphs on: the sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating habits. Since we were reading the book, Fast Food Nation, I decided that those would be good components to in cooperate into my paper. I have limited my paper to the current time frame and geographically all over the world. I believe I will focus in more on teenagers and children for my paper.
3. I believe that anyone who is going into the health professions field would be interested in reading my paper. My paper is of interest to me now because the rate of obesity is rising at an alarming rate.
4. The types of source material which I believe will best support my thesis is internet based material and possibly some medical magazines which have articles and stories about obesity and fast food. The modes of writing which I believe I will use include: cause and effect, description, illustration, and definition. I believe that those will be the most effective in my paper. I may gather some information off of charts and in cooperate that into my paper as well as statistics.
5. The research that I plan on conducting is: finding valuable information about nutrition in fast food and the relationship to obesity, some underlying causes to obesity outside of nutrition, and how the sedentary lifestyle is increasing and the factors which correlate to it. Thus far, my research is going pretty well, I still need to use the databases. Daily, I plan on researching more and finding new information that will be vital to adding into my paper. I think that a good approach for writing this paper would be to write a few paragraphs a day and not try to tackle it all at once. I have not encountered difficulties while working on my paper. The source material which I hope to find during our research days include more charts with statistics which I can in cooperate into my paper.

Fast Food Nation Post 9 Part 2

1. How the HACCP is a program of prevention for the meatpacking industry.
2. Why Theno made the Jack in the Box managers attend a food saftey course and no other fast food resturatnts.
3. What exactly the "Performance-based grading" system would consist of.
4. Why it is that when a company decides to voluntarily pull contaminated meat from the markert, it is under no legal obligation to inform the public or the state health officials that a recall is taking place.
5. Why the most questionable ground beef was distributed to school cafeterias throughout the country for the children to eat.

Fast Food Nation Post 9

1. What exactly is in the meat which is used at fast food resturants?
2. How long do fast food chains keep food frozen in their freezers?
3. Why so many people become ill everyday do to foodbone disease?
4. Why a hamburger was considered the food of the poor.
5. Why 1/4 of the cattle used to make ground beef are diseased.