Obesse an Health Issue in the United States, Article Critique Example

Introduction

The concept of obesity is important not only to this generation but also future generations. There has been a marked increase in illnesses like diabetes, heart and stroke disease etc. A great deal of this is due to the sedentary lifestyles that we lead and the lack of daily exercise. In addition eating the wrong foods a trend towards fast foods and saturated fats as opposed to eating more fruit and vegetables. The combination of these things has both resulted in obesity and our increased vulnerability towards illness. Recent research has indicated that there is a distinct divide between the rich and poorer class structure in modern society and as such this is creating obesity in the poor. The concept of obesity is a world problem and particularly so in the USA. In Ireland it is becoming more prevalent in the female gender of the poorer classes.

Obesity can be avoided by control of bodily weight by such factors as taking regular exercise, eating the right type of foods (diet) and avoiding certain types of food intake, such as saturated fats, that promote obesity.

Importance of Nutrition

A recent US Government survey revealed that blood tests conducted over a 3000 sample of children, indicated some 20% of children failed to get sufficient Vitamin D because of a lack of healthy eating and insufficient dairy products. As such these children are placed at serious risk of life threatening diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes and bone infections. (Knight, 2009). Nutritionists also describe a considerable lack of Omega 3 which is found in fish like Salmon and Tuna. These are considered necessary supplements to support a healthy brain, cardio vascular system and anti-cacogenic. As children turn more towards eating “junk food” such as hamburgers, sodas, fried chicken etc., they are prone towards weight accumulation and obesity. This in itself becomes a vicious circle because the food becomes habitual and the increase in weight promotes lethargy and the inability to take proper exercise.

The bottom line is that we become what we eat. Unhealthy fatty foods lead to unhealthy fatty people, whereas well balanced healthy food with regular exercise leads to healthy people with more self-confidence and positive mental outlooks. The increase in obesity also leads to a lack of self-esteem and ultimately psychological illness in addition to the health hazards outlined.

Weightwatchers has certainly been instrumental in helping people with overweight conditions to address the problem. There is the added concern however whether this should exist in isolation from the medical community and whether there is sufficient accurate information for you to make the right informed choices. The Points Plan offered by weightwatchers allows you to eat or drink whatever you prefer, however it has restrictions around its core plan. The main objective is to try and make you eat more healthily and this means the introduction of low fat foods like lean meats, chicken, fruit and vegetables. It provides a support system with the help of others who are trying to achieve similar objectives. In addition this can also become a social function where you meet and make new friends.

Alternate solutions include that of the self-help plan where you go on an exercise and diet regime that is supervised by your Doctor or physician. This method does require a great degree of self-discipline and control and you do not have a peer group to offer encouragement and support. It works well if you have a supportive family that will work with you in order to help achieve your goals or you have a close friend that is working with you in order to try similar objectives. You need to manage the concept of depression that often accompanies the program and this should be discussed with the Doctor. Where more serious conditions are diagnosed like that of high blood pressure or diabetes the doctor may also prescribe a course of medication. (Better Health USA, 2012)

References

Better Health USA. (2012, 3 13). Rating the Weight Watchers Points Diet: Advantages and Disadvantages. Retrieved from Better Health USA: http://www.pivotaladvisor.com/public/253.cfm

Knight, P. (2009). Are we really what we eat. Health and Fitness