Nutrition and Obesity Prevention Efforts Essays

Nutrition and Obesity Prevention Efforts Essays Nutrition and Obesity Prevention Efforts Essay Nutrition and Obesity Prevention Efforts Essay Obesity in the United States Organization: Problem/Solution Specific Purpose: I would like for my audience to believe in better eating habits so they can avoid or control obesity. INTRODUCTION l. Attention Getter: According to the Forbes website, 74. 6 percent adults in the world are obese and the United States has the highest rates. II. Relevance: Obesity occurs all throughout the world, and with each passing year the rates are higher. We see obesity everywhere, even here in UTPA. It is getting to the oint where we think it is normal to see a bigger person walking or sitting next to us, but the truth is it is not normal. In fact, obesity is highly dangerous to our health. Ill. Credibility: I have done extensive research on obesity and have found many shocking statistics and facts on this issue. In addition, I have an Aunt suffering from obesity and that led her to having diabetes. IV. Propositional Statement: Obesity is a growing problem in the United States and in the Valley. I propose we encourage ourselves, and the people we love, to have ealthier eating habits so it will help people control or avoid obesity. BODY Point One: The first part of the problem is that obesity is a growing health issue, and many adults and young people are victims of it. A. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a cross-sectional telephone survey of no institutionalized adults ages 18 years or older conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity between 1991 and 1998 increased in all 50 states in the United States in both men and women, and across all age groups. Notably, only 4 states had obesity rates of or higher in 1991, but by 1998, 37 states had exceeded that level. The highest prevalence of obesity was found among women of minority groups. B. Data from the Texas Health Institute and Methodist Healthcare Ministries indicates more than 15 million Texans will become obese by 2040 if obesity prevention efforts are not adopted immediately. The report notes that while dramatic obesity increases are noted in all ethnic and age groups, obesity rate increases in young adults have risen more than 10% in Just 7 years. As this population ages, they iseases that accompany obesity, like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and respiratory ailments. Transition: Texas ranks as the 15th most obese state in the nation, but we do not have to stay that way. Obesity is something we have the power to change. Point Two: The second part of the problem is that many people prefer fattier foods because of the cheaper cost rather than a healthy more expensive meal. A. According to The Lancet, in the U. S. for example, as food has become cheaper during the past several decades, especially foods high in fat and sugar, obesity rates ave risen and obesity rates among the poor, who are more likely to depend on high- fat, high-sugar foods for their meals, are substantially higher than the rates seen in higher income groups. To improve the diets of people on low income, healthy food must be made available and cheap. Instead of promoting sugar and grain production fruits and vegetables should be promoted and more support sh ould be given to programs distributing fruits and vegetables for free to schools and low income groups. B. According to Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter, it used to be that uying fresh, unprocessed foods saved you money as well. Now, however, the cost of more nutritious foods is climbing?even outstripping the rate of inflation. Meanwhile, at least until the latest grocery price spikes, Junk food has been getting cheaper?not good news for a nation with an obesity epidemic. Transition: It is clear obesity is a major problem that needs to be addressed. A solution is desperately needed. Point Three: The solution I propose as I mentioned before is that we encourage ourselves and the people we care for to make healthier eating choices so it will help hem control or avoid obesity. A. Even though it might be a little more costly to buy healthier foods it is better for you, and in the long run, you will not have to spend money going to doctors because you did not pay attention to your eating habits and you will end up saving money. B. It is easier when a couple of us start eating healthy rather than Just by doing it alone. If you influence your friends and family into eating better, it becomes easier because in one of your weak moments, they can help you, and you can help them if it was the other way around. You will also not see your friends or family with fatty foods, and so therefore, you will have fewer temptations. CONCLUSION Transition: In conclusion eating habits among people. II. Solution Summary: I ask you consider my proposed solution to encourage ourselves and others to start eating in healthier ways. In doing this many more people will avoid and control obesity. Ill. Memorable Closing: We must remember, as stated by Bertrand Russell, a British logician and philosopher, There is no need to worry about mere size. We do not necessarily respect a fat man more than a thin man. Sir Isaac Newton was very much smaller than a hippo, but we do not on that account value him less. 1. Moldket, A. H. , Serdula, M. K. , Dietz, W. H. , Bowman, B. A. , Marks, J. S. , Koplan, JP. (1999) The spread of the obesity epidemic in the United States, 1991-1998. JAMA 282: 1519-1522. 2. New Obesity Data Released. Texas Health Institute, 2009. Web. 4 Dec. 2011 3. The Lancet, volume 364, Issue 9452, pages 2169 2170, 18 December 2004 4. Can You Afford to Eat Right?. Tufts University Health Nutrition Letter May 2008: 4+. Academic Search Complete. Web. 4 Dec. 2011.