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M Volume 1 | Issue 3
E 4/04/2017 Peoples Health
Peoples Health:
A Nation at Risk
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A Food-Junkie Culture
We live in a world that idolizes junk food, fast food, and diets rich in sugar. Today, the typical,
L classic American diet consists of processed and packaged foods, drive-thrus, and large portions.
E And now, less and less parents cook fresh, homemade meals, especially those who lead busy lives.
After all, isnt it easier to heat up a microwavable TV dinner or stop by McDonalds on the way to
M soccer practice?
: This is all due to smart advertising, Americas food-cultural obsession, and the growth of the food
industry, which has become both smarter and faster. Think about it: You see food; you probably
eat it. Why? Because America endorses exactly that. As a society, we dont really understand how
to nurture our health in terms as it is something we tend to neglect. Of course, were told to eat
W right but what exactly does that mean? There are a lot of mixed messages about what is good for
h you, what to eat, and how much you should eat. Therefore, healthy dieting is difficult, especially
when you think about how much Americans eat out. According to the Centers for Disease Control
a (CDC), the average restaurant meal is four times larger than it was in the 1950s, with sugary
drinks increasing the most-- from an average of 7 ounces to 42 ounces (Understanding the
t American). As a result, sugary drinks represent about 11% of US calories as compared to 4%
in 1970. According to the World Health Organization, fast food makes up 11% of the average diet
and about 1 out of 2 people eat fast food weekly. The rise in sales of these fatty foods have direct
i correlations to weight gain (Why are Americans).
t Americans eat 500 more calories daily than they did in 1970 --about 51, 000 additional calories
annually--and about 35% of total US calories come from solid fat or sugar (Why are

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 2

Americans). Marketing schemes have a lot to do with the rise of unhealthy food consumption.
Many products advertise low fat or fat free products. All they really do is swap hydrogenated oils
and sugar (which have high levels of trans fat that raise bad cholesterol) for animal fats. (Why are
Americans). Companies now advertise food and beverages with non-nutritive sweeteners
(NNS) or healthier, artificial sweeteners that only encourage more sugar cravings. They are
actually 30 to 30,000 times sweeter than regular sugar and have an appetite promoting effect, but
due to their small quantities, drinks can be labeled as sugar free or non-caloric (Boualaoui,
Ihsane). As result, many people think they drinking or eating better, when in reality, theyre not.

Advertising contributes to our junk food loving culture as well. Companies spend yearly $1 billion
on advertising unhealthy products, and they dont just target kids, but adolescents and adults as
well. The U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that food and beverage advertising
promotes products high in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium; increases preferences and requests to
parents for these products; and thus, likely contributes to obesity and diet-related diseases
(Boualaoui, Ihsane).

Consequently, it is not just about how much you eat but what you eat too.

A Nation at Risk: the chronic weight problem

But, realistically, its not just about food. Its easy to say that weight control is a choice, and while
it is true that control of obesity is largely a result of individual lifestyle, there are many other
factors that are contributing to Americas continued obesity epidemic. But let me back up for a
minute. Its important to understand the problem, before analyzing its influences.

There are four main classifications for body type: underweight, healthy, overweight, and obese.
Overweight is classified as an excess of body weight to height while obesity means a surplus of
fat. I will note that the interpretation of obesity is still something doctors struggle with (Why are
Americans). I mean how can we really measure someone who is considered fat -- by excess
body fat, by skinfold thickness; what does obese really mean? In today standards, it is determined
by BMI (a measure of body fat in relation to height and weight). Essentially though, weight gain is
a formula of total calories consumed versus total calories used.
We live in a world where societal influences cause us to place a high value on thinness and hold negative stereotypes about overweight
people. We are often bombarded by ads, celebrities, and other fitness professionals about what it looks like to be healthy, and subsequently,
we often link weight to moral standards. Weak-willed, ugly, awkward, self-indulgent, immature, and emotionally-disturbed are adjectives
used by medical staff to describe their overweight clients (Cassell, Jo A).

The obesity epidemic has long since been a problem within

the US. For about the past two decades or so, chronic weight
among all individuals has become an ever-increasing issue.
Although the obesity rate has declined slightly among the
young (probably due to past implemented programs), it is
still increasing among older children and teens. Nevertheless,
the rates are still too high as twenty-five states have adult
obesity rates over 30% (Lavizzo-Mourey, Risa). In 2013,
Sharpe reported an increase in the adult obesity rate from
26.2% in 2012 to 27.2%. According to a study performed in
2014 by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the
percentage of overweight and obese Americans combined
together represented two thirds of the population (Boualaoui,
Ihsane).
The constant trend of increasing obesity rates that has continued
 3

Today, more than one-third (36.5%) of adults have obesity (Adult Obesity Facts), and 1
in every 4 children are obese. Thats over 100 million people. Our rates place us second
only to Mexico and it is expected that by 2030, over half of Americans could be obese.
That could be the first generation ever to have a lower life expectancy than their parents
(Why are Americans). Let that sink in.

Whats fueling obesity?

In addition to the eating habits of Americans and the continued excess consumption,
energy imbalance, attitude and emotions, life habits, socioeconomic status, and how and
where people live are to blame (Ogden, Cynthia). Smoking, poor sleep habits, stress,
and lower rates of breastfeeding can also contribute to a childs long term risk, and
genetics and age have a strong influence on metabolism. That is why a parent who is
obese is much more likely to have a kid who will become obese.

On the whole, Americans are consuming more than they are burning. Americans burn This 2009-2010 data reveals that there is no
statistically significant difference for obesity
120 to 140 fewer calories a day than they did 50 years ago, and only 20% of todays
rates between men and women.
jobs require at least moderate physical activity. According to the CDC, at the end of the
day, 80% of Americans arent getting enough exercise (Why are Americans). Think Among women, however, there is a trend that
about how often you walk somewhere instead of driving. Its probably pretty low. Or those with college degrees are less likely to
think about how often you spend in front of the TV. Between computers, television, and have obesity compared to less educated
video games, the average kid spends about 7.5 hours in front of a screen. 1 in 5 houses women ("Adult Obesity Facts").
have parks near them.

Paying the Price Obesity affects all demographics but for low-income,
poor families the effects are disproportionately worse.
If the current trend of obesity continues unchecked for the next
Fastseveral
food is years, theprevalentits
twice as implications cheaper and over
for the health
, of Americans and the increased burden on the1/3 healthcare system could
of Americans who earn beunder $15,000 annually are
significant (Boualaoui, Ihsane). Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic has beentocosting
obese compared the 25% therate
USamong
a individuals who
lot of money. We spend over $20 billion annually on weightearn loss$50,000
schemesper from diet books and
year. About 23.5 million people dont
diet pills to fat-reduction surgeries, like liposuction. By 2018, theaccess
have annualtocost of obesity iswithin a mile of their
a supermarket
expected to top 344 billion (Why are Americans...). In 2008, theThus,
home. annualthe
medical
obesitycosts for is fueled by a lack in
problem
obese patients was estimated at $147 billion; per person thataccess
cost was roughly $1,429 higher
to affordable, nutritious food, healthcare
for obese individuals than for those with normal weight (Adult Obesity
education, andFacts). A yearand
recreational ago,fitness facilities.
Harvards School of Public Law found that per capita medical spending was $2,741 higher-a
150% increase. They also estimate that obesity may account for as much as $190 billion
annually or 21% of all U.S. medical expenses. It also has indirect costs. Obese employees miss
more days from work due to absences or long-term disabilities, and employers pay higher life
insurance premiums and give higher compensation for obese employees (Economic Costs).
 4

Most of the obese people

are aware of the negative
effect of obesity, wish to Klkljljl
shed pounds and many of
them tried more than once Obesity contributes to some of the leading causes of preventable
to loose weight. It is our death. As the obesity epidemic has grown, the incidence of type II
job [as nurses] to assess diabetes has also increased. Increased body-mass and fat tissue urge
the patient current and the body to make more insulin to metabolize the increased sugar,
individual problem,
What has been done: but eventually glucose builds up to lead to diabetes (Boualaoui,
cognition and motivation Millions of Americans are spendingIhsane). money Obesity
on false contributes
advertising to that arent
high guaranteed
cholesterol, to work.
heart diseases,
level, explore past Celebrities endorse half-at best programs
stroke, and
sleepconfuse
apnea, diet for nutrition,
osteoarthritis, and
certain the
types US
of market
cancer, for
and
adopted strategies, and diet drugs, What can be done:
books, pills, meal replacements, and
hypertension commercial
(high blood weight
pressure).loss chains
Excess is
fat now
can valued
lead to at
plaque
CDC recommended decreasedover television
$60.9
The viewing(Why
billion
continued as 65%
incline are
of Americans).
obesity rates and But
its these
strong diet regimens
effect on the and new
overall treatment
health
build-up in the arteries, and if enough accumulates, it can narrow of methods
Americans emphasize
possible reasons for
of parents considered that thiswill
marketing
not in the
the necessarily food
importance solve of fasterourimplantation
nations
the problem. Many
bloodhave
and effective
passage of andlow success
interventions
oxygen, thatrates
leadingweto and
must health
takeoras
angina care
a nation.
even a heartIt is true
relapsing. We should also
industry has a negative effect on their
thatchildren
professionalweightblame (Boualaoui,
these
management low figures
can be on patients
modified
attack/failure.by lack
an of self-discipline
appropriate
Plaque will or
lifestyle,
increase the motivation
proper
resistance (Cassell,
nutrition,
of the and Jo
physical
arteries,
take into consideration the
Ihsane). A healthy diet can be A).
obtained by adhering
exercise. But to do to this,
the we must fix the
raising root
their of the issue.
pressure hypertension. If, they rupture, a clot can
age group, the personal
dietary guidelines, and nurses, physicians, etc. should help form; thus, youre now at high risk for a stroke. Many serious fatal
culture and the
theseIt
their patients with calculating Tremendousis a personal
caloric conviction that involves individual predisposition and willingness to adhere, change
requirements.
efforts have put in place by health
diseases can care
occur professionals,
including chronic medicalheartexperts, researchers, and
disease(CHD),
developmental period to and adopt a new lifestyle. Ihsane Boualaoui. In more cases than not, weight maintenance is more
useThe
appropriate even policy makers-take Michelle Obamas
peripheral Let Move
neuropathy, initiative,
kidney for
failureexample.
and Programs
blindness and
(Boualaoui,
CDC proposed aggressive taxationsabout on junk food
intrinsic motivation than extrinsic, and the key to fighting obesity is prevention. Two-thirds of
methodology and was done withawareness
similar to what the 2002
campaigns have been endorsed,
tobacco
Americans arecontrol
Ihsane).on both the individual
If severely overweight,and the institutional
Americans can have
overweight or obese, but according to recent studies less than 40% of American adults
level.
a lotFor
of
interventions example, Ohio enacted a budget that included
medical $2 million
problems, and to create
millions a Healthy
of AmericansFood Financing
are paying the price.
program, or recently in inner city Philly. Many argue
characterize themselvesthis as either very or somewhat overweight (Boualaoui, Ihsane).
Initiative (HFFI), Mississippi enacted a bill setting snack nutrition standards, and Virginia enacted a
would infringe upon the right of people to make their own
-Ihsane Boualaoui, bill setting minimum time requirements for physical activity within schools. The U.S Food and Drug
choices and would be ungrossly fairFirst,towe small
must businesses
start by updates
convincing
Administration issued final for overweight
Nutrition Fact Americans
labels onthat they arefoods
packaged actually
and overweight.
required menu After all,
since grocery stores and convenience stores could still sell
labeling requirements for chain restaurants and food retail establishments (Lavizzo-Mourey). But normal.
there is little to do if 1) the person is not motivated to be fit or 2) perceives his/her weight as is In
larger sizes, but perhaps, maybe thats a pricewhat,
addition, we havein thetolong run, will help individuals fight obesity and prevention is positive feedback
this enough? Think about it: How much do calories influence your decision to get a Big Mac?
pay (Boualaoui, Ihsane). and encouraging, supporting families. Weight loss as small as 5-10% may significantly improve blood
In New
CDC also recommended the following: glucose
York,levels, risk for diabetes,
the ci-deviant and itsBloomberg
mayor Michael complications. Any aamount
initiated wave of of public
loss is awareness
a start. and
attempted to pass
We must alsoafoster
legislation
accesstotoban super-sized
fresh soft drinks.parks
foods, recreational His emphasis on sugary
and/or programs drinks
to all was
communities, and
take action for family,further
community,
supportedand self
by atand
least 28 scientific studies and papers on food addiction that suggested that
learn the facts invest in proper nutrition education. It could save us 4-10 billion in healthcare costs over the next
sugary drinks(Why
decade hijackarethe brain in ways While
Americans) that resemble addictions
un-sweetening the to cocaine
worlds and
diet nicotine
may be the (Boualaoui,
key to reversing the
implemented nutrition standards in schools, ban
Ihsane). But
obesity as the statistics
epidemic, just astell us, his
important and
is other
changingmeasures
kids have been
ideologies largely
and unsuccessful.
parenting styles and modeling
sale of beverages, and provide free healthy food
healthy
through programs (WIC and SNAP) lifestyles.
Essentially, what this all boils down to is the question is obesity a problem with society at large or
legislation to limit availability
just individuals? What can be done to alleviate the acuity of the problem?
 AM 5

ERI
CA Its time that we take actions and start caring as
citizens of a nation thats beginning to uphold its

S
reputations. Its about time that we start doing what
we can to resolve and keep the rates from climbing.
Obesity has now not only becoming a national crisis
"Adult Obesity Facts." Centers for Disease Control and but
Prevention. CDC,
a global one 01its
too, and Sept. 2016.
costing Web.
us. Most

OB
28 Mar. 2017. <https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html>. importantly, we must learn as individuals what
healthy looks like and how to balance diet with
exercise. We must stop promoting fast food and
Boualaoui, Ihsane. "Obesity in America." Virginia Henderson International Nursing E-

ESI
junk food and support self-control and motivation.
Repository. Sigma Theta Tau International, 22 Oct. 2015. Web. 28
WeMar. 2017. to keep our bodies fit and take care
must choose
<http://www.nursinglibrary.org/vhl/handle/10755/580240>. of them or face medical problems down the road.
After all, we only get one life; we must live it right.

TYCassell, Jo A. "Social Anthropology and Nutrition: A Different Look at Obesity in America."

American Dietetic Association Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 95, no. 4, 1995, pp.
424, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database; Nursing & Allied Health Database,

PR
http://ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/218395054?
accountid=13158 References

OB
"Economic Costs." Obesity Prevention Source. The President and Fellows of Harvard College, 08
Apr. 2016. Web. 28 Mar. 2017. <https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-

LE
consequences/economic/>.

Lavizzo-Mourey, Risa, and Richard Hamburg. "What Is the State of Obesity in America?" The

M:
State of Obesity. Trust for America's Health, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2017. <http://stateofobesity.org/letter/>.

Ogden, Cynthia. "Overweight and Obesity Statistics." US Department of Health and Human

Wh
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at it
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wha
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