Environmental studies and Forestry (Term Paper Sample)

Student’s Name Professor’s name Course Date Obesity Obesity is a health condition where excess body fats assemble and has adverse effects on an individual. One is considered obese when their Body Mass Index (BMI) is above 30kg/m2; the BMI is the result gotten from dividing a person’s weight by the square of his or her height. Medics have attributed this condition to several causes; among them are excess food intake and poor physical activity. On the other hand, genetic sensitivity and disorders, mental illness, and endocrine malfunctions are also possible causes of overweight. Obesity is a public health concern across the world. Because it is a result of many other factors apart from feeding and inactivity, governments need to immediately put concerted efforts in fighting the menace, lest it threatens the existence of humanity. How Obesity Relates to Natural Science Principles This disorder is a pressing health concern in the U.S. and other western economies. Its pervasiveness is rapidly gaining momentum throughout the world and it is related to medical issues. In fact, some challenges have been met during research because this disease is a "complex disorder’’, mainly because it is a result of both genetic and environmental factors that correlate. Research into the influence of social environment on obesity has expanded to cover both interpersonal reasons as well as looking at the larger ‘toxic environment’(Klein et al. 54). Also, a look at a new study that gaps the genetic and social-environmental aspects have been ongoing, primarily because both either relate to overweight or promote such behaviors. By the same token, macroenvironmental factors expose humanity to ‘’toxic environment’’. For instance, the U.S. has experienced social and economic changes in the past decades. As a result, there have been an increased number of obesity cases. Many arguments have pointed out this trend to occurrences such as growth in fast food industry, diminished cost of fast food products, ease of access to energy dense foods, and frequent use of energy saving machines like motorcars that decrease activity levels. It is significant to note the studies which have established that Social Economic Status (SES) is correlated to obesity. Persons coming from lower SES are more likely to suffer from obesity. Several suggestions have been made in support of these finding. Firstly, they have limited access to resources and poor knowledge of the relationship between health and nutrition. Secondly, they have more exposure to fast-food outlets and equally lack space to carry out physical activities. Decision Making Process with Regards to Obesity The first time one realizes they are obese, they tend to deny it. Then, an individual may get into depression. It is a fact that no one wants to be obese, but some are just victims of particular conditions. When proper psychological therapy is administered, patients live up to the fact. From here, they may accept their situation and get comfortable. However, those not comfortable may seek for medication. At this level, the decision to get out of this danger zone is appreciated. Reasons for My Interest in Obesity I have taken keen interest in this topic due to several reasons. Firstly, it is a leading but preventable cause of death. In 2014, a disturbing 13% of the human population was fat. Consequently, governments throughout the world viewed it as one of the great public health concerns in the 21st century. Mortality affects economies in that it reduces the workforce, consequently decreasing the production capacity of a nation. Families undergo untold stories of trauma and depression due to the same. When parents die, their children will likely lose some basic services such as education, besides an increasing probability of a change in their lifestyle. Also, obesity is one of the conditions that are stigmatized in the modern society. Interestingly, this is contrary to the ancient times where this condition was seen as a sign of wealth and power. A move by the American Medical Association to classify obesity as a disease has equally prompted me to get some interest in the topic. It therefore goes without saying that both governments and individuals incur expenses that could have otherwise been allocated elsewhere should preventive measures have been taken. Obesity has also been linked to several mental and physical conditions. For example, there is a strong link between the condition and the type 2 diabetes. Recommendations Made to Control Obesity As earlier stated, obesity is preventable. To have and maintain a slim body, follow a healthy eating plan. When preparing family meals or buying foodstuff, keep calorie needs in mind. In the same way, balance energy IN and energy OUT. Equally important is that everyone should watch the portion sizes they consume, especially when eating fast foods. In the same note, children should be served smaller quantities than adults; older people must take only what is necessary. While cooking, the use of vegetable based oils should be given preference to instead of animal-based fats. It is also good to keep healthy habits like taking a brisk walk, going for an evening jog, joining friends over the weekend for bicycle riding. Participating in such activities helps people burn out the extra fats, apart from increasing their fitness levels (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 78). Another way to reduce weight is decreasing the amount of time spent on TVs, computers, and videogames since they waste time which could be spent on exercise. In addition to the recommendations above, one still needs to constantly check their weight. It is equally important to track the BMI as well as the waist circumference. Getting control of obesity will need more than just individuals’ interest. It requires planned efforts and placing an integrated approach to the matter. Therefore, governments should come on board to help eradicate this challenge by enacting policies that enhance access to high fiber foods (with low fats). States also need to come up with a proper healthcare plan to support the obese. They can do this by initiating training professionals who can assist those who need to lose weight and equally help the rest. Doing a public awareness campaign will help in disseminating the necessary knowledge, hence assist in bringing up a healthy nation. Why I Wish to Influence How People Perceive Obesity People generally have a wrong perception about obesity. Many have the notion that these outsize individuals are a bunch of lazy creatures whose work only border around feeding without checking what they eat (Puhl & Chelsea). The situation may not be entirely true because overweight is the product of several other factors, including genetics and body disorders. So, this gives me enough reasons to influence the way people perceive this disorder. While it is true that many fat people feel uncomfortable and would wish to reduce their weight, they may not have access to facilities to assist them. Furthermore, some may not even have knowledge of their condition to enable them seek the required medication. It is my brother’s situation that has always prompted me to speak against discriminating those with the weight challenge. He is quite big, and I have witnessed several accounts when he has been rejected by the society due to his condition. These harassments have really worked against his self-esteem. Consequently, his grades have gone down. To compensate on this, he has come out as a violent person. Being aware that his condition is due to health disorder and not his wish really hurts me when I see people call him names. In such cases, I always educate people on overweight so that this not happen to others. On the other hand, when I come across those suffering from this condition, Ifirst understand them as they are, then befriend, and show them that they can come out of it. Apart from giving advice on the government agencies that can help them, I stand by their side throughout their medication period. Measuring the Impact of Obesity The impacts of obesity are measured in terms of the number of deaths it causes. It ...