What "They" Are Saying About Obesity

Obesity in America is a issue that has recently inclined over the years. The reasons to why this has happened vary and everyone has a different view, so what is being said? A big reason for child obesity according to Alabama Cooperative Extension Nutritionist Dr. Robert Keith was the invention of electronic media. Before this addition of media to the American childhood, children would play active games outdoors and get exercise in a fun way. Now they spend most of there time on the computer or watching large amounts of TV. As Dr. Keith puts it, "Parents are feeling reassured that their kids are safe at home, but these activities or having consequences." Another big involvement in the increase of obesity that is a big topic among many is the food being served at fast food restaurants. What about fast food restaurants though add to America's obesity? Author of The Super-sizing of America: Are Fast Food Chains to Blame for the Nation's Obesity?, Jenny Murphy, believes its the increase of proportions and the low cost price of the meal which makes costumers feel like they are "getting a bang for the buck" as Jenny puts it. The Surgeon General believes that an issue with low health literacy is also a cause for this increase. Many people do not know what is often being said on the nutrition of foods or how to translate them. An example of this is not knowing how many calories a day should be consumed which leads to the nutrition label being meaningless if you don't know how much food your body should consume. 

"Why the Increase in Obesity in America Over the Years?"

Over the past four years the percentage of obese adults has gone up from 13.4% to 35.1%. But why? An answer to this was discussed in the article, Why the Increase in Obesity in America Over the Years?, found on the LiveStrong website. According to the article the reason for this increase can be found in environmental factors that are controllable; this includes an increase in calories, less physical activity, and social factors. However many Americans aren't doing anything to control these factors because they are comfortable with the way their lifestyle is. People are so use to their "relaxed" living of life that they aren't taking the time to notice this issue and do something to change it. America's increase in portion size at restaurants, lack of sidewalks in community, vending machines, expensive gym memberships, and even mechanical can openers are encouraging this "relaxed" lifestyle that we all want to live. We all need to take a step back and reevaluate our lifestyle and make simples changes in order to bring down this increase in obesity that our country is now facing.

My Interest of Health in America

I have chosen this topic because health in America is a current issue that has not been resolved yet and is involved in everyday life. I have always had an interest in the topic of health because my mom was into it. She taught me from a young how to live my life in a healthy way via eating, exercising, or even in the products I use throughout my daily routines. My interests has recently increased significantly due to my recent change of majors into Exercise Science, in which health plays a crucial role. Throughout high school my health classes were always interesting to me and was something I enjoyed. Recently I think that Americans are being less informed about health issues and are not doing much to change the ways Americans are viewed in the area of health.

About Me

My name is Kara Murray. I'm from Sterling, Virginia which is located in Northern Virginia. I went to Potomac Falls High School and played basketball and tennis there. I have two younger sisters who are pretty much my best friends. I am currently a freshman at James Madison University. I play co-ed intramural tennis with one of my friends who played tennis with me in high school.  I have had two different majors since the school year started and I'm about to change it for the third time. I started out as a Studio Art major with an emphasis on Interior Design. As of right now I am a Chemistry major with Pre-Forensic Studies. In the next few weeks I am hoping to change to Exercise Science-Kinsiology with Pre-Physical Therapy. Hopefully this will be the last change.