The Social Concern of Obesity: The Increase in Obesity Levels Among the Youth
1. Introduction
Obesity has been identified as an issue of social concern in recent years. The increase in obesity levels among the youth has been linked to the increased amount of time they spend on sedentary activities such as watching television and playing video and computer games. The media has played a role in creating a moral panic around obesity, with stories about the health risks associated with being overweight or obese.
2. The increase in obesity levels among the youth
The increase in obesity levels among the youth is a cause for concern. The percentage of overweight or obese children and adolescents has increased over the past few decades. In the United States, the prevalence of overweight or obese children and adolescents increased from 5% in 1971-1974 to 13% in 1999-2000. The prevalence of overweight or obese adults also increased, from 15% in 1976-1980 to 32% in 1999-2000.
3. The role of the media in creating a moral panic around obesity
The media has played a role in creating a moral panic around obesity. Stories about the health risks associated with being overweight or obese have led to fears that the obesity epidemic will lead to an increase in health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. These fears have been fuelled by reports of increasing levels of obesity among the youth.
4. The impact of obesity on the health of individuals
The impact of obesity on the health of individuals is a cause for concern. Obesity is associated with a number of health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Obese individuals are also at increased risk for psychological problems such as depression and low self-esteem.
5. The importance of consensus in addressing obesity
The importance of consensus in addressing obesity is clear. A lack of consensus on how to address the problem of obesity has led to a number of phobias, including thin people phobia and healthy people phobia. These phobias have made it difficult to address the problem of obesity in a constructive way. Barkley (1990) argues that American football players are more likely to be obese than other Americans because they are encouraged to be big and strong. BMI index is not an accurate measure of body fatness and should not be used as the sole criterion for diagnosing obesity.
6. Conclusion
Obesity is an issue of social concern. The youth have increased their television watching habits and time spent on video and computer games. The media has played a role in creating a moral panic around obesity, with stories about the health risks associated with being overweight or obese. The impact of obesity on the health of individuals is a cause for concern. The importance of consensus in addressing obesity is clear. A lack of consensus on how to address the problem of obesity has led to a number of phobias, including thin people phobia and healthy people phobia. These phobias have made it difficult to address the problem of obesity in a constructive way.