Mail-in Term Paper



Mail-in Term Paper

Introduction

Obesity is a chronic disease caused by a number of reasons and complications. It is characterized by excess fat in the body and occurs when the body mass index in adults is more than 25 units. The causes leading to this disease are due to different factors, which include genetic, socioeconomic, psychological, hormonal, and reduced physical activities. The extent of obesity in Canada is troubling the local experts. As a result, experts advise that there needs to be a legislative action to combat obesity in Canada. Furthermore, a number of studies suggest that, in Canada, obesity will outpace smoking to become a major cause of mortality. However, obesity is preventable. Therefore, all the issues related to obesity will be discussed in detail.

Discussion

Background of Obesity

Obesity is a known risk factor because it favors the formation of bile supersaturated with cholesterol, and is also the cause of liver steatosis. Positive changes in the socioeconomic level of society, improved living and working conditions of workers, and decreased physical activity promote a sedentary lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle reduces energy expenditure and promotes the development of obesity. For all these reasons, obesity is considered as a serious community health problem (Burniat, 2002, 53).

The extent of obesity in Canada is troubling the local experts. As a result, experts advise that there is a need for a legislative action to combat obesity in Canada. Furthermore, a number of studies suggest that, in Canada, obesity will outpace smoking to become a major cause of mortality. However, obesity is preventable. In addition, an effective fight against obesity for both children and adults requires legislative approach. Researchers are considering several options for possible actions such as the introduction of a special tax on unhealthy food for children, but are not sure that such a measure would be effective. Childhood obesity in Canada has tripled in the last 25 years and, in the same period, the percentage of adults suffering from this disease increased from 14 to 23 percent. The statistics from a government agency show that between 1978 and 1979, three percent of children between two and seventeen years were considered obese. However, in 2004 the figure was nine percent, which were about 500,000 children (Cismaru, 2008, 316).

Canadians are entirely defenseless against the onset of fast food. The idea that emerges from a number of studies is the contagion effect that exists because if a person is obese then his partner will also become fat due to shared habits. Obesity is socially contagious not only within a couple, but among friends, as well. Studies, pertaining to obesity in Canada, point to the lifestyle as the reason for the increased rate of obesity, especially the lack of fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity. Those children and adolescents who reported consuming fruits and vegetables at least five times a day are less likely to become overweight or obese than those who eat less frequently this food ...