Works Cited

Brady, Susan. "Obesity in America: New CDC Report Is Grim Reminder." Health News 4 Aug. 2010: 1-2. Web. 2 Nov 2010. http://www.healthnews.com/family-health/obesity-in-america-new-cdc-report-is-grim-reminder-4388.html.

Freeman, David. "Cornell Study: Many Too Fat to Serve in Military." Health 21 Oct. 2010: 1. Web. 22 Oct. 2010. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20020284-10391704.html?tag=mncol;lst;3.

Hartney, Elizabeth. "Food Addiction - A New Understanding of Obesity and Over-Eating." About.com. About.com Addictions, 2 Feb. 2009. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. http://addictions.about.com/b/2009/02/02/food-addiction-a-new-understanding-of-obesity-and-over-eating.htm.

Lynn, Michy . "How Thin is Too Thin? When Being Skinny Becomes a Problem." Health & Wellness 16 Jan. 2008: 1-3. Web. 14 Nov 2010. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/538171/how_thin_is_too_thin_when_being_skinny.html.

Schmitt, B.D. "Overweight infants and toddlers: overeating." Clinical Reference Systems. Vol. 2010. McKesson Health Solutions LLC, 2010. Health Reference Center Academic. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-189492770.html?key=01-42160D517E191C6017030018016E4B2E224E324D3417295C30420B61651B617F137019731B7B1D6B39.

Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. “Childhood Obesity Battle Is Taken Up by First Lady .” The New York Times. N.p., 2010. Web. 2 Nov. 2010. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/10/health/nutrition/10obesity.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=fitness%20and%20nutrition%20michelle%20childhood%20obesity&st=cse.

Reflection paragraph on sources

Throughout this project my sources have been liable. All of the sources that I used brought something to the table for my project. I was very successful in finding sources from all different kinds of authors, people, and organizations. The source that was most useful was “How Thin is Too Thin? When Being Skinny Becomes A Problem” by Michy Lynn. This source was the most useful because it helped me get a better understanding as to why some females can’t gain weight. Each one of the sources that I personally researched I found to be truthful. Every one of the articles said something that the other also did. The most bias article would have to be the one called “The Media.” Overall all of my sources were credible.

Reflection paragraph on process

Throughout the process of this project I was shocked by all the information that I found. The information was all surprisingly very accessible and easy to find. There is a lot of research out there for my topic which I did not know about. I was surprised to find out how big of an epidemic eating disorders truly are. With women all across the world being the main ones suffering from this disease is truly worrisome. Getting my opinion out into the viral world is what I enjoyed most about this project. Discovering and reading the disturbing statistics on obesity and weight loss were the things that I enjoyed least while doing this project. If I had to do this project again I would have done it the same way. The approach that I took towards this topic was truthful and somewhat bias but that is the exact way that I wanted to approach it. This whole project wasn’t easy but it wasn’t complicated. This project has brought me a better understanding on weight problems across the world.

Reflection Paragraph

All of these paragraphs have meant a great deal to me. My feelings towards my research topic basically have been expressed in these three paragraphs. With all of the information that I have found my feelings towards becoming skinnier have vanquished. Losing weight at an alarming rate can kill you and I did not know that until I reviewed a small amount of the massive information available on this topic. When I say a small amount of research I mean that it wasn't hard to find out serious facts about how eating disorders can affect people's lives forever. With obesity becoming increasingly prevalent in America there is a decline in healthy living. I have repeatedly stated that America is getting progressively worse on the normal weight scale. An interesting fact that I researched was that our average 5"11 model is skinnier than the average 5"4 woman in America. I found this statistic scary and completely brazen. Another scary fact is that modeling agencies are accepting bulimic models over normal eating models which is outrageous. The most surprising thing that I found out was that stress is the leading factor towards over eating. With all of the research that I have brought together overall the American population is not considering the dangers associated with weight loss or weight gain.

Why do the majority of Americans turn to food when stressed or when dealing with emotional issues?

Stress is the main factor for overeating. Food can serve as comfort to many different people. Fat can also serve as a protective function, especially in people that have been victims of sexual abuse (Thompson). These victims feel that being overweight will keep others at a distance and make them less attractive (Thompson). Food starts to become their only friend who later on leads to obesity and no social life. Food is a source that is always going to be available to you no matter what. People a lot of times abuse this and don't act quickly enough once they see a problem arising. If changes can be made to help out people with these illnesses then our society will become more functional and understanding of each other.

Why does the media harp on having and or achieving a perfect physical persona?

Achieving the perfect physical persona can seem impossible to a majority of Americans. This topic can also be a very sensitive one to discuss. Being able to choose the way you want to look is a lot easier said than done. With crazy diet fads and weight loss pills out on the market it is easy to lose yourself in all of it. Americans are always trying to find the easy way out. We all want to find the shortcut to becoming skinny or "ripped" like celebrities. What the general public has not realized is that celebrities have expensive trainers who kick their butts into shape and control their eating habits. Also, with their job title comes having the "perfect body." For the average American pressure from the public eye is always a major factor. Americans have not come to terms that the media isn't the cause of eating disorders or crazy diets. The cause is simply people being uneducated about how to live and lead a healthy lifestyle. Most of this pressure weighs down on the women of United States. This statement is basically a generalization from the statistics that are shown about national and worldwide eating disorders. Many people's eating disorders go unknown because they do not want to talk about them (Palme). Eating disorders can in exceptional cases be fatal, such as death by starvation (Palme). My feelings have turned serious towards how many men and women go everyday not feeding themselves because they are worried about how the food will affect them tomorrow. With this alarming information I would like to make it more known that these people need help. If someone tells you about their eating disorder get them help!

Why is overeating across the nation a problem compared to other countries?

Excessive eating has been brought to realization that it is an occurring problem throughout America. Compulsive overeating is characterized by uncontrollable eating and consequent weight gain (Thompson). With so much food available in the States it is hard not to over consume. Fast food being around every corner makes it accessible and easy to obtain. Food can be used for comfort and entertainment. Whenever your at home-bored with nothing to do-you may grab a bag of chips to fulfill that lack of entertainment. This is one of the main factors with teenage obesity. Many teenagers are too lazy to get their average amount of physical activity that is permitted per day. In other countries food is not that easy to get. Many countries put limits on how much one person can consume per day. Many foreign governments-like communist-put laws up that state you can only purchase so much food. Another factor to excessive eating is that other countries don't have the type of technology that America has so they are forced to be more active. With new technological advancements available everyday it is hard for kids to want to get up and go outside when they are concentrated on playing computer games or chatting online.

Wordle #2

Childhood Obesity Epidemic

Dangers Of Childhood Obesity

Eating Disorder Awareness Week Video

Quote, Paraphrase, Citation #5

"Just like obesity and overweight are not necessarily always caused by overeating, the same is true that being too thin is not always caused by under eating either." - Michy Lynn

This quote directly states that being too skinny doesn’t have to be from lack of eating. Being too thin can be caused by certain medications, having a fast metabolism, etc. The key to obtaining a normal weight can sometimes be very hard to achieve. As we all know everyone in the world has different body types. One way that you may be able to maintain your weight may not be the same way that someone else can maintain their weight. The biggest issue when losing weight and becoming healthier is how do you keep it off without having to hurt your body. It takes the help from the people around you. Knowing this everyone should have at least two people in a support group of their own that they can turn to for help. Having no one to lean can also be a major problem in weight gain or weight loss.

Lynn, Michy . "How Thin is Too Thin? When Being Skinny Becomes a Problem." Health & Wellness 16 Jan. 2008: 1-3. Web. 14 Nov 2010. <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/538171/how_thin_is_too_thin_when_being_skinny.html .

Quote, Paraphrase, Citation #4

"Overeating is mainly a bad habit and it's learned during the early years of life. Currently 10% of 2 to 5 year old children in the US are overweight." - B.D. Schmitt

The combination of these two lines makes a powerful reality to what’s occurring in the United States. Clearly stated in the first sentence is that overeating-which causes obesity- is learned during a child’s childhood. Creating a healthier atmosphere is requested for children so when they grow up they don’t have to retrain themselves with eating the right thing. Habits that are learned in the early stages of life prove to carry on with kids to their teenage years and up. Overeating can be easily picked up by children because parents sometimes use food as an escape from dealing with their children when they are crying or throwing a temper tantrum. Food should not be used as a tool for calming down your child. It should only be used when the child is really hungry. If this issue can be avoided now, America will have a better if not healthier future.

Schmitt, B.D. "Overweight infants and toddlers: overeating." Clinical Reference Systems. Vol. 2010. McKesson Health Solutions LLC, 2010. Health Reference Center Academic. Web. 21 Oct. 2010.

Picture and Citation

"World Obesity ." Word Press. Web. 11 Nov 2010. <number1ove.wordpress.com>.

Graph and Citation

"CDC Obesity Trend Chart." Push Play Fitness. Web. 11 Nov 2010. <http://www.pushplayfitness.com/about/coach-faqs/>.

Graph and Citation

"Transportation Research Board." Obesity in Australia versus. Web. 11 Nov 2010. <http://www.cycle-helmets.com/helmet-health.html>.

Photo, Caption, Citation #3

This photo shows a woman secretly eating in her bathroom. To me this image shows someone who is scared of what others may think of her just because she likes to eat. As you can see she is not fat or too skinny; but, I bet she will end up not eating the next day because of this splurge. Depriving yourself of food only makes your cravings worse and bigger. With losing a lot of weight comes the fear of gaining it all back. Once you lose an amount of weight you need to make sure that your diet is balanced and you reward yourself every once in a while. People need to realize maintaining a healthy weight takes a lot more than just exercising.

    "COMPULSIVE OVEREATING DISORDER." Office of Health Education. Web. 10 Nov 2010. http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/ohe/library/bodyimage/compulsive.htm .

Quote, Paraphrase, Citation #3

"Obesity continues to be a major public health problem," said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "We need intensive, comprehensive and ongoing efforts to address obesity. If we don't more people will get sick and die from obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of death."

This quote said by Thomas Frieden, explains that we need to be made more aware of obesity with every passing day. More and more people will continue to die at a rapid rate if this issue is not addressed to the public. Soon this health issue will be the number one factor for mortality rates. With obesity you can obtain more problems than if you were average weight. I am addressing this quote because it seems to me that health professionals are screaming for the help of their patients. It is not just our job to take care of ourselves; but, we need to take the initiative and help out our local "neighbor."

Brady, Susan. "Obesity in America: New CDC Report Is Grim Reminder." Health News 4 Aug. 2010: 1-2. Web. 2 Nov 2010. http://www.healthnews.com/family-health/obesity-in-america-new-cdc-report-is-grim-reminder-4388.html. .

Photo, Caption, Citation #2

This photo caption directly relates to my previous quote because people are becoming more and more worried that there will no longer be anymore citizens who are credible to enlist in the Army and or Military. This issue is continuously being tossed around throughout our nation and is now proven that we need to resolve this problem before it becomes too high of an epidemic. If this is the image of America that all of the surrounding countries are viewing then we need to all bring ourselves back to reality. Eating should be enjoyed modestly not repulsively.


"Too Fight To Fat? A National Security Issue?." Food Facts. Web. 10 Nov 2010. http://blog.foodfacts.com/index.php/tag/obesity-and-the-military/ .

Quote, Paraphrase, Citation #2

"Almost one in four applicants to the military are rejected for being overweight or obese -- it's the most common reason for medical disqualification," Cawley said in a written statement.

This quote said by John Cawley, associate professor of policy analysis and management at Cornell University, discusses the increasing statistic for people applying for the military that are too obese to join. With this statistic proven, America is increasingly getting so obese that they cannot even contribute to their own country. This brazen outburst of even young Americans is very alarming. If Americans can't even improve themselves physically then how do we expect to help our country in times of crisis? That question can simply be answered as we wouldn't be able too. Americans need to realize that the way a myriad of us are living is not healthy at the least. With this being said how do you think America will be shaped ten years from now with our physical well-being?

Freeman, David. "Cornell Study: Many Too Fat to Serve in Military." Health 21 Oct. 2010: 1. Web. 22 Oct. 2010. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20020284-10391704.html?tag=mncol;lst;3 .

Quote, paraphrase, and citation #1

“We know that solving our obesity challenge won’t be easy and it won’t be quick, but make no mistake about it — this problem can be solved,” Mrs. Obama said.
This quote said by the First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, explains that obesity can be cured; however, it is going to take a lot of effort on both ends. She also states that it is going to take a while before America can get a handle on it and finally control it. Mrs. Obama describes in this article that she is not trying to force America into any kind of health fad. She just wants today’s youth to have longer and healthier lives as they grow into their adult years. Starting routines young will overall improve a person’s life expectancy. We all can’t solely depend on pills and surgery to make this issue go away. It is going to take a lot of hard work to achieve this goal positively and correctly. Further down the road people will finally see the good behind the changes that we can make today.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/10/health/nutrition/10obesity.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=fitness%20and%20nutrition%20michelle%20childhood%20obesity&st=cse

Citation- Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. “Childhood Obesity Battle Is Taken Up by First Lady .” The New York Times. N.p., 2010. Web. 2 Nov. 2010. .

In the eye of the public

This image displays the dangers of media exposure; because, the "eye" of the public is always telling people they need to look a certain way. Society needs to soon realize that being your own individual is okay. There are enormous differences between being overweight and anorexic that some people have a problem admitting to. Everyone deserves to look the way they want as long as it is in a healthy manner. This image relates to my topic because of the intensity media has on our actions related to our health.

Citation- "Intuition III: Eye of the Beholder." WonderBranding: Marketing to Women With Michele Miller- concepts, principles & news through the looking-glass. Web. 2 Nov 2010. <http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://michelemiller.blogs.com/marketing_to_women/eye.bmp&imgrefurl=http://michelemiller.blogs.com/marketing_to_women/2004/04/eye_of_the_beho.html&usg=__mkOxVjP_B_FHVngOPnJndWmIEhU=&h=399&w=508&sz=594&hl=en&start=15&zoom=1&tbnid=s_gGJLCFWIBc2M:&tbnh=137&tbnw=175&prev=/images%3Fq%3Deye%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1020%26bih%3D596%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=453&ei=zHHRTNrZBYO88gbc99SiDg&oei=xHHRTJzHKcP_lgfOqqHKDA&esq=2&page=2&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:15&tx=57&ty=83>.

Preliminary Links and Descriptions

Author: Susan Brady

1. http://www.healthnews.com/family-health/obesity-in-america-new-cdc-report-is-grim-reminder-4388.html?page=1

This website is helpful to my research topic because it explains how doctors are not helping their obese patients with the healthy ways to overcoming obesity. This article explains how Americans across the nation have never been told by their doctor that they may be obese. These patients also have reported that they have not gotten any assistance from their medical caretakers on how to eat properly. In my research paper I can talk about how people need help from people other than friends and family to overcome obesity.

Author: Sheryl Gay Stolberg

2. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/10/health/nutrition/10obesity.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=fitness%20and%20nutrition%20michelle%20childhood%20obesity&st=cse

This website is helpful to my research topic because there is a well-known and respected figure in society talking about the ways we can help children across America beat obesity. This famous person is the first lady, Michelle Obama. In this article she discusses that she doesn’t want to force the idea upon parents that they are feeding their children wrong, she just wants to help regulate what children consume in their diets. With this information I can talk about in my research paper how important it is to get the younger generation comfortable with the idea of eating healthier at a younger age.

Author: Mayo Clinic Staff

3. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314

This website is helpful to my research topic because it discusses what a normal percent of body weight is and what is not. With the information provided in this article I can also back up what I said about obesity triggering diabetes. Overall this website is good for statistics.

Author: Colleen Thompson

4. http://www.mirror-mirror.org/compulsive.htm

This website is helpful to my research topic because it discusses the reasoning behind overeating and eating disorders. Many people attribute to these two categories because they have emotional problem and or stress problems. I can use this information in my research paper because it discusses the signs and treatments for overeating and disorders.

Wordle #1

Animoto

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

What I want to know about my topic.

The things that I want to know more about for my topic are why it is a problem, where is it occurring most, and what are some of the leading factors. I would like to learn more on why this topic isn't taken that seriously when it is becoming a huge issue. I also find it interesting that kids are becoming more and more obese at a younger age. The statistics -the major statistics- are rapidly increasing with child obesity. Whether children are the leading factors or not America needs to set the standards for our physical well-being at an all time high. The weirdest thing about obesity that I find confusing is that why don't people stop when their stomach says stop or eat regular portioned meals instead of irregular meals. Over-eating may seem like a choice; although, I think that it may be a disease. Over-eating is the main topic I would most like to learn about. The last thing I would like to learn more about for this research paper is how young teenage girls really feel about their own appearances and how they feel towards advertisements related to having to be skinny in order for people to accept you.

What I Already Know About My Topic

The most important thing that I already know about my topic is that it is a very big issue in North America; because, of the way we consume our daily calories. With this country-being the only country- people are seen as progressively growing in size. Obesity and over-eating are seen as a problem but they are not always addressed in that way. Americans have grown up on foods that are artificially preserved and rather very unhealthy for you. As the generation gets younger and younger the food is less and less freshly made. The young people of these times are not being made aware of the dangers that occur from over-eating. Heart failure and diabetes are starting to affect our youth more and more which could become a national crisis if the youth does not change their eating habits. The important things that I already know about the public pressuring the youth to have a perfect physical persona is that it is becoming a demoralizing topic to be discussed. This greatly affects the average teenage girl. Teenage girls are told from a young age that you need to look like this way or that way. Growing up through the teenage years is hard enough but with emotional problems toward the way you look can damage a young teen into their future life. Eating disorders are a big problem across the nation with the younger generation and it is getting disturbingly more and more popular with young girls. If these harsh realities change then maybe higher self esteem will be bestowed upon the upcoming gernerations. Combining all three of the problems into one research paper will definitely bring positive and or negative attention to the general public.

The Story Behind My Topic Choice

I chose this topic for my research project because almost every other commercial that is shown states something about weight loss. Young people are being pressured more than ever to have a perfect body. Celebrities are the main ones who advertise this idea. With their advertisement they are also contradicting themselves with saying it is okay to have curves. The majority of celebrities become famous based on their looks. Celebrities are stereotyped to look a certain way so that is why the majority of them are chosen for what they do. Take models for example the only plus size models are the ones featured in Hanes commercials or for plus size women shopping outlets. Being judged by how much you weigh is becoming a major issue in the USA; since, we are already known as the fattest country in the world. The obesity rate is increasing from an even younger age in present day. Kids are learning from a young age that it is apparently okay to eat whatever you want whenever you want. Everywhere you look people seem to be getting more and more unhealthy and overweight. The type of food Americans are eating is progressively getting more artificial. With so many fast food restaurants a lot of people don’t bother to cook fresh meals anymore. Americans are getting lazier as time progress into a new technological era. This means that people are eating more microwavable food and not more freshly made veggies. We are consuming more processed food than natural food which is why a lot of young people are dying off earlier in their lives from heart problems or other dietary problems. Either America needs to get their priorities straight or we are all in for some trouble in the future. This topic may be looked at by a majority of different people but with this research project I would personally like to analyze it from a different point of view with considering my feelings towards the issue.