The Obesity Epidemic Assignment
Obesity, a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, has reached epidemic proportions globally. The effects of obesity on health are equivalent to 20 years aging. They include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, gallbladder and liver disease .Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems
For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.
- An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
- An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese
Use the following three graphs to explore the obesity epidemic and answer the questions below each graph.
Obesity Prevalence Trends in Texas Adults, 1990 to 2009
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Write a detailed description of what this graph is showing?
- From 1990 – 2009 how did the percentage of obese adults in Texas change?(Be specific)
- What lifestyle choices do you believe contributed to the increase from 1990-2009? (Be specific and elaborate)
- What is the total percentage of Texans who were overweight and obese in 2009?
The incidence of obesity has increased across the board, but it is more pronounced among certain groups. Use the following graph to answer questions 5 and 6.
Share of Obese, Overweight and Normal-Weight Adults by Race/Ethnicity, 2009, Texas vs. the U.S.
Note: Percentages may not total to 100 percent due to rounding and unreported data for some states.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Which race/ethnicity had the highest rate of obesity in Texas?
- What was the percentage of overweight and obese Hispanics in the United States?
Socioeconomic factors such as lower educational attainment and income can be correlated to obesity in adults.Use the following graph to answer questions 7and 8.
Share of Obese, Overweight and Normal-Weight Adults by Educational Level,2009, Texas vs. the U.S.
Note: Percentages may not total to 100 percent due to rounding and unreported data for some states.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- What is the relationship between obesity and income in the United States and Texas?
- In your words, explain why you believe the relationship you discovered in question #7 exists. Be sure to site specific reasons for your position.
