Remember Me
forgot your password?

The Obesity Epidemic

The ‘obesity epidemic', so the argument goes, is the product of an 'effortless' Western lifestyle which has become progressively hostile towards physical activity and dietary restraint. In other words, Westernized living makes you lazy, gluttonous and, eventually, fat. We will argue that this represents a serious misreading of Western life as it currently exists. However, it is a popular version of a familiar story which pre-dates by centuries the relatively recent spike in overweight and obesity statistics.

As we write, the ‘obesity epidemic' as a bad news story is at fever pitch in both scholarly journals and popular reporting. And just as Gould noticed that neither footballers nor scientists were immune from making the erroneous slide from the theory of evolution to the story of 'progress', scientific credentials or not, people find the story of Western decadence and decline irresistible when it comes to discussing obesity.

Tied up with the causal story of Western decadence and decline are claims about the consequences of the ‘obesity epidemic'. To take just one recent example: obesity is claimed to be the world's 'number one health problem' with the potential to 'reduce life expectancy by 10 years or more'. We are concerned that discussion (both popular and scientific) about the consequences of increasing numbers of overweight and obese people may be just as misguided as talk about why it is happening. We explore the possibility that the dire predictions and sheer intensity of ‘obesity talk' has more to do with preconceived moral and ideological beliefs about fatness than a sober assessment of existing evidence.

Daren

This article is written by Daren K. Livingstone, professional writer working at custom essay writing
. Daren has more than 10 years of essay writing experience and is dedicated to helping students with their academic assignments such as custom research paper and admission essay writing. Students of all academic levels are welcome to ask for assistance.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Health Articles
  • More from Daren

Stomach Exercises To Work Off Those Love Handles

By: shannon spoon | 08/01/2010
A major complaint of people who want to look more fit is belly fat. Specifically, a large number of people have trouble with "love handles." Far from lovely or lovable, these are deposits of fat that take up residence on the sides of one's lower torso, around the external oblique muscles. Traditional crunches and sit-ups will not do much for this sort of chub, as they mainly work the abdominal muscles and not the obliques.

Stomach Exercises To Eliminate Belly Fat -- Get Rid of That Belly Right Now!

By: shannon spoon | 08/01/2010
Many people are concerned about losing those few extra pounds of chub which stand between them and a sculpted midriff. Those folks who let themselves go a little in the winter months may be working overtime now that it is April and thoughts of bikinis are dancing in their heads.

How Ergonomic Design Can Benefit the Environment

By: Tomer Harel | 08/01/2010
An article describing how ergonomic design can benefit the environment

Reduce The Size Of Your Tummy

By: shannon spoon | 08/01/2010
Now that spring seems to finally be back in our lives, many people are concerned about wearing down that belly they have built up, making way for a sculpted midriff to shine through. Those folks who let themselves go a little in the winter months may be working overtime now that it is April and thoughts of bikinis are dancing in their heads. The good news is that there are, of course, stomach exercises to speed along the process.

Six Pack Abs- Do We Believe In The Right Thing?

By: shannon spoon | 08/01/2010
Washboard, killer, six pack abs. Good looking guys and women with excellent midsection are admired and make other people's jaw drop. If we can just do a hundred sit-ups a day, then it is possible to get the perfect abs that we want.

Six Pack Abs? Abdominal Exercise Equipment

By: shannon spoon | 08/01/2010
Six pack abs are desired by almost everybody. Getting those washboard abs are becoming a necessity because of long and convincing infomercials that we see a lot. There are numerous abdominal exercise equipment in the market nowadays like abdominal belts, abs-rockers, abs-lounges and many more.

To Create Facial Balance Plastic Surgeons Provide Chin Augmentation

By: Dave Stringham | 08/01/2010
A chin that is well defined will help give balance to a person's face and will also create a major part of a person's profile. When a person looks in the mirror, they will usually focus on the shape and size of their nose, sagging jowls, ears, or even the wrinkles in their skin. But even though few people examine their chins with that same discerning eye, having what people think of as a "weak chin" is certainly not an asset.

Acai Pure Ultra - Acai Supplement For Men Review

By: Ben Nolan | 08/01/2010
If you think weight loss is only for women, then you are mistaken. Men have also the right to have that beautiful and sexy body. At last, a supplement just for men and made especially for their needs. How amazing it is! Here comes Acai Pure Ultra, the supplement for men. It is not only women who can enjoy the benefits of acai berry, now, men can enjoy themselves.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.43, 8, w3)