Obesity, social problem Essay Example

Apparently, obesity presents a double-edged sword. It is implicitly encouraged and curbing such problem becomes a mere business opportunity for some. Massive consumption is not triggered by mere personal cravings alone, external factors also count. On the other hand, obesity is also prevalent among children and young adults.

At an early age, youngsters are being exposed to chronic diseases that are brought about by obesity. But more than that, this scenario readily presents the power and influence of mass media when it comes to dictating the individual’s choices and preferences. Obesity in children does not only show high risks of acquiring diseases. This can also affect the child’s self-esteem as they are being subject to outright discrimination. Confidence plays an important role in the children’s formative years. However, the existence of obesity can destroy the youngster’s perception of himself or herself.

Obesity incurs emotional wounds and bruises that can be carried through adulthood. It has a long-term effect, which, if not immediately addressed, can cause more problems in the future. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that in 2007 alone, over 22 million children whose age are 5 and below are obese (“Childhood overweight and obesity”). WHO further added that children suffering from obesity are most likely to experience weight problems until they reach the adult stage (“Childhood overweight and obesity).

Clearly, obesity is no less than a decadent cycle. A consumer culture One of the main reasons behind the spread of obesity, most especially among children and adolescents can be attributed to the rise of a highly consumerist culture which is highly propagated by mass media. There

are already studies which show how heavy exposure to television has prevented children and adolescents alike from having an active lifestyle. Much of the time is spent sitting in front of the television (Burniat 100).

But more than that, as youngsters become addicted to various television shows and programs, they are also bombarded with massive advertisements that strongly convince them to consume the products that are being offered. Evidently food is one of the most widely marketed consumer goods. Burniat shared that advertisements highly influence the food preferences of its respective viewers (100). Children and young adults are vulnerable audiences that can be easily convinced by advertisements. Their critical thinking is yet to be developed. They are easier to persuade compared to adults.

Young consumers also occupy a special place in the heart of many advertising agencies. It is because these groups of individuals have high purchasing powers. The youth sector is something that the market cannot easily ignore. This segment of the population is easier to please. It can be argued that for food producers, attracting young individuals translates to securing a wide and solid customer base. On the other hand, children and adolescents, unmindful of the possible harmful effects of their unhealthy diets posit higher risks of being obese.

This also exemplifies the seemingly lack of awareness on the parents’ side as they easily allow their children to consume the products that are being marketed into them. Oftentimes, parents become too lenient and less vigilant when it comes to their children’s food intake. It is a common scenario to see parents who think that their overweight children are just healthy,

rather than accept the reality that their kids are already suffering from obesity. As a result, early intervention is not sought. Social stigma and obesity’s psychological attack

Vincent Parillo explained that the notion of “body image” pertains to the individual’ awareness or understanding of his or her physiological features (80). He (Parillo) added that when a person’s body image is different from his or her actual or realistic body type and size, conflicts and dilemmas may occur. In any given circumstances, it cannot be denied that the construction of body image is part of the development stage among children. This is most especially true as for the case of youngsters that are in their puberty stage.

As Prizkova and Hills explained, adolescents render much importance on how they present themselves and how they are viewed by the public (182). The manner in which they see themselves readily determines how they interact and form relationships with other individuals. The conception of one’s body image affects both males and females, although much of the studies showed that women show higher probabilities of being influenced by this matter (Keller 90). If body image is regarded with much value among teens and children alike, then one could just imagine the emotional trauma and turmoil that these people experience.

Oftentimes, obese youngsters have to endure the pain of discrimination and being treated as an outcast from their respective social groups (Koplan, Liverman and Kraak 66). Aside from that, they are also frequent targets of negative labels and false stereotypes. It is not very uncommon to see obese individuals being tagged as someone who is inefficient, poor performers

and physically unattractive (Desai, Bhatia & Menon 362). Social circles function as support groups for many children and adolescents. It is through their peers that they are able to share their interests and hobbies. This is why acceptance must be fully attained.

However, acceptance seems to evade the lives of obese individuals. As a result, obese people, regardless of whether of their age are prone to developing psychological problems like depression (Okie 69). Okie explained that some obese youngsters may even elicit suicidal tendencies (69). More often than not, individuals suffering from obesity see themselves from a derogatory vantage point. They tend to belittle themselves and be trapped to the notion that they are inferior beings. The discrimination that they experience leads to self-pity and loathing which prevent these individuals from having a normal life.

Given this situation at hand, it can be readily observed that obesity gives birth to yet another plethora of problems and conflicts. Obesity’s psychological effects can lead to deviant behaviors. Both children and teenagers may engage into anti-social activities such as smoking and alcohol in order to overcome their emotional dilemmas or disturbances. The apparent lack of acceptance, not to mention the excruciating insults directed towards obese individuals can lead to a destruction of one’s self-respect and worth. Obesity can also give rise to other eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

Having a sense of belongingness is a strong need and demand of every entity. Children and adolescents suffering from obesity may resort to extreme practices in order to lose weight and finally experience the acceptance that they are longing for. Evidently, these two scenarios are

highly detrimental to society. In a domain wherein the actions of the other create a domino effect, clearly, the psychological effects of obesity can further worsen society’s unhealthy environment. Unfortunately, the exaggerated stereotypes of obese children and adolescents are overtly reinforced and perpetuated by mass media.

Fairburn and Brownell implied that media bias and outright preference for slender and thinner figures create an ostracizing effect against obese individuals (104). It can be observed in various programs and television shows how obese characters become the center of mockery, whereas its thinner counterparts are hailed as the epitome of beauty and class. However, bias and stereotypes are not proliferated by media alone. Dalton shared that even in the literary field; the idea of being “fat” becomes the subject of sarcasm (187).

Dalton used the record-breaking Harry Potter series as an example wherein Dudley’s (one of the characters) weight and eating habits were used as the character’s striking features (187). According to the looking glass self theory, individuals view themselves based on how they are judged and perceived by others (Andersen & Taylor 95). Thus, in connection to obesity, it can be argued that the self-pity felt by its victims is a reaction to how they are portrayed by media and how they are treated by the people that surround them.

This is something that goes beyond personal issues and dilemmas. Instead, the negative psychological effect of obesity can be traced to society’s narrow-minded perspectives. A problem cannot be solved by yet another problem. The stigma and the seemingly demonization of people suffering from obesity is a concrete manifestation and reflection of society’s unequal and

unbalanced orientation. Obesity, mortality rate and the economic effect Contrary to popular views, obesity is not exclusive to highly industrialized and progressive settings.

Brown, Miller and Eason shared that such is also a major health concern among third world nations (530). Walker and Humpries acknowledged the fact that in the earlier days, obesity was not perceived as a threatening medical condition (88). However, as the number of obese children and adult continue to rise, the risks of acquiring chronic diseases intensify as well. Through the years, studies have readily shown the link between obesity and health problems. According to the According to Paxon, diabetes, stroke, coronary diseases, as well as kidney problems are duly attributed to having excessive weights (60).

But then again, the biggest dilemma in here is not limited to acquiring diseases alone; it is more on increasing the mortality rate of affected parties (Gallup & Newport 331). Consequently, since obesity is prevalent among children and adolescents, these individuals are prone to “premature deaths (Gallup 331)” if not treated immediately. As obesity is often linked with chronic diseases, it cannot be denied that such also presents corresponding economic impacts. First of all, the prevalence of obesity in younger generation means that the future labor power of society is placed in very compromising situations.

The untimely death of young individuals who have acquired severe illnesses due to obesity is a big loss to the production capabilities of the state. In addition to that, if one has to examine it on the personal level, families or relatives of obese children and adolescents spend big amounts in addressing the patient’s medical needs (Browne

et. al 432). Evidently, medical expenditures become a big burden to the family involved. Conclusion and recommendation According to an old aphorism “health is wealth. ” This clearly states that health is an important factor in building a strong society.

Given this situation at hand, obesity is no less than a societal threat. It cannot be merely considered as a personal problem. It is not just a matter of outright neglect and disregard to health issues. This is something that cannot be purely blamed on parents alone. External forces such as mass media contribute to obesity’s worsening. It is also important to note that while obesity increases mortality rate and is often associated to chronic diseases, it also shows economic effects, which are not beneficial to society.

But more than that, the stigma given to obese children and adolescents exemplifies a sick society. The battle against obesity is not an easy one. Yet, this does not necessarily mean that it is impossible to resolve. If mass media contributes to the rise of obesity, then such can be also used to combat it. Perhaps now is the right time for advocate groups to take a different approach in creating aggressive campaigns against obesity. It would be much better if campaigns would be created in a way that it can be easily understood by children and adolescence.

In other words, anti-obesity campaigns should target both parents and children. By any means necessary, society should always keep an open eye about obesity. Vigilance should be always practiced and observed. The government should also take extra steps in curbing the problem. Aside from funding anti-obesity campaigns,

it would also help if symposiums are conducted to further increase public awareness. Funding studies and researches that would provide new and better ways to counter obesity is also instrumental in overcoming this seemingly insurmountable challenge.