|
It seems as though around every corner, in every newspaper,
there is a new study being reported about obesity. We’ve heard all
about this “obesity epidemic” that is plaguing our country, adults and
children included. Obesity is being linked to severe health problems
and social anxiety issues. In several contexts, obesity is even being
called a disease! Now, obesity is undeniably a problem that continues to
worsen as years pass, but a condition so self-induced should not be given the
title of disease. An excellent opening
Adrienne!
There can be a few different ways of trying to determine whether obesity can
be called a disease or not. One way is by comparing obesity to the
technical definition of a disease, which can be defined as, “an interruption,
cessation or disorder of a bodily function, organ or system” (American
Obesity Association). When looked at from that standpoint, sure,
obesity can fit that definition. But how about comparing obesity with other
actual diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. We have not discovered one Very well argued above!
A person who has never had troubles maintaining their weight may look at
obesity as a problem that is very hard to take care of. In fact, the
National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine concluded that, “…obesity
is one of the most pervasive public health problems in this country…a
remarkable disease in terms of the effort required by an individual for its
management…” (American Obesity Association) However, the “treatment”
for obesity is not like chemo therapy or major surgery. The management
of obesity is living life the way that is required for every single human
being to remain healthy; healthy diet and exercise. It is certainly
nothing out of the ordinary. Again, it seems so difficult to call
something so elementary in its “management” a disease!
Calling obesity a disease is a way of shifting the blame onto something other
than ourselves. It simply implies that obesity was something that
happened and was out of our individual control, when in fact it was
not. Americans seem to be notorious for trying to blame something or
someone else for the consequences of our own actions. And with the way
the government is reacting to this epidemic by insuring surgeries and diets,
they are facilitating this mentality. George Hawley, in his article, “Obesity
Is Not a Disease,” states his belief that the government is actually
encouraging people to not take responsibility for their conditions, saying,
“If the government picks up the tab for overeating, then for what will
individuals be held accountable?” (Hawley) The government’s aid in this
matter, according to Hawley, is largely responsible for obesity being called
a disease in the first place, and they are just using this opportunity to
intrude upon our lives and decisions even more.
Obesity cannot be called a disease because of how elementary its prevention
is, as stated earlier. I can say this because I have been on the road to
obesity myself. At my highest weight, I was 5 feet 5 inches tall and
weighed 190 pounds. This qualified me as obese in terms of my body mass
index, or BMI. However, I knew in my heart of hearts that there was no
one person, food, advertisement, or restaurant to blame for my
condition. I became obese because I chose to eat more than I exercised.
When I could have eaten a sensible dinner, I chose McDonalds.
When I could have gone to the gym and exercised, I chose sitting on the couch
and watching TV. The family members I have who are obese are that way
because they choose to be that way as well. I could say that it was in
my genes to be obese, but that would only be an attempt to rid myself of any
responsibility. And while staying away from the temptations of junk
food, sweets, and laziness can be difficult for some more than others, it is
not impossible. We as humans are in control of our decisions. We
can consciously choose to become obese or healthy. So, when I chose to
eat more than I exercised, I was choosing obesity. However, when I
chose to exercise more and eat healthier foods, I chose a healthy
weight. Now I weigh 155 pounds, which is almost in the healthy BMI
range, and I’m still working at it.
There is no denying that in a country full of fast food and convenience, the
temptations for
overeating and being lazy are present and prominent. But, there is also
no denying that we have the choice to follow those temptations into obesity
or not. It is unfair to call obesity a disease and put it in the same
category as a devastating disease like cancer that is, in most cases,
unpreventable or untreatable. Those who want to call obesity a disease
do not want to take responsibility for their choices and want to take the
easy way out of their problems. American
Obesity Association. "Obesity Is a Disease." Opposing Viewpoints:
Obesity. Ed. Andrea C. Nakaya. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints Resource
Center. Gale. Spokane Community College. 29 May. 2008
<http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/infomark.do?&contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T010&prodId=OVRC&docId=EJ3010380214&source=gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=spok23643&version=1.0>.
Adrienne, this is an outstanding Opposing
Viewpoints essay. You need not redo it; just a few tweaks will make it
even better. May I use this as an example in future classes? Jim-) Grade 100/100 |