Thang Khai
My studies on the Obesity Epidemic
About
Obesity Epidemic In America
Obesity has been on the rise for the past decade. Obesity is a national public health epidemic that many Americans face. Obesity is huge problem because of the health concerns that it causes to a person as they get older. It can causes many types of diseases which leads to death. My goal with this research paper, even if it doents reach many people is to shed some light on the determintal effects of obesity on our society
Project 1
Argumentative Essay
Thang Khai
Professor Hammett,
English 1302,
Argument Proposal
1/26/23
Word Count: 1066
Combating Childhood Obesity: Promoting Healthy Habits in Highschool Students
The issue of childhood obesity is a complex and multifaceted problem that affects many high school students today. In the United States alone, 15% of high school students reported facing the issue of obesity, and 16% were considered obese according to the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System(High School. 1). This problem not only affects individuals currently, but also poses potential health risks in the future such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. However, there are several ways to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy habits among high school students. We will examine three main solutions specifically targeted towards high school students: promoting healthy food options in school cafeterias, encouraging physical activity through school sports and other programs, and educating students about the impact of socio-economic and environmental factors on their health. Through implementing these solutions, we can work towards effectively reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity among high school students and ensure that they have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
One effective solution to combat childhood obesity is promoting healthy food options in school cafeterias, particularly through the implementation of a closed campus policy during lunchtime. According to a study by Dr. Christine Shannon, "when schools remove unhealthy snacks and become a closed campus during lunch, students are more likely to make healthier food choices" (Shannon 2). This highlights the importance of providing a healthy food environment in schools to encourage students to make healthier choices.
The implementation of a closed campus policy during lunchtime ensures that students are not exposed to unhealthy food options outside of school, which can contribute to unhealthy eating habits and childhood obesity. By offering nutritious and less processed food options in school cafeterias, and through nutrition education, students can develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. In fact, a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that students who had access to healthier food options at school had a lower body mass index (BMI) than students who did not (Elkins 3). This suggests that providing healthier food options in schools can have a positive impact on students' health.
However, it's important to note that implementing this solution will require collaboration among school administrators, food service providers, and educators to ensure that students have access to healthy food options and education on making healthier choices. This may involve reevaluating existing contracts with food service providers to prioritize healthy food options, investing in nutrition education programs, and engaging with parents and community members to create a supportive environment for healthy eating habits. By addressing the root causes of childhood obesity, such as unhealthy food environments, and providing long-term solutions, we can ensure that our children lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Another solution to combat childhood obesity is through encouraging physical activity via school sports and other programs. Regular physical activity has been shown to be a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of obesity. According to a study conducted by Elkins Whitney at the University of Louisiana, high school students who participated in after-school sports activities had a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) (Elkins 2). This study highlights the potential of school sports and other physical activities in promoting healthy habits and reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. Providing high school students with opportunities to engage in regular physical activity through school sports and other programs can help to foster a culture of healthy living and prevent future health problems.
However, it's worth noting that some may argue that this solution places an unnecessary burden on school resources and not all students are interested in sports or other physical activities. A comprehensive approach that takes into account both immediate and long-term solutions, as well as the socio-economic and environmental factors that contribute to childhood obesity, is essential. Socio-economic and environmental factors play a significant role in the prevalence of childhood obesity, including poverty, lack of access to healthy food options, and limited access to safe places for physical activity. Dr. Richard Strauss from the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey found that "children from low-income families were found to be 13% more likely to be obese" (Strauss 3). To address these underlying factors, programs can be implemented to provide access to healthy food options in low-income areas, increase funding for community recreational facilities and parks, and implement policies that promote healthy living.
Despite these efforts, some may argue that this solution requires a significant investment of resources and may not address the root causes of childhood obesity. Moreover, addressing socio-economic and environmental factors alone may not be enough to address childhood obesity, and a more comprehensive approach may be needed. Therefore, it's crucial to take into account various factors that contribute to childhood obesity and work towards addressing them in a holistic manner.
In conclusion, the issue of childhood obesity is a growing concern that requires immediate attention. By promoting healthy food options in school cafeterias, encouraging physical activity through school sports and other programs, and addressing socio-economic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of obesity, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity and promoting healthy habits among young people. However, it is important to note that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach and the cooperation of various stakeholders, including schools, communities, and government. Furthermore, it is important to consider the potential challenges and counterarguments to each solution, and work to find the most effective and sustainable approach to addressing childhood obesity. By taking action now, we can help to ensure a healthier future for our young people.
Project 2
Rhetorical Essay
Thang Khai
Professor Hammett,
English 1302,
PR 2
2/22/23
Word Count: 956
Understanding the Obesity Epidemic through Kafka's Absurdist Lens
The obesity epidemic is a pressing public health issue that has gained significant attention in recent years. The availability of unhealthy food options and sedentary lifestyles have contributed to a sharp increase in the number of individuals affected by obesity, not just in developed countries but across the globe. Obesity is not just a current problem, but it is also becoming increasingly worse. Therefore, it is likely to be a persistent issue that we will continue to face for some time. For example research paper from Wyatt Sharon from the University of Mississippi Medical Center “The prevalence of overweight in children has tripled between 1980 and 2000 and parallels the increase seen in adults over the same period”(Sharon 4). The works of Franz Kafka, the acclaimed 20th-century absurdist writer, shed light on the human experience in a meaningless and irrational world. In particular, Kafka's writing delves into the themes of bureaucracy, guilt, and existential anxiety and exposes the oppressive systems that individuals must confront and overcome in their pursuit of personal and societal meaning. Let’s examine the relationship between Franz Kafka's absurdist perspectives on bureaucracy, oppression, and the human experience, demonstrating how Kafka's writing can provide a unique and insightful lens through which to understand this complex and pressing public health concern.
The body positivity movement has gained momentum in recent years as a response to the cultural stigma against overweight individuals. While this movement promotes self-acceptance and a positive body image, it can also have unintended consequences. Kafka's absurdist perspective on bureaucracy and oppression sheds light on how the systems involved in addressing obesity, such as healthcare and public health policies, can be seen as oppressive and hindrances to individuals seeking to improve their health. Kafka would argue that the bureaucratic processes involved in addressing obesity can be dehumanizing and demotivating, leading to feelings of helplessness and despair. In the book "The Trial," Kafka depicts a nightmarish world where the legal system is opaque, arbitrary, and ultimately absurd. This portrayal reflects Kafka's view that oppressive systems can make individuals feel powerless and disconnected from their own agency. In the same way, overweight individuals may feel trapped and hopeless within a system that stigmatizes their weight and reinforces cultural norms that prioritize thinness. For example, a research paper from Cheryl Frazier and Nadia Mehdi highlights the potential harm of the body positivity movement, as it can be seen as "glorifying obesity" and discouraging individuals from seeking to improve their health (Mehdi 14). Kafka's perspective on the oppression of bureaucratic systems can help us understand the complex and multifaceted nature of the obesity epidemic, and how societal attitudes towards weight can be both a cause and a consequence of this public health concern.
Kafka's absurdist perspective on bureaucracy and oppression can shed light on the issue of the obesity epidemic as a form of oppression. In his book "The Castle," the protagonist is repeatedly thwarted in his attempts to gain entry to the castle that represents power and authority. Similarly, individuals with obesity may face societal stigma and discrimination that make it difficult for them to access the resources they need to improve their health. This portrayal reflects Kafka's view that oppressive systems can make individuals feel powerless and disconnected from their own agency. In "The Trial," Kafka depicts a nightmarish world where the legal system is opaque, arbitrary, and ultimately absurd. This resonates with the bureaucratic processes involved in addressing obesity, which Kafka would argue can be dehumanizing and demotivating. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair, particularly when society reinforces cultural norms that prioritize thinness. For example, a research paper by Ariane Prohaska found that "In the workplace, people who are fat are often denied access to promotions and higher wages due to their size" (Prohaska, 2013). This demonstrates how overweight individuals may be oppressed in places such as their workplaces, which can have negative impacts on their health and wellbeing. Kafka's perspective on the oppression of bureaucratic systems can help us understand the complexities of the obesity epidemic and how societal attitudes towards weight can perpetuate systemic oppression.
Kafka's perspective offers insights into the psychological and emotional experiences of individuals with obesity (Zeeck, 2011). Kafka portrays the hunger artist in "A Hunger Artist" as a character struggling with existential anxiety, constantly searching for meaning and satisfaction (Kafka, 2011). Similarly, individuals with obesity may feel a sense of unease in navigating an obesogenic environment and struggle to maintain a healthy weight. For instance, research by Amlut Zeeck indicates that emotional stressors can increase the desire to eat, which may contribute to binge eating and weight gain (Zeeck, 2011). This shows that emotional factors play a crucial role in obesity, just as they do in Kafka's depiction of the hunger artist's struggles. While Kafka's work offers a lens for exploring the emotional and psychological factors behind obesity, it is important to recognize the serious health consequences of obesity and the need for individuals to address their weight issues for their well-being. Thus, through a Kafkaesque lens, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex experiences of individuals with obesity and the challenges they face in maintaining a healthy weight in our obesogenic society.
In conclusion, while the obesity epidemic remains a significant public health concern, Kafka's writing reminds us that it is also a deeply human issue that requires a compassionate and empathetic response. By acknowledging the complex social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to obesity, we can begin to work towards a more equitable and inclusive approach to promoting health and well-being for all individuals. Ultimately, by embracing Kafka's absurdist perspectives on bureaucracy, oppression, and the human experience, we can move towards a healthier, more just, and more compassionate world.
Reflection
Thang Khai
Professor Hammett
Reflection
Spring 2023
Word Count: 482
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Starting Comp II, I felt nervous about how I would perform in the class. Having taken Comp I over the summer, I was afraid I had forgotten some of the things I had learned. Additionally, the possibility of failing and repeating my senior year heightened my anxiety. Despite these fears, I have learned a lot in this course and accomplished things I never thought I could, thanks to the amazing resources and a caring professor.
Firstly, throughout the semester, I wrote an argumentative paper and a rhetorical analysis paper, both focusing on the obesity epidemic in the United States. Out of the two, the rhetorical analysis paper challenged me the most and helped me grow as a writer. I had to research my topic, Franz Kafka, and find four supporting sources for my argument. This was the most complex paper I have ever written and it felt amazing to complete it after working on it for over a week. As a senior in high school, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to write this paper because it will prepare me for the kind of writing I will encounter in college.
Secondly, one thing that stood out in this class was the chance to resubmit assignments and improve my grades. Allowing students to resubmit assignments benefits both the teacher and the students, as it encourages students to reflect on their work and improve their understanding of the subject. Personally, I resubmitted a few papers and received higher grades, but more importantly, it helped me reflect on my writing and improve my skills. For example, when I received feedback on my argumentative paper, I realized that my thesis statement was weak. After revisiting my paper, I was able to refine my thesis and improve the overall coherence of my argument.
I also want to take a moment to thank Professor Hammett for being such a wonderful professor. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students have made a huge impact on my learning experience. Her feedback on my assignments was always insightful, and she was always available to answer any questions I had. Her teaching style has challenged me to think critically and expand my knowledge of writing. I appreciate her patience and encouragement throughout the semester, which has helped me become a better writer. Thank you, Professor Hammett, for all that you have done for me and for the class.
In conclusion, Comp II has been a challenging but rewarding experience. I have gained confidence in my writing abilities, and I am grateful for the resources and support that were available to me. I have learned the importance of research, revision, and critical thinking, which will serve me well in my future academic and professional endeavors. As I move forward, I will continue to apply the skills I have learned in this course and strive for excellence in all of my writing endeavors.
Citations
Mehdi, N., and C. Frazier. "Forgetting fatness: The violent co-optation of the body positivity movement." Debates in Aesthetics 16.1 (2021): 13-28.
Prohaska, Ariane, and Jeannine A. Gailey. "Theorizing fat oppression: Intersectional approaches and methodological innovations." (2018).
Wyatt, Sharon B., Karen P. Winters, and Patricia M. Dubbert. "Overweight and obesity: prevalence, consequences, and causes of a growing public health problem." The American journal of the medical sciences 331.4 (2006): 166-174.
Zeeck, Almut, et al. "Emotion and eating in binge eating disorder and obesity." European Eating Disorders Review 19.5 (2011): 426-437.