Final Paper Progression

Today's topic deals with my continuance of the final paper. Honestly, I think the paper is going to be a little more complicated from my original thoughts. As I finally decided my final topic, I realize that the requirements for this paper are a little time consuming and slightly confusing.



I decided to discuss the issue of obesity in adults 18 and over in Michigan, considering that's home and I have visual data for my paper. As far as surveillance goes on regards to obesity, I think that hospital records could be a source. If adults are going to the doctor on account of health issues and they appear overweight obesity could be present. According to an obesity report series for Michigan in 2008, obesity rates rose by 21.8% which is not good. Especially considering only 34.7% of Michigan adults were not overweight or obese. Michigan also had the 8th highest prevalence of obesity in the US with 30.1% in 2008. In addition to obesity being a huge issue in Michigan, it's more significant in the African American community; especially in African American females.

Direct indicators that deal with adult obesity in Michigan are the high rates of adults who eat fast food. As discussed in class, fast food is very unhealthy and depending on what restaurant people eat at, their calorie intake is extremely high. Also a direct indicator could be adults with an office setting job who eat "snacks" all day in substitution for lunch. I have friends and a few family members who work in these environments and they feel as though a quick bag of chips makes up for their daily lunch. Many adults feel as though they don't have to follow a healthy lifestyle and they can eat whatever they please, because they are "grown". In Detroit, fresh produce is limited and fast food restaurants are numerous. If there are a limited amount of resources for fruits and vegetables, how can people eat healthy.

Indirect indicators could be the amount of fast food restaurants that surround the homes of obese individuals. From personal experience, I can testify that these fast food places are everywhere; many in walking distance. There have been times when my family and I didn't feel like cooking and I drove about a mile or so to pick up pizza. We knew it wasn't healthy, but when you are hungry and fast food is at your finger tips, what do you do? Another indicator could be the mental health issues. Some people were not born to obtain an obese body, but some people suffer from depression and eating "helps" to temporarily satisfy their needs.

I know that these indicators are not the best especially considering many of them come from personal experiences and "he/she said". I do believe that my opinions and semi-facts matter in this paper because I am personally affected by obesity with close friends and a few family members of mine. Also, a lot of the data that I've looked up is from 2001-2009. Sure 2009 is the most recent, the further I go back into the past the numbers are normally relatively low.

Well, as I researched adult obesity, I found a lot of information on childhood obesity in Michigan. I think I may put the two together and focus on family issues too, that may result in obesity.

Until next time, stay healthy!!

Kiara