Luca Emerson WP2
Part 1
Rosenthal, Raul, M.D. “Obesity in America.” Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, Volume 13, Issue 10, 2017, pages 1643-1650, https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy1.usc.edu/science/article/pii/S1550728917303726
Respondents to a 2016 survey of 1509 people in the U.S. rated obesity as equally as serious of a health concern as cancer. The survey also revealed commonly held misconceptions, like the perception that obesity is the result of lifestyle choices alone, and should be tackled independently without the help of a medical professional. Overall, this survey does a good job at highlighting people’s perceptions of obesity and how it relates to the healthcare system and people’s lifestyle choices, but its major weakness is the relatively small sample size.
Mead, Andy and Stokes, Sutton. “How Should We Reduce Obesity in America?” National Issues Forums Institute, 2016, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/socal/reader.action?docID=4697978
This article breaks down solutions for obesity in America into three parts: help people lose weight, improve the way our food is produced and marketed, and create a culture of healthy living and eating. It then gives actionable steps to the proposed solutions, and addresses strengths and downsides to each. Overall, this article does really well at giving realistic and practical examples, then acknowledging their advantages and shortcomings, but it does not do as well as at pointing out other external factors, such as genetics and socioeconomic and environmental influences.
Deedwania, Prakash M.D. and Lavie, Carl M.D. “Dangers and Long-Term Outcomes in Metabolically Healthy Obesity.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2018-05-01, Volume 71, Issue 17, Pages 1866-1868, https://www-clinicalkey-com.libproxy1.usc.edu/#!/content/playContent/1-s2.0-S0735109718334983?returnurl=null&referrer=null
Data from a 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey states that as many as 40% of adults and 19% of youth are obese. The article discusses “metabolically healthy obesity” (MHO), wherein obese individuals can display normal lipid, glucose and blood pressure levels. It links a prolonged state of MHO to metabolic syndrome(MetS), which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. This article offers a comprehensive review of current data and relevant studies in regard to MHO, however, it falls short by lacking original research and is limited in its discussion of research methodology.
Muttarak, Raya. “Normalization of Plus Size and the Danger of Unseen Overweight and Obesity in England.” The Obesity Society, July 2018, Volume 26, Issue 7, Pages 1125-1129, https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.libproxy2.usc.edu/doi/full/10.1002/oby.22204
This study examines data from the Health Survey for England collected over five years with a total sample size of 77,424 participants with a BMI over 25. It showcases an upward trend of respondents’ inability to accurately assess their own weight status and finds correlations between weight perception, socioeconomic status and demographic factors. It also examines the relationship between recent developments in the fashion industry that have promoted and trended towards plus-size clothing. To its credit, the article uses a promising longitudinal study as its primary reference, while identifying vulnerable subgroups, however one weakness is that the reference study does have significant time gaps.
Goran, Michael. Childhood Obesity. Chapter 4, “Economic Considerations in Childhood Obesity.” Pages 35-44. First Edition, 2016.
In this chapter, the author examines various aspects related to childhood obesity from an economic standpoint, addressing causes and potential solutions to the issue. He discusses the four major federal food assistance programs in the U.S. and the shortcomings of each, and uses data to conclude that prevention programs prove to be both more cost-effective and effective overall at combating obesity compared to treatment programs. While the chapter offers detailed coverage of data and discusses policy implications of its findings, it lacks an acknowledgment of counterarguments, and could benefit from visual aids to help the reader interpret the data.
Meldrum, David, Morris, Marge, and Gambone, Joseph. “Obesity pandemic: causes, consequences, and solutions—but do we have the will?” Fertility and Sterility, Volume 107, Issue 4, April 2017, Pages 833-839. https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy2.usc.edu/science/article/pii/S0015028217302236
This article discusses the seriousness and scope of the obesity epidemic, and describes the effect that our modern “obesogenic” environment has played in its rise in the U.S and globally. It stresses the importance of considering environmental contributors and gene expression in addressing the issue in the long-term, lists the various health consequences of obesity, and proposes a range of solutions. While the article succeeds at providing a comprehensive view of the obesity crisis, it fails to address controversies like the “healthy at every size” movement, and does not sufficiently explore the implications of the policies it advocates for.
Miller, Jennifer M.D. Genetic Obesity—Causes and treatments. (2023). Pediatric Annals, 52(2), e57-e61. doi:https://doi.org/10.3928/19382359-20230102-05
This article makes the argument that genetic factors must be seriously considered when attempting to treat children with obesity, and rejects the alleged misconception that the weight gain is merely a product of poor lifestyle choices. It outlines recent genetic testing technological developments that have shown a link between genetic disorder and dysfunction of homeostatic mechanisms responsible for appetite and metabolism regulation. While it uses scientific evidence to support its claims, it does fall short in its analysis of psychological, social and environmental factors that lead to childhood obesity, placing genetics above all else as the culprit for the disease.
Terry Paul PhD. “New Obesity Guidance for Pediatrics: Medicalizing Obesity or Acquiescing to Our Obesogenic Culture?” American Journal of Health Promotion. 2023;37(4):443-446. https://journals-sagepub-com.libproxy1.usc.edu/doi/10.1177/08901171231161864
The author of this article offers commentary on the debate between increasing medical intervention and prioritizing upstream public policy changes as the best method to mitigate obesity. He argues that we must take a balanced approach that combines both, rather than prioritizing one over the other, acknowledges the importance of medical treatments, but highlights the often band-aid nature of these solutions. Overall, the article lacks a significant amount of data, but it makes up for this by referencing the studies it provides commentary on and taking both sides of the argument into consideration..
Small, Leigh PhD and Aplasca, Alexis M.D. “Child Obesity and Mental Health.” Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 2016-04-01, Volume 25, Issue 2, Pages 269-282. https://www-clinicalkey-com.libproxy1.usc.edu/#!/content/playContent/1-s2.0-S1056499315001133?returnurl=null&referrer=null
The authors reference a variety of studies that correlate childhood psychological disorder with obesity later in life, and conversely, childhood obesity with poor mental health later in life. They highlight how closely intertwined the two are at every developmental stage, and how treatments and preventions for both overlap considerably, while emphasizing the ultimate need for a paradigm shift from treatment to prevention. Overall, the article is very well-rounded, frequently addresses counter-arguments and avoids bias, and provides sources and data to support its claims, leaving very few weaknesses.
Franssen, F. M. E., O'Donnell, ,D.E., Goossens, G. H., Blaak, E. E., & Schols, A. M. W. J. (2008). “Obesity and the lung: 5 · obesity and COPD.” Thorax, 63(12), 1110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/thx.2007.086827
This text highlights the increasing global prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and obesity, two significant contributors to morbidity and mortality. The association between the two is discussed, with evidence suggesting that individuals with COPD are at an increased risk of developing obesity due to reduced physical activity, and vice versa. Overall, the article provides a deeper understanding of COPD and obesity, and how the two are correlated. However, the way it presents information is a bit overwhelming, and it lacks a succinct conclusion that ties its ideas together.
Kay, B. “The death of obesity politics.” National Post. 05 Aug 2023. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2846407464?parentSessionId=E6iwGuxmhwWRbrBDLBXE6x6sHKiE6q0QKZN1Rx9n7i0%3D&pq-origsite=primo&accountid=14749
The author discusses the potential impact of weight loss drugs like Ozempic on societal attitudes toward obesity, and predicts that as they become more accessible to the public, they could change public perception of what healthy eating and BMI looks like, and ultimately challenge the fat acceptance movement, which views excess weight as an issue of identity and rights rather than health. While the article makes some good points and valid predictions, it is a weaker source as it is rather highly opinionated and lacks empirical evidence or citations to support its claims.
Vaidya, Susma, and Nazrat Mirza. "Five myths about obesity." Washington Post, 13 May 2021, p. NA. Gale Health and Wellness, https://go-gale-com.libproxy1.usc.edu/ps/i.do?p=HWRC&u=usocal_main&id=GALE%7CA661664663&v=2.1&it=r
The article discusses several myths and misconceptions surrounding obesity. First, it refutes the idea that obesity solely results from lifestyle choices. It challenges the notion that obesity is not a disease, and argues that severe cases often cannot be effectively reversed through diet and exercise alone. Lastly, it disputes the belief that one can be "fit and fat," stressing that obesity is a significant health risk regardless of physical activity. The author does well at dividing concepts and making the information easily digestible, while being clear and informative and using compelling evidence. However, it tends to oversimplify and fails to account for nuance in some instances.
Grover, Natalie. "Obesity bigger killer than smoking in England and Scotland -- study; Excess weight has been contributing to more deaths since 2014 and gap is widening, researchers say." Guardian [London, England], 11 Feb. 2021, p. NA. Gale Health and Wellness, https://go-gale-com.libproxy1.usc.edu/ps/i.do?p=HWRC&u=usocal_main&id=GALE%7CA651478279&v=2.1&it=r
Teague, M. (2015, Oct 02). 'Healthy at every size' movement spreads unhealthy mindset. University Wire Retrieved from http://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/wire-feeds/healthy-at-every-size-movement-spreads-unhealthy/docview/1718554867/se-2
Vash, Peter. The Complexity of Adolescent Obesity: Causes, Correlates, and Consequences. Part 4, Chapter 15: “Averting Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in India Through Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxation: An Economic-Epidemiologic Modeling Study.” Pages 251-276. 2014-12-22.
Chambers, Ruth and Stather, Paula. Tackling Overweight and Obesity in Health and Social Care. First Edition. Chapter 7: “Alternative Approaches-Behavioural Therapy, Physical Activity and Other Techniques to Support Planned Weight Loss.”
Lavie CJ, De Schutter A, Parto P, et al. Obesity and Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases and Prognosis – the Obesity Paradox Updated. Progress in cardiovascular diseases. 2016;58(5):537-547. https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy1.usc.edu/science/article/pii/S0033062016300081
Ananthapavan, Jaithri, et al. "Priority-setting for obesity prevention-The Assessing Cost-Effectiveness of obesity prevention policies in Australia (ACE-Obesity Policy) study." PLoS ONE, vol. 15, no. 6, 19 June 2020, p. e0234804. Gale Health and Wellness, https://go-gale-com.libproxy1.usc.edu/ps/i.do?p=HWRC&u=usocal_main&id=GALE%7CA627080070&v=2.1&it=r
Bao, C., Li, Z., Liang, S., Hu, Y., Wang, X., Fang, B., Wang, P., Chen, S., Li, Y., Microneedle Patch Delivery of Capsaicin-Containing α-Lactalbumin Nanomicelles to Adipocytes Achieves Potent Anti-Obesity Effects. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2021, 31, 2011130. https://doi-org.libproxy2.usc.edu/10.1002/adfm.202011130
Atlantis, E., and M. Baker. "Obesity effects on depression: systematic review of epidemiological studies." International Journal of Obesity, vol. 32, no. 6, June 2008, pp. 881+. Gale Health and Wellness, https://go-gale-com.libproxy1.usc.edu/ps/i.do?p=HWRC&u=usocal_main&id=GALE%7CA190151248&v=2.1&it=r
Part 2
I grew up in a very health-conscious family where I was almost always involved in multiple sports simultaneously and was fortunate enough to have a mother who provided healthy and tasty home-cooked meals. Ideally, this is the type of upbringing everyone would have, but I understand that not everyone is so lucky. Obesity has long been a major topic of concern and interest for me, as while I have never suffered from it myself, I wish for better outcomes for those who do and am passionate about playing a part in helping people who want to make a change.
While I believe my frontier of knowledge on this topic was relatively advanced already, after delving deeper into a variety of sources regarding different causes, impacts, and potential solutions to the national and global obesity epidemic, I made some interesting discoveries and was exposed to many different perspectives, some of which I have not historically engaged with, but in doing so I have gained a much greater and more well-rounded insight into an incredibly complex issue.
First off, I noticed that even within the USC library, there was a sea of misinformation, far-fetched opinion pieces, and misguided empirical studies, almost invariably in defense and even advocacy of obesity as a healthy state of being, that I had to sift through. While I was very careful to not only search for pieces that fit my own bias, I opted not to include many of these types of pieces as I felt they did not provide compelling enough arguments to bother to investigate further or dispute, as they were emotionally charged and factually baseless. What I took away from this discovery though is that it can be far more difficult than I expected to find accurate information and quality advice on this subject, even when examining trustworthy sources, which in my eyes highlights the importance of improved public education in solving this issue above all else.
Before my research, I held the perception that obesity, at least in adulthood, is a product of laziness and inability to place one’s health above other desires. While I believe there is, generally speaking, an element of truth in that assertion, I discovered that there is recent and compelling research that shows a strong correlation between certain genetic and metabolic dysfunctions and obesity in subjects of all ages, in which case the condition can be incredibly difficult to manage for a lifetime without the assistance of medical intervention. I learned about new drugs, surgical procedures, and therapies that are promising and arguably necessary to reverse some cases of severe obesity over the long-run, which I previously saw simply as shortcuts and band aid solutions. Additionally, I now have a better understanding of all of the intricacies at play in creating the psychological state behind many cases of obesity. Environmental, socioeconomic, and genetic factors play a significant role in determining one’s body mass index(BMI), and often moving more and eating less is a far oversimplified and unrealistic approach to sustainable weight loss. What I took away from this discovery is that the solution to the obesity epidemic is equally multi-faceted, will necessitate collective efforts from governments, corporations, and individuals, and will rely on both lifestyle changes as well as medical interventions as we hopefully make strides to restructure aspects of society to be more conducive to the achievement and maintenance of a healthy BMI.
While I was relatively unwilling to listen to any reasoning that obesity and the related “fat acceptance” movement is actually healthy and good, which to my chagrin, was not terribly hard to find, I wanted to learn more about the negative effects the condition has on health, so I looked at a variety of sources that went into this aspect of the issue in greater detail. My knowledge was reinforced by evidence that shows obesity’s link to a plethora of unwanted effects, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, reproductive disorders, liver disease, poor mental health, and significant economic costs related to a strain on healthcare, reduced productivity in the workplace, etc.
Through my research, I have learned a great deal about the intricacies of the obesity epidemic. While this reflection is not long enough to delve deep into each aspect of this complex issue in detail, I can see myself exploring them further in an informational essay. One of my first discoveries illuminated to me the sheer quantity of misinformation on this subject matter. I believe that in order for us to make a significant change and reverse the steep rise in obesity we have seen over the last several decades, which will ultimately lead to better life outcomes for all members of society, individuals must at the very least be armed with the facts. I imagine compiling the information I have gathered from all of my sources into a more succinct overview of the issue, where I discuss in greater detail what causes and perpetuates obesity, the span of its effects on the economy and on individuals’ health, and practical solutions that can be taken at an individual, corporate, medical and governmental level to ensure a brighter future.