Sample by My Essay Writer
Each of the papers discuss the attention given to addressing obesity, but unlike Stice et. al. (2006), and Stice and Shaw (2004), Schwartz and Henderson (2009), focus on the damaging results of putting too much emphasis on healthy eating. The key discussions in Stice et. al.’s piece are founded on the investigation of participants, delivery, intervention and design features associated with the effects of obesity prevention programs; the research claimed 21% of the 64 obesity programs were significantly successful, but parental involvement was not very successful. Stice and Shaw also investigated the effectiveness of eating disorder prevention programs, and found that the eating disorder prevention programs were more effective than minimal-intervention control conditions. Marlene and Henderson focused on childhood obesity, and focuses more on the social fallout of putting an emphasis on childhood obesity; specifically, it argues that eating disorders can result from obesity prevention because children could become obsessed with their eating habits.
Stice et. al. talks about obesity prevention programs that target children, and this is an important area that requires further study. While there have been considerable changes to much of the cafeteria food in schools throughout the nations, there is still a persistent issue surrounding childhood obesity, and this could be due to the lack of physical activity many students are receiving. There should be a greater emphasis on exercise in schools. Some might argue that it is more important for school to be dedicated to the academics, while physical activity can happen outside of the classroom. However, it should be noted that children will tend to perform tasks that are the most enjoyable when they have free time – such as playing video games – and parents have shown that they often can’t be relied upon to ensure their children are exercising.
Stice and Shaw show through their research that there is some validity to eating disorder programs. While the research appears to be beneficial in the argument supporting programs that address eating disorders, there is an overemphasis on healthy eating with these programs. This overemphasis will put too much pressure on people, particularly children, to look thin. However, it could be argued that the programs are there to help both people who overeat, and those who eat too little. That argument can be countered, however, by stating that the degree that these types of programs are being presented to the public is creating too much of an emphasis on being thin.
Schwartz and Henderson argue that children are receiving too much direction about what they should be eating. The reader could argue that despite what Schwartz and Henderson say, it is important that children know that they should eat responsibly. Those supporting the writers might say that children who are encouraged to diet are not responsible enough to eat responsibly, and they will instead develop eating disorders because they are told that not being thin is a negative. However, that arguments could be countered by stating that it is healthy eating habits that are being encouraged, not limiting one’s eating so that they become skinny.
In short, more physical activity is needed, children are bombarded with dietary advice, and only healthy eating habits (rather than limiting eating) should be emphasised.
