Obesity Crisis Annotated Bibliography
Murphy, Wendy. (2011) Obesity USA Today Health Reports: Diseases and Disorders.
Minneapolis, MN: Twenty First Century Books.
Facts and Figures Resources: This source reviews America’s obesity epidemic as well as many
conditions associated with obesity. It focuses on how excess weight is gained and how to take
preventative measures against obesity. It also provides statistical data on those who are obese
and could be at risk.
I found this book very interesting because it describes how the early humans survived and
what types of food were available about two million years ago. Food was very scarce and many
died from lack of nutrition. Ironically, today many people are dying from the overconsumption
of food. The book discusses the most common diseases associated with obesity, such as: heart
disease, diabetes, some cancers and stroke. Another interesting topic it discusses is how the way
food is cooked can affect the body. For example, when chicken is deep fried the oils penetrate
inside the chicken changing its fat content. If the chicken was grilled or oven roasted the fat
decreases. It explores different ingredients used to preserve food and stimulate its taste such as
shortening. And it also describes the rise in the use of sugar, the increase in diameter of dinner
plates, and the increases in dairy products consumed.
This book has a few limitations in regards to proper diet and nutrition. It does lack any
discussion of exercise, which has a major impact on weight. It provides excellent statistical data
by age group but doesn’t narrow it down by state and race. It states that two-thirds of adults and
one-third of children in the U.S. are overweight or obese but more detail is needed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013, August 16). Adult Obesity Facts. Retrieved
February 12, 2014. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.htm
Reference: This source reviews the adult obesity facts in the U.S. It takes a close look at the
different states affected by obesity. It provides statistical data of self-reported obesity rates found
in adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 30. In addition, it provides obesity related
data on different races and socioeconomic statuses.
I found this source to be useful because it takes the research on obesity a step further by
providing the percentage of obese adults rather than overweight and obese. It displays a graph of
the U.S. which shows BMI rates in adults for each state from 1985 to 2010. The graph has a stop
and play button which is not only interactive but also helpful when comparing each state by year.
In addition, it lists the 2010 obesity rates by state in a chart below the graph. The source also
offers strategies to combat obesity, data, maps, trends, and childhood obesity data.
This source has a few limitations in regards to statistical data from 1985 to 2010. It does
lack more current data which could be even more useful when combating obesity. It is essential
to have access to recent statistical data in effort to address the obesity crisis.
American Heart Association. (2014, January 8) Obesity and Stroke: What is their connection?
Retrieved March 5, 2014, from https://www.heart.org.
Reference: This source reviews the different diseases associated with the heart. It describes what
heart disease is and how to prevent it. It provides further descriptions of diseases associated with
the heart that aren’t direct related with obesity but are categorized under cardiovascular
conditions. Statistical data can be found on high blood pressure and death rates associated with
strokes.
I found this source to be useful because it describes the connection between obesity and
stroke. In addition, it defines each medical term by using links so it makes the website user
friendly. This source also has visual aids which assist in understanding how the heart functions
and the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. It also shows ways to prevent heart
disease by incorporating a healthy diet and exercise routine. The article particularly discusses
how it is recommended to exercise on a weekly basis. Being overweight and/or obese can lead to
circulatory issues which can also affect the blood to and from the heart. It briefly discusses
childhood obesity and the importance of incorporating a healthy diet and exercise routine for
children. Finally, it discusses Body Mass Index (BMI) and the importance of eating plenty of
fruits and vegetables.
This source has a few limitations in regards to define obesity risk factors. It does lack
statistical information from state to state. It is a great place to gain knowledge on all heart related
conditions and learn how to stay healthy.