Suggested Research Method

I have chosen archival (secondary analysis) to evaluate how obesity has grown, and what has caused it.  I will look at research and findings through the years to see the yearly changes.  

Bloomberg

Because of all the news about this recently, I figured I would comment on it.  This NY Times article explains the drink ban Bloomberg has enacted, or he tried to enact.  The day before the enactment, a New York supreme court justice decided it was unconstitutional.  This ban was Bloomberg's attempt to create a healthier lifestyle for New Yorkers.  This quote from the article "New York City is not about wringing your hands; it’s about doing something,” he said. “I think that’s what the public wants the mayor to do.”  In New York they want action against this national problem and Bloomberg offered one.  This may not be as effective as the mayor hopes, but it is a step toward a healthier community.  On the other hand, what right does the mayor have to decide who gets to drink and eat what.  

National Threat

This CNN article begins with a eye opening story about a governor that sat down at a staff meeting and the chair broke.  He couldn't even say how much he weighed at the time because his scale stopped at 280.  He went to the doctor and found out he has Type 2 diabetes.  He was going to die in the next 10 years if he did not change.  His weight was literally killing him.  He lost 120 pounds and is now a spokes person for obesity awareness.  THe article explains, "An estimated two of every three American adults, and more than one in six children and adolescents are considered overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rates have been on the rise since the late 1980s after being relatively constant in the '60s and '70s, said Dr. Cynthia Ogden, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." This shows that through changes in society throughout the past few years has increased rates of diabetes. 

Looking at these statistics also reminds be about this article on Yahoo a few days ago.  It is believed that because of woman's decrease in housework,   they have burned less calories (by going into the workforce) and therefore gained weight. Although I don't believe women  should step back into the 60's I think it is interesting that this change in society has had this type of impact.