Obesity

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that more than one-third, or 36.5 percent, of the adult population in the United States is considered obese, leading many to label the problem of obesity an epidemic. Obesity is taxing on the body and places people at a higher risk for a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, high blood pressure, infertility, gallbladder disease, depression, several forms of cancer, stroke, and sleep apnea. The CDC also reports that 17 percent of US children aged two to nineteen are obese and are experiencing related health problems typically seen only in adults, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. (Opposing Viewpoints)

• Should sodas and fast food be banned from schools?
• Can fast food be blamed for the obesity epidemic?
• Do fast-food restaurants share the responsibility for their consumers’ health?
• Should drugs be used to treat obesity?
• Explore the genetic link to obesity.
• What can be done to combat the discrimination obese people may face?
• Should obesity be grounds for termination of employees?
• Choose a population/group and discuss the obesity issues they may face.
• Does one's social environment contribute to obesity?
• Should junk food commercials be banned from children's television?
• Are medical researchers overemphasizing the health risks associated with being overweight?
• Should restaurants be forced to prominently display the calorie content on their menu?