Fighting Back Against Obesity: A Research Proposal

Student’s Name

English 102

Instructor’s Name

Date
Student’s Name

English 102

Instructor’s Name

Date

Fighting Back Against Obesity

It is estimated that there are currently 60 million American adults considered obese and 9

million considered severely obese (“Demographics” par. 1). When it comes to American

children, 15.3 percent of 6 to 11 year olds and 15.5 percent of 12 to 19 year olds are obese

(“Demographics” par. 3). These statistics are growing, as food related health problems and

diseases have grown significantly worse over the last decade. Even my preliminary research

shows that America is clearly in crisis when it comes to food and health. My research question Comment [kd1]: Identify the issue you want to
discuss.

will focus on what can be done about it; namely, how can a family of four with limited income

beat the statistics and work toward becoming healthier and fighting the battle against obesity?

My thesis supports will focus on the view that it is possible to eat healthier through proper

education about healthy food, having a support structure, and avoiding bad habits. Comment [kd2]: Research question and thesis
are stated early in the introduction.

Through my research I hope to explain just how significant this problem is and what

should be done about it. The benefit to this paper is that it will give knowledge to readers about

the crisis and will encourage them to do something about it. Through the research I am hoping

that I further adjust mine and my family’s food and exercise routines so that we can become

healthier. I want to write about this topic because I have struggled with my weight all my life and

I have finally turned it around by eating healthy and exercising. I also want to educate myself on

eating disorders and obesity so I can be aware of the signs to look for in my children. Finally, I Comment [kd3]: The benefits of the research.

am religious and believe that God wants us to be physically healthy and to take care of our
bodies. Since church is a big part of my life, and since part of my project will involve forming a

support group at the church, part of my intended audience will be those who understand the

value of faith based community. The other audience I hope to reach is parents, and especially

those who argue that because they do not have a lot of money, that healthy foods are outside of

their reach. Comment [kd4]: Intended audiences are

described.

Review of Sources

I have gone to the library and found a few sources, but the majority of my sources are

coming from journals and articles on the Internet and in online databases. Because this is such a Comment [kd5]: Notice how the student
identifies how s/he found the information. It would
be best to actually specify sources, but the way the
“hot” topic in the media right now, I want to find the most current information. Most of the web sources are synthesized is helpful.

sources I have researched (Opposing Viewpoints, CQ Researcher) acknowledge that America is

quickly heading downhill in terms of health and exercise and it will only continue to do so unless

changes are made. The differences in the sources arise when it comes to who will make the

changes. Is it the responsibility of the lawmakers, the food industry decision makers, the schools,

the parents, or individuals themselves? Most of my sources cite experts in the industry, and they

discuss the implications of this health crisis. Most of the authors seem to share the goal that they

want Americans to be educated about health and that they want individuals to change before it’s

too late. The consequences are the same across the sources: rising health care costs and the cost

of death. Comment [kd6]: Here, note how the author

discusses “whether the sources share the same
goals, show divergent views, or any other
interesting trends as applicable.”
Some of the general Web sites, like the American Obesity Association, give current “fast

facts,” listing statistical information related to eating disorders and obesity. One book

(Kushner’s) gives counseling methods for eating disorders. An article by Kersh discusses the role

politicians play in this problem as well. Other sources, like Gilman’s talk about solutions to the
problems. I did not see any discussion that was specifically faith based, so I feel my research has

a niche.

One of the more intriguing sources came from the deep Web: “Food Stamp Program

Participation is Positively Related to Obesity in Low Income Women” by Diane Gibson. It

argues that the majority of low income women who are on food stamp programs tend to be more

obese. A lot of this relates to the types of food they purchase with food stamps. While the article

does not cite this specifically, my own experience shows that in order to make the money go

farther, many women will buy food that is less expensive or that has an associated coupon. Many

times, they buy “convenience foods” that are quick to cook, but also higher in fat and calories.

This article was written in 2003, and since then, changes have been made. In Arizona, for Comment [kd7]: Note here how the author
summarizes the main ideas, assumptions, and
important elements found in the sources and also
example, someone on food stamps can get vouchers to use at farmer’s markets. The problem is shows gaps noticed.

knowing what to do with the produce purchased. Many people who were raised on a

“convenience diet” just don’t know what to cook. Healthy eating does not stop at salads, and this

is something I want to address.

As part of the “other side” of the debate, I did look at a couple of blogs and Web sources

from the opposing movement—those people who promote and enjoy being obese. I found one

Web site (ABigBeautifulWorld) that was a blog that supported those living with obesity. While it

did not focus on weight loss, it did brand itself as a “safe place” for people to vent their concerns Comment [kd8]: Notice how the author
searched for divergent views and is already
considering counter-trends.
and share experiences of discrimination. The “safe place” model is one I would like to use, so I

will likely dig deeper, even though I don’t necessarily agree with the slant of some of the blog’s

articles. The other side seems dangerous. I was searching for information on Donna Simpson

who I saw mentioned on an episode of a talk show a few years ago (Oprah, I think) as someone

who wanted to gain weight. When I searched for references to her, I found a site called “1D10T”
(computer speak for “idiot”) that profiled her and others like her and linked up to other blogs.

While the site I mention in the Works Cited below is less than reliable (it uses a lot of slang and

is more opinionated than fact-based), it gave me a starting point for information. I find this Comment [kd9]: Notice how the author remains
critical of the sources that may not come from
reliable places, but also notes ways to seek better
“other side” to be disturbing, and if I need a counter point, I might explore these links in more information.

detail and also see if I can find some scholarly sources for further back-up.

A Plan to Collect Information

I actually found more sources than I needed for my bibliography, so I am off to a running

start. Still I have a few areas I want to check next. One is to find ideas for “faking” convenience

foods at home using healthier ingredients. I also want to search and see if there is any specific

benefit in using “organic” or “grass fed” beef instead of regular, store-brand beef that is of a Comment [kd10]: Details future research needs

lower fat concentration. I will also check and see if there are any ways to tap into the “Biggest

Loser” phenomenon within my church as part of the non-traditional research portion of my

paper.

I do hope to interview someone from my church who recently went through gastric

bypass surgery and has lost nearly 80 pounds so far. My goal for that source is to see what drove

her to such measures and also what caused the weight gain (genetics? Bad habits?). My timeline

is to use the next lesson as a planning ground for the interview. While it will not be done in time Comment [kd11]: Author highlights next steps
and a timeline

for the outline because she will be out of town, it will be done in time for the draft.

Overview of challenges

To be honest, I am most afraid of the interview. I did look ahead to the lesson on field

research and feel a little more confident about asking the right questions, but I’m wondering if

there is a good source about taking strong notes. I’m not sure I want to trust a recorder alone. My
second question has to do with the non-traditional portion of the project. I want to form a

resource for the group I plan to start at my church, but the scope of my intended project feels too

large. Any help or advice on this would be appreciated. If there was a way to document the

experience of starting the group, instead of just doing a Web site or something more information

heavy, I’m open to suggestions! Comment [kd12]: Notice how the author
broaches a consideration. The instructor now has a
chance to provide feedback and advice.

Conclusion:

I am hoping that my reader will walk away from the paper wanting to change his or her

health habits and wanting to help others. I really believe that America is in a health epidemic and

if citizens and lawmakers don’t start taking charge then we will lose to this uphill battle. I

understand that it will be difficult to persuade my readers to look at their health life and make

necessary changes. I believe, however, that I can create a sense of urgency and passion that will

persuade my readers to be educated and to change. I also hope to create change by developing a

program for my church group based on my research. Comment [kd13]: The author describes the
intended outcome, as well as the focus of the
research and the goals of the final product.

It is so important that we eat healthy and exercise in order to have good health and live a

long life that is virtually cost-free in terms of medical dollars. There is so much misinformation

about there about food and exercise, especially those Web sites that promote obesity.

Additionally, fast-food makers are pushing unhealthy foods while schools are dropping physical

education programs. If anything, we need to be more educated, have less unhealthy fast food,

have more healthy food choices, have less media coverage glamorizing being thin, and have

more programs for our children. This is an important topic and if not addressed America will

continue to see horrible consequences. I believe that through my research and my research paper

I can convince others that this is a battle worth fighting and that we must all take steps to get on Comment [kd14]: Here, the author stresses why
the work is important.

the right track before it is too late. I am excited to present this information in the form of a
persuasive research paper and to actually do something about it through my church. I hope that

the final portfolio will be both educational and moving.

Works Cited

A Big Beautiful World: Living Well with Obesity. 2 April 2011. Web. 12 April 2011.

“Demographics.” American Obesity Association. 23 Feb. 2010. Web. 12 April 2011.

Gibson, Diane. “Food Stamp Program Participation is Positively Related to Obesity in Low

Income Women.” Journal of the American Society for Nutritional Sciences, July 2003.

Web. 12 April 2011.

Gilman, Sander. Obesity: The Biography. New York: Oxford Press, 2010.

Kersh, Rogan. “The Politics of Obesity.” Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law 30: 5785

(October 2005) 801.

Kushner, Robert. Counseling Overweight Adults. Chicago: American Dietetic Association, 2000.

“Obesity in the U.S.” American Obesity Association. 23 Feb. 2010. Web. 12 April 2011.

“Teenagers with Eating Disorders.” American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 23

Feb. 2006. Web. 7 March 2011.

“The Height of Idiocy: People who want to be obese.” 1D10T. June 2010. Web. 11 April, 2011.