The Rising Prevalence of Being Overweight: Life Choices, Inadequate Options
Date
2001-05
Authors
Bronn, Carol D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis describes an exploratory study of the increasing prevalence of being overweight. Excess weight is socially unacceptable, an economic burden to the health care system, and is a dangerous risk factor for disease, even death. Nevertheless, an estimated 61 % of the adult population in the United States is presently overweight (National Center for Health Statistics 2000). Despite the increased attention to the rise of
excessive weight gain, prevention and treatment guidelines are narrowly focused and do not address the multiplicity of causes. In-depth interviews reveal personal weight struggles that are often accounted for with justifications and excuses. The effect of others,
time constraints, and personal preferences suggest that pressure outside of the individual complicate weight reduction attempts. The study concludes that to decrease the rising trend in the prevalence of overweight, guidelines must include medical concerns in addition to behavioral, environmental, and social factors that differ according to each individual.
Description
Keywords
Overweight persons, Obesity, Social acceptance
Citation
Bronn, C. D. (2001). <i>The rising prevalence of being overweight: Life choices, inadequate options</i>
(Unpublished thesis). Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.