Follow and fill the order form to buy essay examples, book instant tutoring or hire scholarly research writers
Posted: April 30th, 2022
Technological progress as the cause of obesity
Obesity is a complex and multifactorial condition that affects the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and it is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, and in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, of which over 650 million were obese.
One of the factors that has contributed to the rise of obesity is technological progress, which has changed the way people work, eat, and live. Technological progress has made many aspects of life easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable, but it has also reduced the physical activity levels and increased the energy intake of many people.
On the one hand, technological progress has made paid employment less physically strenuous for many people, especially in developed countries. For example, the use of computers, machines, and automation has reduced the need for manual labor and increased the time spent in sedentary occupations. According to a study by Lakdawalla and Philipson (2002), technological change accounts for about 40 percent of the increase in BMI in the United States between 1980 and 2000. The authors estimate that technological progress reduced the average daily energy expenditure by about 140 calories for men and 124 calories for women over this period.
On the other hand, technological progress has also changed the incentives for the type and amounts of food people eat. For instance, the development of agricultural technology has increased the availability and affordability of food, especially processed and high-calorie foods. The advancement of food technology has also improved the taste, variety, and convenience of food, making it more appealing and accessible to consumers. Moreover, the proliferation of information and communication technology has influenced the eating behaviors and preferences of people through advertising, social media, and online platforms. For example, a study by An et al. (2012) found that spending on information and communication technology was positively correlated with obesity rates across 27 countries.
In conclusion, technological progress has been a double-edged sword for obesity prevention and treatment. While it has brought many benefits to society, it has also created challenges for maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to balance the use of technology with adequate physical activity and healthy eating habits.
References:
– An R., Ji M., Zhang S., & Wang J.J. (2012). Impact of information and communication technology on child health. Children’s Health Care 41(2), 113-129.
– Lakdawalla D., & Philipson T. (2002). The growth of obesity and technological change: A theoretical and empirical examination (No. w8946). National Bureau of Economic Research.
– World Health Organization (2020). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
We’re all about delivering top-quality work that students can rely on—because your success is our priority.
Our team? A group of rockstar graduate writers—Masters, MSN, PhD, and DNP pros—who know their stuff inside and out. They’ve got years of academic writing experience and specialize in all kinds of subjects. Whether it’s homework help or a tricky essay, they dig deep to craft well-researched, spot-on content that hits the highest academic standards. Plus, they’re champs at switching up styles to match whatever vibe you need—perfect for college students with unique demands.
We promise you 100% original, human-written content—no plagiarism, no AI-generated essays, just pure creativity. Our skilled writers research every piece from scratch, and we double-check everything with top-notch plagiarism tools before it lands in your hands. It’s all about giving you peace of mind, knowing your work is one-of-a-kind and authentically yours.
High-quality custom writing services shouldn’t cost a fortune, and with us, they don’t! We keep our prices fair and competitive—way better than other paper writing services—while still delivering top-notch essays and assignments. It’s like getting VIP treatment without the VIP price. Real value, no stress, perfect for students watching their budget.
When you decide to place an order with HomeworkAceTutors, here is what happens:
Fill the order form and find the best writers and tutors for thatg desired grade.