Reseach Report on Obesity

Abstract:

Twenty participants were surveyed about their knowledge and their behaviors towards obesity. The aim was firstly to investigate the knowledge about a representative sample of students has towards obesity. Secondly, we wanted to examine their behavior towards obesity. Finally, we tried to see whether knowledge has lead to a positive behavior towards obesity. Students sometimes may have incorrect behaviors although they have enough knowledge about obesity. However, our results showed that the twenty participants had enough knowledge and positive behaviors. It means that they would do what they knew about obesity if they were obese.

1. Background

Obesity has been increasing due to different reasons. According to Medline Plus (2011), obesity means having too much body fat. The weight may come from muscle, bone, fat and body water. The calculation of body mass index (BMI) has also been used in the definition of obesity nowadays."Obesity" is then defined as a BMI of 30 and above. (Medicine Net, 2011) Most of us may think that obesity is only caused by over-eating unhealthy food and lack of enough exercise. Apart from these two reasons, obesity is also caused by other factors like inheritance. A person is more likely to become obese if one or both parents are obese since their eating habits may be affected. Also, a person with heavy pressure may also become obese easily. Social-economic status may also result in people becoming obese. According to Keller (2008), lower income levels have been found to be associated with increases in obesity; the fact that out eating habits which depend on our income, along with the cheap prices of the unhealthy fast food that possibly lead to obesity.

2. Aims

Obesity is a growing global health problem and reached epidemic proportions in the USA. One in three Americans is obese. The prevalence of obesity in children has increased markedly, with approximately 20% to 25 % of children either overweight or obese. Obesity is also increasing rapidly throughout the world, and the incidence is nearly doubled from 1991 to 1998. (Medicine Net, 2011) It will cause both physical and mental health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease as well as high blood pressure, anxiety and low self esteem etc. The purpose of this research is firstly to investigate how much knowledge a representative sample of students has about obesity. Secondly, we wanted to examine their behavior towards obesity. Finally, we will see whether knowledge has lead to a positive behavior towards obesity. It was expected that although students have enough knowledge about obesity, their behavior maybe incorrect.

3. Methodology

3.1 The sample

The sample size was 20. These participants were selected from a variety of age and gender. They were all year one to year three students in Lancaster University. It required an equal number of male and female participants.

3.2 Data Collection

We carried out primary, quantitative research. The questionnaires consisted of 10 closed questions examining causes and effects of obesity and participants' attitudes. We examined the knowledge of the respondents and their particular behaviors when facing obesity.

4. Discussion

The present results from the questionnaire suggest that almost all the participants have enough knowledge about obesity since the majority of them understand the causes and effects of obesity. Also, they have the beliefs that not to lose weight in an unhealthy way.

4.1 Findings regarding knowledge

Knowledge