Media s Influence On Obesity - 2115 Words

Introduction According to CBS Atlanta, a recent study led by Dr. Keith Wilcox from Columbia University reported that using Facebook may contribute to obesity. Of the 470 participants surveyed, those who were avid Facebook users reported to have higher body mass indexes than those who were not frequent Facebook users. It is evident that widespread use of media has been a factor in aiding the obesity epidemic in the United States. The CDC states that obesity is prevalent in 35% of adult Americans. The impact of media, such as social media, television, and magazines, on obesity has largely contributed to this statistic because it can result in negative effects on one’s self-perception in terms of body image, especially in regards to â€Å"the negative eating habits that could result from the frequent visitation of social networking sites† (CBS Atlanta, 2012). In the case of one high school student from Greensboro, NC, Susie Q, media in the form of fashion magazines caused her to have a poor perception of her own body image, despite having a normal BMI range. As a result, Susie Q developed binge-eating habits and was admitted into the hospital for a period of 3 weeks to combat her lack of a nutritious diet. Susie Q developed these binge eating habits because she strived to look like the â€Å"fit† models the fashion magazine depicted. After reviewing literature regarding the impact of media on obesity, it is apparent that researchers are interested in exploring attitude towards obesityShow MoreRelatedObesity : The Disease Of The 21st Century947 Words   |  4 PagesObesity is known as the disease of the 21st century. The occurrence of obesity is increasing globally, with nearly half a billion of the world s population now considered to be overweight or obese. 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Another example of influence coming from media is from the HollywoodRead MoreMedia s Influence On Society1454 Words   |  6 PagesThe Media’s Chokehold The media s influence on society is suffocating and undeniable. Body image has become overwhelmingly present in most media today. The front cover of a magazine may critically exclaim â€Å"so-and-so has cellulite† or â€Å"so and so is too thin†. Popular reality stars like Nicole Polizzi (otherwise known as â€Å"Snooki†) have been criticized for being to large and then criticized for being too thin after dropping the weight. The media teaches people to be unsatisfied with their bodiesRead MoreChildhood Obesity : A Developing Problem1197 Words   |  5 PagesObesity in America is a developing problem, and not just in adults. Today, one in three American children and teens are either overweight or obese; almost triple the rate previously in 1963. 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