My take on the journal article by, James Levine on Obesity

     My take on Levine Journal

   Levine James. “ Obesity: Mission Possible”. Diabetes 178.8 (4/8/2008) : 1032(3). Though the

author used language that was easy to understand, he failed to clearly state the  causes of obesity

and methods to prevent obesity.

    The language in the article is very understandable.  He doesn’t use complex medical

terminology or vocabulary, which makes his journal article understandable for the greater

audience.  

    Levine mentions that one of the major causes of obesity is how we burn less energy, since

advancements in technology have enhanced our lives. We tend to spend more time on being

inactive, rather than doing  tasks that once required physical activity.  This leads us to burn less

energy. As a result we  don’t burn enough calories which causes  us to be obese.  

     I do agree with his generalization on the  cause of  obesity. However, a lot of people who

also have the same lifestyle and eat as much as others, do not put on weight because they do not

digest the food as well as the obese and their systems do not store the fat as much as the obese.

The main cause of obesity is not the lack of exercise  nor even the lifestyle but the individuals

innate ability to become obese. The  cause of obesity could come from so many different causes

such as genetic psychological or neurological factors. The genetic  part is how families pass,

from generation to generation, unhealthy lifestyle and large consumption of food. The

psychological factors could be depression which leads to find comfort on food, instead of

tackling our personal problems. There is also a neurological problem which causes overeating.

So Levine when assumes that obesity is caused  only by of exercise he is incomplete. Obesity has

several factors.

    Levine suggests on preventative measurements on obesity including such as taking the stairs

instead of  the elevators, or walking to the grocery store and such.  We need to change our

patterns of life. He also lets us know  that change is possible as time passes. That is not  any

different for obese people in terms of acceptance in society. How we can adapt  healthy life

choices by exercising and eating less. That can revise their condition.

   I again agree to certain point, such as adapting healthy choices but than he clearly fails to

tell us on how we reach those goals, to reach a realistic solution regarding obesity.  The whole

medical community and the  government must be involved  in planning and promoting  health.

The government should prompt healthy eating and offer education to  the public. By advertizing

in mass media and targeting risk population and advising them and offer them a better

alternative.  More action should be taking by the producer of food, including a warning sign  and

should be written in clear and understandable  way so that we understand what we are

consuming.

   My overall view of this article is that Levin gave out details to the  problem, but

doesn’t offer a good solution, instead  referring to the possibility of a solution.