Analysis of Newspaper Research Report Essay

There are two main purposes for research. They are to learn and gather information/ evidence. Statistics helps us to understand how to collect, organize, and interpret numbers or other information about a topic (Bennett, Briggs & Triola, 2009). The study that I have chosen is fast food and childhood obesity. This research paper will list and/ or describe the statistical procedures, list the conclusions of the study, describe the processes used to make the determination and provide the level of significance. The percentage of overweight children and adolescents in the United States has nearly tripled since the early 1970’s.† More than one and five children between the ages of 6 and 17 are now considered overweight† (Currie, Pathania, Moretti, Vigna, 2009). Research has shown that people who eat fast food consume more calories than people who do not eat fast food. Those who eat fast food also consume more fat, saturated fat, and sodium (salt), while consuming fewer fruits, vegetables, and milk. Child hood obesity has been linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and poor academic performance. â€Å"While there have been many discussions about fast-food’s effects on obesity, this appears to be the first scientific, comprehensive long-term study to show a strong connection between fast-food consumption, obesity, and risk for type 2 diabetes† (University of Minnesota, 2005). This research paper shows the correlation between fast food restaurants and increased childhood obesity. This research paper also shows the correlation among children and the proximity of fast food restaurants near a school. The study reached a very alarming conclusion that involves the children’s health of America. The study came to the conclusion that point to a significant effect of proximity to fast food restaurants on the risk of obesity. The presence of a fast food restaurant within a tent of a mile of a school is associated with at least a 5.2 percent in the obesity rate in that school ( relative to the presence at .25). The effect at .1 mile distance is equivalent to an increase in daily caloric consumption of 30 to 100 calories due to the proximity of fast food (Currie, Pathana, Moretti, Vigna, 2009). One possible explanation is that proximity to fast food reduces the costs of fast food, principally travel costs. A second explanation is that easier access to fast food tempts consumers who have self-control problems. The fact that the effects are larger for teens and fall off more quickly with distance suggests that travel costs are more important for teens. I feel like the conclusions are appropriate. This study had many graphs to show the correlation between childhood obesity and the distances among the schools. This research was very informative. I feel like the findings are statistically significant because living in today’s society, you can see how fast food is linked to childhood obesity. For instance, in today’s society where there are two parent’s working, it is so easy for them to go to McDonald’s or any fast food restaurant. Many parents are busy with trying to juggle the workforce ,family and other extracurricular activities that the family has. I am guilty myself at times of not wanting to cook and just stopping by somewhere to pick something up because it is fast and cheap. I was at a fast food chain the other day and wanted something healthy. I looked on the menu and a salad cost three times more than a value meal. Everyone wants us to eat healthy including our kids but when you look at the prices, you can see how children are obese. I can also say that you have to burn more calories that you take in. This research paper has shown the effects on fast food and obesity. America has to step up and take responsibility for our children’s health. The parent’s has to also step up and take responsibility. Children only mimic what they see their parents do. I think if fast food restaurants lower their prices on the healthy foods maybe the obesity epidemic will slow down instead of increase. This will cause the link between childhood diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and other diseases to decrease. Children also need to pick up their physical activities. With today’s society, the television and video games are babysitters for some parent’s. Even though fast food contributes to obesity in children, there are other factors that come into play. References Bennet, J.O., Briggs, W.L., & Triola, M.F. (2009).Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life (3rd ed.). Boston. MA: Pearson Education, Inc. Janet Currie, Stefano Della Vigna, Enrico Moretti & Vikram Pathania,( 2010). â€Å"The Effect of Fast Food Restaurants on Obesity and Weight Gain,† American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 2(3), pages 32-63, August. University Of Minnesota (2005, January 19). 15-year Study Shows Strong Link between Fast Food, Obesity and Insulin Resistance.