Sarah Reyner

November 17, 2012

ENG 102
Research Paper Proposal
High obesity rates among the lower classes is a statistic that seems
contradictory, yet it is a growing epidemic in the United States. The problem is that the
relationship between the two players cannot be distinguished by any scientific or
systematic means. There is an infinite amount of causes but we must ask ourselves
what is the main agent that has triggered the significant differences between the
impoverished and the rest of the general public. Due to increased processed and
decreased natural food availability and cultural cues, obesity in America has grown to be
a rampant disaster. A solution and plan of action is critical because obesity is growing
to be one of the most viscous killers of U.S. citizens, especially within the hunger
stricken. Before we can formulate ways to halt the high trends of obesity in the neediest
classes, we need to look at the large picture and dissect all contributing variables and
then determine which are the most significant stimulants.
There are numerous political, scientific, educational, and social figures who have
invested a great deal of time, money, and interest into this cause. The American
Department of Agriculture has been a sort of team captain in research and case studies.

Funded by the U.S. government, this department has conducted a great amount of
scientific and social investigations and aided in mapping out the nutritional division
between low income neighborhoods and the more affluent households. Many
contributing factors have been determined as a result of their case studies, but again,
we cannot point our fingers at one trigger and ignore the minor ones. By using their
research I will be able to see the issue from every perspective and how each factor
contributes to the continuous rise in U.S. body mass.
As previously stated, this is not a cause and effect ordeal. I, as a researcher
and author will have to look at every dimension and attempt to unravel the complexity of
the situation by determining which has the most affect. I will do this by investigating
additional studies of obesity trends and other cultural trends that could be potential
factors. I will be seeking first hand experience; someone who has seen both affluent
and impoverished periods. It would be useful to inquire if they noticed any nutritional or
differences and whether they received any physical side effects as a result.
I may not be able to solve the contradictory riddle of the obese amongst the
hungry, but by identifying several root causes and solutions I will be able to decipher
several roads that need to be traveled to reach the ultimate goal of improvement. I do
not expect to have a mapped out answer to my question, but I intend on identifying what
approaches are the most plausible.