Social Science: Obesity and Academic Writing Styles Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of academic writing styles and their importance, followed by an in-depth analysis of obesity research within the social sciences. The first part of the report reflects on descriptive, persuasive, analytical, and critical academic writing styles, highlighting their characteristics and key vocabulary. The second part delves into the social science of obesity, examining quantitative and qualitative studies. The quantitative section reviews articles on weight stigma, obesity and depressive symptoms in college women, and the impact of health coaching interventions. The qualitative section explores perceptions of risk in pregnant women, patient experiences with bariatric programs, and the impact of healthy diets on families. The discussion synthesizes the findings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of obesity with health, mental well-being, and societal factors, concluding with the importance of interventions and healthy lifestyle choices to combat obesity and improve overall health outcomes.

Skills for the Social
Science
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
PART 1............................................................................................................................................3
Reflection on types of academic writing styles and their importance.........................................3
PART 1- B.......................................................................................................................................4
Introduction..................................................................................................................................4
PART 2- SECTION 1......................................................................................................................4
Quantitative articles.....................................................................................................................4
Part 2 (Section 2).............................................................................................................................5
Qualitative articles.......................................................................................................................5
Section 3..........................................................................................................................................7
Discussion of research.................................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9
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PART 1
Reflection on types of academic writing styles and their importance
Academic writing refers content which is clear, structure and focused by evidence which
allows learners or readers to increase their knowledge and understanding. There are mainly 4
types of academic writing styles such as: descriptive, persuasive, analytical and critical. I
Identified that each style of academic writing characterized by its specific language and tone.
According to me one of the basic and common types of academic writing which is mainly used
by students is descriptive (Zurini, 2018). It is one of the simplest forms, whose purpose is to
provide actual facts and information to readers. Example of such type of academic writing style
is summary of articles of results of an experiment. Some key words which help readers and
students in understanding it in a clear way and using style is: Identify, record, summarise and
define. According to me in analytical style, students re-organizes their descriptive style by
analysing all facts and information. Some key words which are being used in this style include:
compare, contrast, analyse and examine. In other type of academic writing, persuasive, it has all
features of analytical but for making it differ than analytical, we can add our own views with
argument and interpretation (Chapman, 2017). Some key words which we can use in persuasive
writing style include: evaluate, discuss and argue. In the last academic writing style critical, it
has all features of persuasive but we can add feature of at least one another point of view.
Critique, evaluate, debate are some words which we can use in this style.
I believe that academic writing style plays an important role for university purpose as it is
one of the best ways of communication which allows students to get knowledge in specific field
of study. These all writing styles also allow all of us and students to convey as well as analyse
understanding, thinking critically by focusing on main style. Overall, it helps us out in
understanding knowledge in the best way and increasing skills related to specific topic because
all these writing styles has a formal tone and focus on the main purpose of the study (ZHANG,
2018).
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PART 1- B
Introduction
Social science is a branch of science that focuses upon study of societies, relationship
among individuals living within these societies. Obesity is one of the main problems which is
increasing continuously It is a problem because it results in reduced self-esteem of individuals,
lower body image. Today every fourth individual comes under category of obese individuals.
Obesity is directly linked to physiological burden. Such individuals live a degraded quality of
life, and more than 60 percent of individuals who are obese feel hesitant to meet other fit people
with full self- confidence. Such kind of people might feel socially isolated and might suffer from
anxiety or depression. It is an important area for investigation because obesity not only affect
overall physical health of an individual but also image their relationship with others and can
eventually result in development of depression, anxiety, lower self-esteem and lower body image
because of which many times obese people isolate them from others.
PART 2- SECTION 1
Quantitative articles
1. Article 1: Impact of weight stigma on physiological and psychological health outcomes
for overweight and obese adults: A systematic review
Type of research: It is a quantitative article
Introduce the research: This article focuses upon identifying associations between weight
stigma and physiological and psychological health for individuals who are overweight or obese
(Wu and Berry, 2018).
Describe the methods used: Methods used in this quantitative study is analysis of secondary
data using quantitative systematic review.
Describe the results: Examination of quantitative studies helped in identifying that weight
stigma was positively associated with obesity, stress level, diabetes risk, depression, anxiety,
body image dissatisfaction and negatively associated with negatively associated with self‐esteem
among overweight and obese adults.
Describe the conclusion: this article concludes that weight stigma is associated with adverse
physiological and psychological outcomes
2. Article 2: Obesity and depressive symptoms in college women: analysis of body image
experiences and comparison to non-obese women
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Type of research: it is a positivistic research paper.
Introduce the research: This research paper focuses upon obesity and depression symptoms in
college women (Sarigiani and et. al., 2020).
Describe the methods used: In this both qualitative and quantitative methods have been focused
upon in which thematic analysis and testing validity of codes are used.
Describe the results: it was observed that obese women had significantly lower body image and
self-esteem and higher depressive symptom as compared to non-obese women’s
Describe the conclusion: This research concludes that lower body image and lower self- esteem
image symptoms were found ore in College going women.
3. Article 3: Changing Weight Management Self-efficacy Among Obese Puerto Rican
Adults: A Quantitative Study using a Health Coaching Intervention
Type of research: it is a positivistic research paper.
Introduce the research: This research focuses upon identifying 8-week health coaching
intervention in obese individuals and check whether self-esteem and body image of individuals
had been influenced by influence managing weight efficiency or not (Valentin Ayala and
Bernstein, 2020).
Describe the methods used: t-test method was used for analysis of results of pertest (coaching
sessions) and post test results were interpreted using conservative p-value. For analysis SPSS
tool was used.
Describe the results: Health coaching had a statistically significant effect on weight
management self-efficacy
Describe the conclusion: This research concludes that body image and self-esteem of an
individual should be considered when obesity and health programs are being created.
Part 2 (Section 2)
Qualitative articles
Article 1: Perception of risk and influences of choice in pregnant women with Obesity:
Qualitative research
Type of research: Positivism
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Introduction: In the context of obesity it is stated that between 7-35% of the maternity
population are obese in high income and 1-40% are in lower to middle income of countries. This
study will discuss as how women with obesity perceptions of pregnancy affect their care choice.
Methods: This qualitative research is analysed with thematic synthesis technique
Results: Total 23 texts were chosen in which different themes have been discussed related to
influences and perception of risks. In perception of risks: lack of preparation and in influences:
Relationship with healthcare professional theme is being used. It is also found that women and
health care professional avoid discussion regarding complications in pregnancy and women feel
limited care in choice (Perception of risk and influence of choice in obese pregnant women,
2020).
Conclusion: It has been concluded that women with obesity’s pregnancy choice has several
impacts on their health which affect their care choice.
Article 2 Patient experience of a bariatric group programme for managing obesity: Qualitative
research
Type of research: Qualitative/positivism
Introduction: People with obesity face several health related issues. So, this study will show
experience of people who participated in bariatric group programme in managing obesity. By
knowing patients’ perception, effectiveness of this program can be known.
Methods: Qualitative interview study has been selected by using 25 female patients.
Results: Most of the participants among 25 felt beneficial from such program. They also stated
that this program changed their life and improve their overall health (Bariatric group program in
managing obesity, 2016).
Conclusion: It has been summarized that Bariatric care groups have several skills which makes
them able to change lifestyle of people with obesity and help in addressing psychological needs.
Article 3: Providing healthy diets for Young children: The experience of parents in a UK inner
city
Type of research: Qualitative/interpretivism
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Introduction: Obesity in early childhood is one of the main illnesses in the UK, affecting living
standards of people. This study will show effectiveness of healthy diet inreducing negative
effects and improving health of people with obesity.
Methods: Qualitative study has been used with semi structured interviews.
Results: Some barriers have been found which occur in providing healthy diet which affects
their health such as: education, children’s food preferences, and others. But overall it is found
that healthy diet has positive impacts on health (Healthy diets for people with Obesity, 2018).
Conclusion: It has been concluded that parents and children have several positive impacts on
their health when they get and follow healthy diet.
Section 3
Discussion of research
On the basis of above articles, it can be said that obesity is one of the main problems which
is increasing and affecting overall health of people. There are several factors which lead to this
problem and one of the main factors is lack of healthy diet or having junk food by children. It
can also be said that health care professionals play an important role in improving health of
people with obesity as they make use of several effective strategies. One of the best ways which
makes them able to improve living standard of people and reducing obesity rate in the UK is
healthy diet (Bhansali, 2020). For suggesting healthy diet and making people aware about it,
they analyse and consider patients needs, their behaviours and all other factors which can affect
their performance. Analysis of all these factors makes them able to take better decision and
suggesting appropriate healthy diet.
Several factors have also been discussed which create barriers in providing or suggesting
healthy diet to people with obesity such as: children are eating behaviour, their preferences, and
their educational or family background. Health care professionals face problems in making
people understand about obesity due to lack of education. It has also been discussed in
quantitative research about obesity that some appropriate interventions plays an important role.
8-week health coaching intervention contributes and has several positive impacts on health of
people with obese especially in women. These interventions shown in quantitative researches
check whether self-esteem and body image of individuals had been influenced by influencing
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managing weight efficiency or not. So , in this context it is found that obesity have several
negative effects on mental health of people.
Bariatric group programme is one of the effective programmes which are being developed by
healthcare professionals in order to manage obesity and allow people to maintain their weight.
When people have healthy diet then they feel fit and refreshed which increase their
concentration power and have several positive impacts on their personal and professional life.
Bariatric care group mainly focuses on changing lifestyle by reducing weight loss and by
knowing their psychological needs. So, overall it can be said that healthy diet and such programs
play an important role is solving social issues and improving health of people. In addition, it is
also discussed that weight stigma has several negative effects on health of people as it is
positively associated with obesity, stress level, diabetes risk, anxiety, and other health illness (le
Roux and et.al., 2020). So, it can be said that this bariatric care programme contribute and have
several positive impacts on the overall health of people with obesity. It is also found that people
who participate in such programme are more likely to experience positive impacts on their
health. In other qualitative researches it is also found that healthy diet contributes in treating
patients with obesity. Parents and carers would benefit from targeted interventions based on
improving techniques around food parenting practices.
All these health problems and illness affect daily lives of people as they find problems in
concentrating on their work and improve their performance. So, it can be said that obesity is not
only related to weight but can create several other problems. In other quantitative articles of
obesity, it is also found that women with obesity are mire likely to affect and are more likely to
depressed and lower self esteem as compare to non obese women. Lower self esteem affects
overall health of women as they become depressed, irritated. It is also being discussed that body
image plays an important role while providing appropriate treatment to people with obesity
because this body image and self esteem is directly associated with obesity and affect health of
people. So, health care professional considers this factor while providing treatment and
identifying all other factors which leads to obesity (Adams, 2020). It is also found that there is
requirement of having some social skills in healthcare professionals for dealing with patients and
improving their overall health. Some social skills which play an important role include: Integrity,
communication, self motivation and knowledge about diet because it is one of the best way of
solving issues related to obesity and reducing weight. So, it can be said that social skills play an
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important role along with knowledge of diet because it allows health care professionals in
supporting people with obesity in maintaining their weight and becoming healthy and fit.
CONCLUSION
From the above study it can be concluded that healthy diet plays a vital role in reducing
negative effects on health due to obesity and improving overall health of people. Healthy diet is
one of the best ways of reducing rate of obesity by health care professionals. Further, this study
has also shown that pregnant women with obesity have affected with care choice. Bariatric group
programme also plays an important role in improving health of people with obesity and making
them able to maintain weight. Further, it has also discussed that weight stigma is positively
associated with obesity, stress level, diabetes risk, and other health problems which needs to be
addressed in an effective manner. It has also been summarized that women with obesity are more
likely to become depressed and lower self esteem than non obese women which affect their
living standard and lifestyle.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Adams, J., 2020. Addressing socioeconomic inequalities in obesity: Democratising access to
resources for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. PLoS Medicine, 17(7),
p.e1003243.
Bhansali, S., 2020. Tackling new-normal obesity. British Dental Journal, 229(4), pp.214-214.
Chapman, A., 2017. The Elements of Academic Style: Writing for the humanities, by Eric
Hayot. London Review of Education. 15(1). pp.143-144.
le Roux, C.W. and et.al., 2020. Obesity, cardiovascular risk and healthcare resource utilization in
the UK. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, p.2047487320925639.
Sarigiani, P.A., and et. al., 2020. Obesity and depressive symptoms in college women: analysis
of body image experiences and comparison to non-obese women. International Journal
of Adolescence and Youth. 25(1). pp.765-779.
Valentin Ayala, R. and Bernstein, J., 2020. Changing Weight Management Self-efficacy Among
Obese Puerto Rican Adults: A Quantitative Study using a Health Coaching
Intervention. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 18(1). p.9.
Wu, Y.K. and Berry, D.C., 2018. Impact of weight stigma on physiological and psychological
health outcomes for overweight and obese adults: a systematic review. Journal of
advanced nursing. 74(5). pp.1030-1042.
Zurini, M., 2018. Gender Statistical Analysis Applied for Identifying Style Patterns in English
Academic Writing. Informatica Economica. 22(1).
Online
Bariatric group program in managing obesity. 2016. [Online]. Available through: <
https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bjhp.12218>
Changing Weight Management Self-efficacy Among Obese Puerto Rican Adults. 2018. [Online]
Available through: < https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ijahsp/vol18/iss1/9/>
Healthy diets for people with Obesity 2018. [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17482631.2018.1490623>
Impact of weight stigma on physiological and psychological health outcomes for overweight and
obese adults. 2018. [Online]. Available through: <
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29171076/>
Obesity and depressive symptoms in college women. 2020. [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340075131_Obesity_and_depressive_sympto
ms_in_college_women_analysis_of_body_image_experiences_and_comparison_to_non
-obese_women>
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Perception of risk and influence of choice in obese pregnant women. 2020. [Online]. Available
through: < https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0227325>
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