Honors Theses

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Liberal Studies

First Advisor

Eric Weber

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to compare the actions taken by South Korea, one of the countries with the lowest obesity rate, and the United States, one of the countries with the highest obesity rate, and analyze the programs to draw lessons from which we can learn. Through this thesis project, I address the problem of the increasing prevalence of obesity in the United States, present information from available literature, compare the current programs and nutrition policies in South Korea and the United States, and justify ethical government intervention into nutrition. From the comparison between these countries and their programs, I hope to provide information bettering the United States efforts to address obesity. From South Korea's example, the U.S. can learn that we must make the reduction of obesity a priority in our country. Education, measurable national goals, accountability, and creative policies backed by the force of law are essential for the future of nutrition policies in the United States. However, the most profound difference between the approach and the acceptance of government intervention in South Korea emanates from cultural differences. In order to make the most progress towards becoming a healthier nation, we need to be open to learning from the successes of other countries such as South Korea, and also, open to learning from and evaluating our own experience.

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