As far as society is concerned, the effects of high obesity rates would include: an increase in health care costs, less productivity and increasing disability rates. This is significant, because the information provides a way of seeing the total impact that obesity is having on the individual and society. Where, the overall long-term costs for the individual will mean the possibility of being exposed to a number of different conditions simultaneously. At the same time, society will have to bear the economic impact that obesity rates will have on the economy, as it will lead to higher costs and less productivity. (Vissche 2010 pp. 355 -- 375) Describe the Way in which the Issue is being Reported

The issue is being reported as a major health crisis that will have long-term implications on the country. During these reports, the high statistics and the total amounts of obesity are usually highlighted. At which point, the focus will shift on the total effect that obesity will have on the different groups within the population....

A good example of this can be seen with recent story by the CBS Evening News, which highlighted the overall scope of the problem in children and teenagers. The focus would change, by making a prediction about how many these children / adolescents will face diabetes and heart disease, when they are in their 30's / 40's. This is significant, because it shows how the problem is being reported from an alarmist point-of-view. Where, the intention is to highlight the disturbing trend and what the possible effects will be. The way the issue is being reported, is having little effect on mitigating the problem, as the total number of cases is only continues to rise. (Doane 2010)
Bibliography

F as in Fat, 2007, American Trails, viewed 4 Aug. 2010,

Doane, S, Battling Obesity in America, 2010, viewed 4 Aug. 2010,

Himba, T, 5 Causes of Obesity, 2010, viewed 4 Aug. 2010,

Visscher, T, 2010, 'The Public Health Impact of Obesity', Annual Review of Public Health, vol. 22, pp. 355 -375.