“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 3: Health and Wellness
Story 05: The Obesity Epidemic
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- BMI (body mass index)
- Genetic
- Environmental
- Behavioral
- High-calorie
- Low-nutrient
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Discrimination
- Stigma
- Multi-faceted
Read or Listen to the following passage:
Obesity is a growing health concern around the world. It is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and is associated with a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The causes of obesity are complex, with a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors contributing to its development.
One major contributor to the obesity epidemic is the increasing availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, often referred to as “junk food.” These foods are often marketed aggressively to children and are readily available in schools, vending machines, and fast-food restaurants. Lack of physical activity is another significant factor in the rise of obesity rates. Sedentary lifestyles, combined with an over-reliance on cars and other forms of transportation, have led to a decrease in daily physical activity.
Obesity has significant consequences for individuals and society as a whole. In addition to the increased risk of health problems, obese individuals may also experience discrimination and social stigma. Obesity also has economic consequences, as the costs associated with treating obesity-related health problems continue to rise.
Prevention and treatment of obesity require a multi-faceted approach. Public health campaigns can educate individuals about healthy eating habits and the importance of physical activity. Access to affordable healthy food options and safe places to exercise is also important. Medical treatment options include weight loss medications, surgery, and lifestyle interventions, such as changes in diet and exercise habits.
It is important for individuals, communities, and governments to recognize the seriousness of the obesity epidemic and work together to address its causes and consequences. By taking a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment, we can improve the health and well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is obesity, and what are some health problems associated with it?
- What are some factors contributing to the obesity epidemic?
- What are the economic consequences of obesity?
- What are some strategies for preventing and treating obesity?
- Why is it important for individuals, communities, and governments to address the obesity epidemic?
Conversations Starters:
- What role do genetics play in the development of obesity?
- What unhealthy food do you enjoy? Would you ever stop or cut back on eating it?
- Do you believe that behavioral factors, such as stress and emotional eating, contribute to the development of obesity?
- In your opinion, should governments implement policies to limit the marketing and availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods?
- Have you ever experienced discrimination or stigma due to your weight or body size?
- What can individuals do to combat sedentary lifestyles and increase physical activity?
- How can society work to change cultural attitudes towards body size and promote body positivity?
- Do you believe that weight loss medications and surgery are viable treatment options for obesity?
- Should employers be held responsible for promoting healthy lifestyles among their employees?
- How can schools play a role in promoting healthy eating habits among children and adolescents?widely accepted?
