Childhood Obesity Rhetorical Analysis

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Rhetorical Analysis on Childhood Obesity Lee Haney, a former bodybuilder, argues “More than ever, we as parents and a nation must do something about the growth of obesity in our children. We must do more than just talk, we must be concerned enough to act.” Overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults, placing them at risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes later in life. They are also prone to develop stress, depression, and low self-esteem. The advertisement is a black and white image showing a young girl who appears to be unhappy. On the bottom of the advertisement, the words “WARNING: My fat may be funny to you, but it’s killing me” are in big, bold, red letters. This …show more content…
Although it does not state any facts or statistics, the young girl in the ad still shows the harmful effects of childhood obesity. The major premise is that obesity is damaging to our health, especially to a child’s health. Overweight children are at high risk of multiple conditions including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, early heart disease, diabetes, bone problems, and so on. The minor premise is that a child being overweight causes them to feel depressed. It is shown by the girl in the photo, who has a sorrowful look on her face. From the general knowledge that childhood obesity is harmful to children, it is a conclusion that the message the advertisement is addressing is childhood obesity. Obesity can make a child feel depressed, put them at risk of life threatening conditions, and even kill them. This claim is supported by the words at the bottom of the advertisement, “WARNING: My fat may be funny to you, but it’s killing me,” which informs people that childhood obesity is an epidemic. If parents continue to allow their children to eat junk food and live a sedentary lifestyle, it leads to them eventually become overweight and at risk of developing health problems early in