Sociological Explanation for Obesity

Sociological Explanation for Obesity
Student’s Name
College/University
Course
Professor’s Name
Due Date
The rational choice theory can be used to explain the rising obesity rates in the United States (U.S.) because it asserts that people make decisions concerning possible alternatives using their rational capabilities and thus balance the costs and benefits (Pitt, 2023). In this context, the individual will likely choose the alternative with the greatest usefulness or utility. Concerning the rising obesity rates, people are likely to engage in activities and nutritional habits, including physical inactivity and unhealthy eating behaviors, to maintain social order and enjoy conformity benefits. Accordingly, structural functionalism can explain the rising obesity rates because it asserts the need for people to follow a specific social nature and order geared toward achieving societal stability (Pitt, 2023). For example, the failure of the government to control the sale of sugary drinks can serve the economic interests of some stakeholders in the community while at the same time increasing sugar intake am...