How to start a research paper on childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is one of the most researched health issues because of its prevalence all over the world. Researching this topic, many students are unsure of how to write a research paper in an organized manner. After a writer has chosen the general topic of childhood obesity, the next step is narrowing it down further for a coherent paper. Here are some tips on how to find specific topics as well as sample outlines, thesis, and introduction.

Tips on how to start

To write a good research paper, the author must be aware of the following dos and don’ts. Do use scholarly resources only to ensure the validity and reliability of the references. In general, access databases of peer-reviewed journals, which usually have the most credible articles. If using sources that can be found online, select websites which end with .gov or .edu as they are typically backed up by research and/or logic.

Do not use invalid sources such as those found in non-academic blogs and the like as they will discredit the value of the arguments. Furthermore, assess the soundness of the references before relying on them. Check their references if they are credible as well as the logic of their arguments. After choosing several sources, type the topic “childhood obesity” in the database and scan the articles. Look for a narrower topic and focus on it. Choose a specific topic that is personally interesting for the writing process to be motivated and not merely about making the grade. Likewise, consider the required number of pages as this will affect the scope of the study. After deciding on the specific research focus, search for more articles about the subtopic and create an annotated bibliography to summarize initial findings and synthesize information later on. Write a detailed outline and fill out the information including references.

Example of an outline

Below is an example of an outline of childhood obesity.

I. Introduction

A. Prevalence of childhood obesity in the country.

B. Why is it urgent to address childhood obesity? What are its health risks?

C. Research question: What are the causes and how can parents address them?

II. Causes of Childhood Obesity

A. Genetics.

B. Poor diet.

C. Low physical activity.

D. Psychological factors.

E. Government and school policies that affect a child’s diet and physical activity.

F. Parental factors.

III. Effects of Childhood Obesity

A. Physical.

B. Social.

C. Psychological.

IV. Resolutions to Childhood Obesity at Parental Levels

A. Motivate healthy eating.

B. Model healthy living.

C. Increase physical activity.

D. Lobby for school and government policies that promote healthy eating and exercise.

V. Conclusion

Example of a thesis

Childhood obesity has potential biological and social causes, and parents should strive to respond to as many factors in order to reduce its negative effects on their children. Family adults have the power of changing the lives of their children and they should do so by being rightful role models of good health and encourage physical activity. At the same time, they can advocate for policies that encourage eating natural food and exercise. Hence, parents have vital functions to play in both preventing and resolving childhood obesity and must be proactive so that it can be stopped in their very own homes.

Example of a childhood obesity research paper introduction

The introduction has the following basic components. It should state the purpose of the research as well as the thesis. It should also describe how the student intends to approach the topic. Below is an example of an introduction:

Childhood obesity is one of the most significant health issues of the twenty-first century. Around the world, there are around 42 million overweight children. Parents have a significant responsibility in preventing and resolving childhood obesity. The paper attempts to understand its causes and present solutions that parents can conduct. Childhood obesity has diverse possible causes including genetics and social factors with countless adverse impacts, and in order for parents to help resolve it, they require changes in their own family as well as be supportive of health policies and initiatives.

How to write body paragraphs for a research paper on childhood obesity

Before starting writing a body notice that body writing must be organized and relevant to the thesis.

Tips on body writing

First, each body must connect back to the thesis. Second, every paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that has supporting ideas or arguments. Third, all sentences must flow in a systematic manner with the right transition signals, such as the words, “Subsequently” and “In connection.” Fourth, eliminate all unnecessary or unrelated information. Fifth, the last sentence should summarize the points in the paragraph and present the transition to the next idea.

Example of the 1st body paragraph

Here is a sample of the first body paragraph using the outline:

Childhood obesity has complex and numerous causes. Genetics can make one prone to obesity. Besides genetics, a poor diet filled with sugary, fried food can increase body mass. Lack of physical activity can produce fatty tissues as well. Other factors that contribute to obesity are psychological elements, policies, and parents.

Example of the 2nd body paragraph

The second paragraph focuses on the effects of childhood obesity. Underneath is a
sample:

Several consequences result from childhood obesity. Physically, obese children are prone to medical conditions when they grow older such as fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, among others. Socially, obese children can experience bullying and stigma. They may have problems making friends and become dissatisfied at school and life in general. Psychologically, children with obesity could suffer from low self-esteem as well as depression.

Example of the 3rd body paragraph

The third paragraph focuses on solutions at household levels:

First, parents should motivate healthy living by discussing the benefits of natural food versus the disadvantages of fast food. Second, adults must be models of clean living by preparing and consuming foods high in protein or vitamins and minerals. Third, family members should exercise together such as walk an hour or more each day or engage in regular sports for at least 30 minutes. Fourth, voting members must lobby for school and government policies that promote healthy eating and exercise.

How to finish a research paper: Tips on conclusion writing

The concluding paragraph finishes the frame of the research arguments. It can start with a
restated thesis. Next, it must sum up the whole perfect essay. Also, the author should consider contextualizing the research in a broader scope to boost its relevance to the readers. Likewise, avoid introducing new topics at this point to prevent confusing readers. Furthermore, the conclusion should end with the feeling of completion or a call to action. It must have a positive note instead of a depressing sentiment.

Example of conclusion

Childhood obesity has potential biological and social causes, and parents should strive to respond to as many factors in order to reduce its negative effects on their children. Family adults have the power of changing the lives of their children and they should do so by being rightful role models of good health and encourage physical activity. At the same time, they can advocate for policies that encourage eating natural food and exercise. Hence, parents have vital functions to play in both preventing and resolving childhood obesity and must be proactive so that it can be stopped in their very own homes.

Tips on research paper revision

Revision is the last stage of research writing before submitting the final draft to your professor and for a thorough revision, here are the following tips. Remember that revising entails thinking deeply about the soundness of ideas, refining arguments, changing the order or content of paragraphs to make the flow better, and rewording awkward sentences.

First, revise early. Avoid revising at the last minute as this will result in missing problems in your paper, such as incorrect spelling and grammar. Second, have breaks during revision. After revising, take an hour or even possible, a day or two, in order to have fresh eyes that are more accurate in detecting writing weaknesses. Third, read your paper out loud as this is effective in determining unclear or awkward writing. Fourth, focus on proofreading first and remove grammar and usage mistakes. Fifth, read as the audience would. Detach the self from the work and read from the perspective of the reader. Is the paper persuasive and interesting? Is there something else that can be one for it to be better? Sixth, have another person read it and respond to feedback. Seventh, apply changes, take a rest for a day or a few days if time permits, read the paper again, and do final proofreading and editing for writing problems.

Example of revision for the 1st body paragraph

Childhood obesity has numerous, possibly interconnected internal and external causes. Genetics can make a person prone to obesity as the DNA itself may have specific markers that increase the body’s ability to retain adipose tissues. Biological factors can make a huge difference between someone who gets fat easily and another who eats anything without gaining a pound. Besides genetics, a poor diet filled with sugary, fried food can increase body mass. Lack of physical activity can result in the accumulation of fatty tissues as well. Other factors that contribute to obesity are psychological elements, policies, and parents. They can interact and raise obesity risks, such as when a policy allows fast food inside schools, thereby encouraging eating fried foods and boosting the prevalence of obesity.