Passage from Original Source

Obesity is a major issue because (1) vast numbers of people are affected; (2) the prevalence is growing; (3) rates are increasing in children; (4) the medical, psychological, and social effects are severe; (5) the behaviors that cause it (poor diet and inactivity) are themselves major contributors to ill health; and (6) treatment is expensive, rarely effective, and impractical to use on a large scale.

Biology and environment conspire to promote obesity. Biology is an enabling factor, but the obesity epidemic, and the consequent human tragedy, is a function of the worsening food and physical activity environment. Governments and societies have come to this conclusion very late. There is much catching up to do.

Sample Quotations from Second Paragraph

Although human biology has contributed to the pudgy American society, everyone now faces the powerful challenge of a “worsening food and physical activity environment” (Brownell and Horgen 51). As Brownell and Horgen conclude, “There is much catching up to do” (51).

Sample Paraphrase of First Paragraph

The current concern with increasing American weight has developed for half a dozen reasons, according to Brownell and Horgen. They attribute the shift in awareness to the number of obese people and the increase in this number, especially among youngsters. In addition, excess weight carries harsh consequences for individual physical and mental health and for society’s welfare. Lack of exercise and unhealthy food choices worsen the health consequences, especially because there’s no cheap and easy cure for the effects of eating too much and exercising too little (51).

Sample Paraphrase Mixed with Quotation

Lack of exercise and unhealthy food choices worsen the health consequences, especially because they remain “major contributors to ill health” (Brownell and Horgen 51).

Sample Summary

After outlining six reasons why obesity is a critical issue, Brownell and Horgen urge Americans to eat less and become more active (51).

Sample Summary Mixed with Quotation

After outlining six reasons why obesity is a critical issue, Brownell and Horgen urge Americans to remedy “the worsening food and physical activity environment” (51).

Works Cited Entry (MLA Style)

Brownell, Kelly D., and Katherine Battle Horgen. Food Fight: The Inside Story of the Food Industry, America’s Obesity Crisis, and What We Can Do about It. Chicago: Contemporary-McGraw, 2004. Print.