Obesity in America is a very serious problem affecting many Americans currently and is a problem that continues to grow each year. Obesity is a disorder involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems. I believe that obesity in America is a huge problem which is caused by a few factors. Obesity in America is a huge problem that continues to escalate due to fast food chains, lack of physical activity, and overeating.
Obesity basically means having too much body fat. Not being overweight for your height, having too much muscle, or water in your body. What exactly is obesity? “Obesity is a condition that is associated with having an excess of body fat, defined by genetic and environmental factors that are difficult to control when dieting. Obesity is classified as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is a tool used to measure obesity. Obesity increases your risk of developing related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea, to name a few. Many individuals are affected by obesity and are not aware of it” (O.A.C, 2016). Causes of obesity vary from person to person, but most are from the same reasons. Taking in more calories than your body can burn leads to obesity because your body stores the unused calories as fat. Typical causes are eating too much food than your body can use, drinking too much alcohol, and not getting enough exercise. Many obese people who lose large amounts of weight and gain it back think it is their fault. They blame themselves for not having the willpower to keep the weight off. Many people regain more weight than they lost. Today, we know that biology is a big reason why some people cannot keep the weight off. Some people who live in the same place and eat the same foods become obese, while others do not. Our bodies have a complex system to help keep our
7. Do not skip meals like breakfast or dinner as it lowers the metabolic rate
Last week at my field placement, an enormous amount of our patients shared that they used drugs in response to depressive symptoms and experienced mood elevation, regardless of their drug of choice. The correlations between mental health illnesses and substance abuse, as our readings confirmed, contribute to the poor functioning of this population. In addition, abusing drugs and alcohol can worsen our patients’ mental and physical health problem by increase symptoms or bring on new illnesses. In other words, self-medication might seem helpful. But in reality, it can deepen the difficulties a patient might face.
Individuals with a body mass index of 30 or higher are considered to be obese. Body max index is the way you are able to calculate a person’s health conditions based on their height and weight.
Patients may display signs of an unstable self-image, sense of self or identity disturbance. A patient may be indecisive about his or her life and feel they constantly want to change jobs, may question their sexual identity, and values etc. These feelings lead to the next characteristic, extreme impulsivity in at least two areas that could be harmful such as unsafe sex, substance abuse or reckless driving. (DSM, 2000) The patient may feel unstable and experience rapid mood changes such as irritability or anxiety. They may have chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom which may stimulate self-mutilation. (NIMH)
America's children are not getting enough exercise, and the health risks due to obesity are becoming epidemic in nature. Even First Lady Michelle Obama is supporting an initiative to help children become more active and to provide for exercise (at least 30-60 minutes per day) in all schools. Even limited amounts of exercise can have great health benefits. When humans exercise, the brain produces chemicals that help enhance mood, limit cravings for sugars, and contribute to healthier joints, muscles, the heart, and kidneys. In turn, this translates into more productive work time, the ability to sleep better, increase memory, and reduce dependence on medications. Children are so vulnerable to this health risk that if it continues, over 60% of graduating seniors will be clinically obese. Written by a medical journalist, the book is designed for the lay reader but has a number of documented scholarly sources.
Since the 1980’s, there has been a steady increase in the percentage of people who are obese in every country around the world. Americans have the greatest percentage of obesity among adults at just over thirty percent. What has caused this epidemic to rise so uncontrollably? The growth of obesity in America is primarily caused by environmental factors rather than genetic factors because only a small amount of obese people have the genes that contribute to obesity.
Obesity in America is a big problem which nearly 78 million adults and 13 million children are facing. The life style of Americans these days is a big reason of obesity. Some of the reasons of obesity in American adults and children are increased availability of packaged food, lack of exercise, hours of sitting in the jobs, use of television, computers and phones (Weintrub, 2011).
Obesity is becoming one of the major problems for society. All Americans have become vulnerable victims of their own products of food, also considered as their prosperity. Many health doctors believe that the key to the United States obesity problems lay in the not healthy(toxic) environment in which people work, live and spend their quality time. America is an environment where supersized portions are normal, and huge grocery stores fully stocked with snacks like cookies, frozen foods, and many sugary cereals as cinnamon toast crunch. Temptations to eat a high-calorie meals are everywhere. American children are exposed to delicious, savoring junk food on commercials every time they turn the TV. Especially in poor neighborhoods, it has become
In a country best known for its extensive amounts of junk food establishments, it is no wonder why an obesity problem is on our hands. With nearly 15,000 McDonald's locations in the United States alone, it provides quick access to fast food, which remains as one of the leading factors in the increasing accumulation of obese adults in the nation. This number of obese people in America has been racking up simultaneously with the development of fast food and stagnant day jobs, which require little to no exercise. Sweatpants and leggings are accepted as everyday attire, allowing people to wear stretchy pants without the consequence of being able to notice any weight gain they may be experiencing. America as a whole has been neglecting the lifestyle
The United States of America, a nation that is known for it’s power, independence, and obesity. In the past few decades, this country has been suffering from an epidemic of obesity and diabetes. The government should increase the sales tax on fatty and high-sugar junk food to encourage healthy eating and help the American people. The revenue raised could be used to support greater causes and pay for health care reform. This might be the solution this country needs.
Dalton, S. (2005). Our Overweight Children: What Parents, Schools And Communities Can Do to Control the Fatness Epidemic. Berkeley: University of California Press.
McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Chik-fil-A, Arby’s, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, Carl’s Jr., and KFC are just a few popular fast foods found in America or right in town! Here in the United States (US), obesity, or being overweight is the biggest health challenge facing citizens today. The US is the largest, in weight, country in the world. The United States has some of the best and cheapest foods that contribute to the mass amounts of food intake. Obesity is affecting the majority of citizens around the country.
Fed Up. Stephanie Soechtig. Perf. Michele Simon, Katie Couric, Bill Clinton, Michael Bloomberg. Atlas Films, 2014.