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Obesity : A Serious Problem Essay

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Obesity is a serious problem in the United States, it is also a rising issue affecting people of all ages and incomes. Overweight and obesity are words to describe having excess body fat. Obesity or overweight status are determined by the measure of body mass index; BMI uses the calculation based the ratio of someone’s height and weight. Research has shown that BMI shows a good estimate of “fatness” and correlates well with important health outcomes like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and overall mortality. Obesity is a very concerning and rapidly increasing health issue, my public health analysis will primarily be focusing on childhood obesity and overweight. In the United States, 20 percent of children aged 6 to 11 are obese. This rising trend is one that is likely to endure and have long term devastating influences on the population unless there is action taken to reverse this issue. “Obesity is not only a cosmetic concern. It does not just impact the way we look. It can change the course of our lives, and not for the better.” (American Heart Association, 2012) I came across this statement and could not agree any less. Childhood obesity impacts many things from medical complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease, to mental and psychological issues such as poor self-esteem, depression, stress, and the list goes on. However, there are good news to obesity. This trend can be prevented and managed. The most efficient cure to this
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