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The Problem Of Inadequate Fruit And Vegetable Consumption

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Rationale: The Problem
Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption alongside physical inactivity may lead to increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Exercising regularly and consistently consuming recommended daily fruit and vegetable amounts are effective in increasing quality of life, preventing chronic diseases, and supporting overall health (Muller, 2014). According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases can emerge through modifiable behaviors and lead to millions of lives lost each year; as 3.2 and 1.7 million deaths can be directly attributed to insufficient physical activity and unhealthy diet, respectively (WHO, 2015). Unfortunately, many Americans are not taking actionable steps toward adopting consistent exercise habits and healthy eating. The CDC reports that more than one-third (34.9% or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese (CDC, 2015). Obesity has increased in the U.S. and in other industrialized parts of the world due to low-cost food laden with high volumes of sugar, salt and fat content; the sustained establishment of fast food chains serving large portion sizes; and labor saving technology/transportation (amongst other factors). Obesity increases risk for several chronic illnesses including type II diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer and stroke. Finding effective solutions to positively modify physical activity and diet behavior can lead to enhanced population health by decreasing both morbidity and mortality while

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