U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked obesity as the number one health risk Americans are facing. During the past twenty years obesity has dramatically increased in the United States. In 2010, not one state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-six states had a prevalence of 25% or more and among these there were twelve states with a prevalence of 30% or more!
Obesity is associated with the range of weight that has been shown to increase the likelihood of diseases and other health problems. To determine whether a person is considered overweight or obese the weight and height of the individual is used to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI is used because it usually is linked to the amount of body fat a person has. An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. However, an adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
In this comprehensive overview we are going to look at the root of obesity in America and the major factors influencing the problem. We will look at the health problems associated with obesity. We will see what the communities are trying to do to resolve and prevent the problem of obesity in America getting worse. Lastly, we will look at some solutions to the issue.
There are a number of aspects that play a role in obesity. Behavior, environment, and genetic factors have an effect in the cause of obesity. Remember, while genetics and the environment can increase the risk of weight gain, the choices a person makes in eating and physical activity is also a factor. It all boils down to balancing the calories a person consumes to maintain a healthy weight for a lifetime. A calorie is the unity of energy supplied by food. All food: carbohydrates, fats, sugars, and proteins contain calories. To maintain a weight a person is eating roughly the number of calories that their body is using. When a person is gaining weight they are eating more calories than their body can use. They are storing the extra calories as fat. Losing weight is when the body is pulling from its fat storage cells because the person is eating fewer calories than they are using.
Environment plays a role in obesity in many different ways. The community in which a person lives, their homes and workplaces can all influence healthy decisions. Because the environment has so much power or sway over a person, it is important to create environments that encourage physical activity and the desire to eat a healthy diet. Some examples to do this are in your home reduce the amount of television watching and all other sitting activities. Also create a regular routine for physical activity. Ensure that the schools in the area provide healthy meals for children and also provide food options that include low fat, calories and not so much added sugar. In addition, making sure schools provide daily physical education. In the workplace employers should create more opportunities for physical activity and wellness. The community also should encourage healthier choices and reasonable serving sizes in various food outlets. Placing more sidewalks, building parks and recreational facilities also helps the community minimize the environmental reasons for obesity.
Although most reasons for obesity come down to our own will power, science shows that genetics also have a part in obesity. Genes are the root cause for obesity in disorders such as Bardet-Beidl syndrome and Prader Willi syndrome. Endocrinologists are among some of the doctors who study the genetic and physiological causes and effects of obesity. They are trained to diagnose and treat diseases connected to the endocrine system, which regulates the metabolism, appetite, and growth through hormones.
It is concerning that so many health consequences are linked to obesity: Coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers, hypertension, stroke, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and osteoarthritis to name a few! Endocrinologists are motivated to develop treatments and medications to promote a slimmer and more fit America.
There are many health agencies and organization in place that are keeping track and researching this growing epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the nation’s top agency that labors to prevent and control many diseases. Obesity is one disease it is staying on top of.
The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) is a national information service that provides up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, nutritional information, and physical activity. It also provides statistical information and the economic costs of the disease, which is extremely high. Medical care costs of obesity in the United States are overwhelming! Just in 2008 the cost totaled about $147 billion. Since obesity rates are rising so are the medical costs.
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) collects and produces data on the relationship between sleep and obesity. It looks at the occurrence of obesity among adults and among children and adolescents. It is the United States’ main health statistic agency.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is focused on the global spread of obesity. It is working to prevent obesity from becoming a global epidemic. On their website they provide the BMI for each country all over the world.
The American Obesity Association (AOA) is considered one of the nation’s leading public policy advocates for fighting and curing obesity in America. The AOA has information about consumer protection concerns and health results correlated to obesity.
Many studies have proven that a leading cause for the rising obesity rates in America point directly to the food we consume. We are finding that processed and artificial foods may increase risk of obesity. Americans like quick, easy and flavorful food, so to meet this demand manufacturers will pump their food with extra sugars, salt, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, dyes, artificial flavors, saturated fats and all sorts of chemicals. The additives replace the nutrients and fiber our bodies need. The food no longer has beneficial nutrients to maintain blood sugar levels and ensure proper digestion. The body will store things it can’t process in fat tissue.
Empty calorie foods such as fried foods and soda are quickly broken down by the body causing sugar levels to rapidly rise. As a result we become hungrier and eat more at our next meal or it encourages more snacking. Fast food restaurants are also a contributing factor to the rise in obesity. Fast food contains very little nutrients and is packed full with added sugar, salt, refined flour, fat and preservatives. Think about this, every dollar we spend on fast food and the time we save going through a drive through we will in turn put ourselves at risk with medical costs, illness, disease, and productivity losses.
What should America do? How can we prevent ourselves from becoming a part of the obesity epidemic? First of all, eat whole grains and fruits and vegetables. Watch your portion sizes. Fast food should only be occasional, not a habitual daily or weekly practice. Keep in mind you want to be eating only the calories your body uses if you want to maintain a healthy weight. If you need to shed a few pounds then start eating fewer calories than you use. You may not have to restrict calories, but choose calories more wisely. All Americans if they are able to should begin a regular routine of physical exercise that will work for them and their needs. Utilize your neighborhood parks and sidewalks. Get a friend to be healthy and fit with you. Let’s move forward and do your part to help build a healthier, not a more obese America one body at a time!