Obesity in America: Causes, Effects, and Ways to Combat

Obesity is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Obesity is defined as having a BMI (body-mass-index measurement) that is greater than or equal to a measure of 30. Research shows that the majority of the people in the United States are obese, and it is because of many leading factors. Since 1975, obesity has almost tripled. Between 2015 and 2016, nearly 93.3 million people were affected by obesity related health issues. Researchers and medical professionals believe education is the key to addressing the rise of obesity in America. Teaching Americans how to make good choices about food, exercise and lifestyle are the only ways to combat this killer.

In the most simplest terms, obesity in America has risen because Americans take in more calories than ever before. Based on a person's weight and how active they are, caloric intake varies from person to person. Many people do not know how to properly account for caloric intake or burn off. This miscalculation leads to more calories coming in than going out. This leads to weight gain. But, it’s not that simple. Calories from processed foods, most of which are found in fast food establishments, have more calories than whole foods. Americans are always on the go. This lifestyle leads to eating on the go, which leads to bad eating choices. Other reasons for obesity include genetics, decreases in physical activity, binge eating, cancer, diseases, and mental health. These factors are not easily addressed as eating is a result of a deeper issue that has to be addressed. However, both have to be addressed in order for a person to live a healthy lifestyle. People must make a conscious choice to live a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle. Statistics show that 37% of people in the United States eat fast food on a daily basis. Many adults do not like to cook, do not have time to cook or do not know how to cook. For them, picking up fast food after a long day is the easiest solution. This is the worst decision one could make in the long term, because fast food is the unhealthiest food a person could due to the excessive fat and grease in the food. Other food choices such as frozen food meals can become a habit that leads to major weight gain as well. For many Americans, poor food choices are made due to economic reasons. It costs more to eat healthy. Families that struggle from pay check to paycheck are making the best decision available to them. Unfortunately, it is a bad decision and a situation that many adults find themselves in everyday.

Obesity affects a human's lifestyle, health, and physical appearance. It causes a major decline in their health, decreases their lifespan, and lowers their self-esteem. If someone is obese, they are more likely to experince heartattacks, strokes, high blood pressure, cancer, and other life threating disease. It takes away people's “normal” lifestyle and holds them back from doing things they would be able to do if they were at a healthier weight.

Failure stories would be people who are desperately trying to get back to an average weight by purchasing diet pills and diet plans. Consumers spend billions each year trying to find the perfect pill to get rid of the weight. Our society has failed by encouraging quick fixes and ignoring the teachings of good lifestyle choices. The “Let's Move Campaign” by Michelle Obama is a major federal government campaign that was started under the Obama Presidential administration with a goal of increasing physical activity and encouraging schools to provide students with some type of movement opportunities throughout the day. It also promoted eating healthier at school. Teaching students good eating habits is the first step in addressing the obesity crisis in America. Understanding cause and effect of bad eating choices and bad lifestyle choices could reverse this trend. It’s something the United States needs to do, because we are just too fat. Learning to count calories, drink more water, eliminating sodas, and increasing one’s physical activity are just a few of the ways Americans can get out of that obesity lifestyle and help reverse obesity in American society.

To conclude the essay, obesity in America is now considered a national crisis. The Federal government needs to encourage healthier eating options. Offering healthier foods at lower prices, and educating our people about making good decisions would be my solutions. More cooking and health classes in schools that promote proper nutrition and exercise are key factors in addressing this problem. According to dailyhealthlifestyle.com, “Data suggests that about two in every three adults are considered obese, given today’s standards. In addition, if this epidemic remains intact, about half of the entire U.S. population will be obese by the year 2030. Obesity can be avoided with a lifestyle that promotes moderate caloric intake with plentiful physical activity.” Making good choices starts with education and knowledge. As the saying goes...Prevention is worth an ounce of cure.