Obesity in the United States has become a health epidemic. It is projected that if this obesity crisis is not controlled, children in this and future generations will have a shorter life expectancy than that of their parents despite the medical advancements of the past few decades. The health, social, economic and psychological consequences affect both individuals and society as a whole.
Definition of Obesity
Body mass index is a scale used to classify obesity. The scale takes into account a person's weight and height to calculate a body mass index number. Obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater. A body mass index of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight; 18.5 to 24.9 is classified as normal. Scores of 40 or higher are considered morbidly obese. Obesity is a serious health problem because it is a risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. Obesity also can lead to a lower quality of life, depression, sleep apnea and a multitude of other health, social and psychological problems.
Obesity Trends
During the past 20 years, obesity rates in the United States have soared. In recent decades, obesity rates among adults have doubled, and among children, the rates have tripled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2009 that 33 states had obesity rates higher than 25 percent. Of the 33 states, nine --- Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia --- had obesity rates higher than 30 percent.
Causes of Obesity
The causes of obesity are clear. Health researchers say it is simply a matter of individuals not exercising enough and consuming too much unhealthy food. A recent study conducted by the CDC found only 26 percent of U.S. adults eat vegetables three or more times a day. This does not include French fries as a vegetable, but does include sandwich or hamburger condiments such as lettuce and a tomato slice. Instead of consuming the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, many Americans eat too much processed, junk and high-calorie food. Other causes of obesity include a lack of sleep, leading to hormonal changes, certain medications and medical conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing's syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome. A slow metabolism or thyroid problems are not medical conditions that cause obesity.
Future Predictions
Health experts estimate that obesity rates will continue to rise in the coming decades. They also expect that the highest increases will be in the severe and extreme obesity categories. According to a study published in the journal "Obesity," if current obesity trends hold, 86.3 percent of US adults will be overweight or obese by 2030. Of this, 51.1 percent will be classified as obese. Black women and Mexican-American men will be the most affected, the study adds: Some 86.3 percent of black women will be overweight and obese, to 91.1 percent of Mexican-American men. Among children, the overweight prevalence will nearly double by 2030, to approximately 60 percent.
Solutions
The goal of a treatment plan for obesity is to return weight to healthy levels as well as maintain a healthy weight in the future. This should be achieved through realistic lifestyle changes --- primarily instilling long-term exercise and dietary habits. Obese individuals looking to lose weight should consult a doctor or fitness professional on the best route for their specific level of health in order to prevent injuries or serious health complications. Generally, this will involve exercising more throughout the day and cutting back on calorie consumption while consuming healthy, whole foods. Some individuals choose to treat their obesity with weight-loss surgeries or prescription weight-loss medications.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Data and Statistics
- Mayo Clinic: Obesity
- New York Times: Obesity Rates Keep Rising
- New York Times: Told to Eat Its Vegetables, America Orders Fries
- "Current and Future Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity in the United States"; By Christopher J. Ruhm; 2007
- "Will All Americans Become Overweight or Obese? Estimating the Progression and Cost of the US Obesity Epidemic"; By Youfa Wang, May A. Beydoun, Lan Liang, Benjamin Caballero and Shiriki K. Kumanyika; 2008
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