Many contributing factors may explain why Americans are becoming obese at a record pace. Around one-third of all Americans are categorized as obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Because of the American lifestyle, this number is expected to increase unless more people become conscientious about losing weight.
Lifestyle
Most Americans are on the go the vast majority of the time. They are career-minded, working long hours to make ends meet. This leaves little time for cooking healthy meals for themselves or exercising on a regular basis. Even though it is recommended that each person get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, most people simply do not have the time to do it. It has also become more convenient to pick up meals on the go instead of choosing healthy meals to cook at home.
Portion Size
A typical American restaurant serves portions that are well above the normal portion size. Because Americans do not like to think they are wasting anything, they may try to eat the entire portion that is placed before them. It is also common to find all-you-can-eat buffets in restaurants, where people will eat more than they typically would at any other place. A single serving of meat should be about the size and thickness of a deck of cards, but restaurant portions are three to five times larger than that.
Ingredients
American food is full of salt, sugar and fat. Because America is a country of convenience, many of these foods are processed in plants, creating a much unhealthier version of the already unhealthy product. The most common processed fats and sugars are hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients are found in most foods that can be bought in the local supermarket.
Price
The price of healthier foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and healthy proteins, is much higher than unhealthy foods in most parts of the nation. This causes a problem for those who want to eat healthy, but can't afford it. This is especially true for working-class or lower-class families. Fast food can also be cheaper than buying groceries for some, so it is often the choice for meals. Fast food is known to contain massive amounts of calories and fats, due to the nature of the food. To combat the growing trend of obesity in America, many fast-food restaurants are now offering healthier choices for meals and side items.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vital Signs
- Athletic Scholarships: Modern lifestyles and genetics contribute to rising obesity rates
- Obesity Research Journal: Chefs' Opinions of Restaurant Portion Sizes
- Living a Healthy Lifestyle: Dangerous Food Ingredients Are Contributing to Obesity and Cancer
Member Comments