The American lifestyle--with its tempting abundance of fast food and ease of sedentary living--has led to a nationwide obesity epidemic, leaving millions of people with expanding waistlines and a host of weight-related diseases. The term "obesity" refers to excessive body fat, or a calculated body mass index (BMI) above 30 in adults. This public health concern threatens the longevity and well-being of current generations, as well as those of the future.
Causes
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), consuming more calories than you use--whether through overeating or inactivity--is the driving force behind American obesity. Lifestyle habits such as excessive computer use, driving instead of walking and working at seated office jobs contribute to physical idleness, and the NIH states that watching TV for more than two hours per day correlates with weight gain. Other factors contributing to obesity include eating a diet rich in high-calorie items, taking corticosteroid or antidepressant medications, eating for emotional reasons, failing to lose weight gain from pregnancy, aging, lacking adequate sleep and having a family history of obesity.
Prevalence
The number of obese individuals in America has steadily risen since the early 1960s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a government survey conducted in 2005 revealed that 34.3 percent of American adults were obese and 5.9 percent were extremely obese--a nearly threefold increase since 1960. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that, in 2008, between 16 and 33 percent of children and teens were clinically obese.
Geography
In America, obesity tends to be more widespread in Southeastern states than in the Western and Northeastern U.S. Data from the CDC in 2008 reveals that Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee are home to the greatest percentage of overweight citizens, with over 30 percent of adults in these states qualifying as obese. Conversely, Colorado is home to the fewest obese individuals, with only 18.5 percent of its residents considered obese. These geographical trends may be due to regional variations in cuisine, lifestyle and health awareness.
Complications
Obesity contributes to a host of health complications, some potentially fatal. The Mayo Clinic states that, compared with normal-weight individuals, obese people are more likely to develop heart disease, gynecological problems, gall-bladder disease, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, skin problems, sleep apnea, stroke, blood lipid abnormalities, type 2 diabetes and a variety of cancers--including that of the uterus, cervix, breast, prostate, rectum and ovaries. Emotional and psychological repercussions include depression, sexual problems, shame, low self-esteem and social isolation.
Prevention
Obesity prevention involves making dietary and lifestyle adjustments to avoid consuming more calories than you expend. Individuals of any weight should choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, and should carefully monitor portion sizes at restaurants and fast-food establishments. The NIH recommends engaging in physical activities such as walking, jogging, bicycle riding or other sports on a regular basis, and limiting the time spent watching TV, using the computer and playing video games. In addition to eating a calorie-controlled diet and frequently exercising, individuals should monitor their weight and body fat levels over time, aiming to stay in healthy ranges for both.
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