In the United States today, obesity is a significant issue. Over the past 30 years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of overweight individuals. Research from the Centers for Disease Control reveals that since 1980, one-third of adults in the country have become overweight (Klein 28). Despite being the wealthiest nation, America also holds the distinction of being the most obese, leading to jokes from other countries. Even during the health-consciousness of the 1980s, with its focus on dieting and exercise equipment like treadmills, the number of obese Americans continued to rise (Elmer-Dewit 58).
Our society’s eating habits have worsened and contributed to indulgent adults and gluttonous children. The food industry has focused solely on catering to our appetites. Obesity can start at a young age as many children are overweight in our society and put themselves at risk for severe health issues later on such as type 2 diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels hypertension ,and heart problems. Additionally, they face taunting criticism and judgment; however it’s important to note that in most cases ,the child is not responsible for this problem.
Obesity is influenced by various factors, including genetics and a lack of encouragement from parents to engage in physical activity. Many children spend excessive time indoors, consuming high-fat snacks, soft drinks, and candy while watching TV, playing video games, and using computers. In 1994, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) conducted a study on 4,063 children aged eight to fifteen that examined their TV viewing habits, exercise patterns, and weight gain. The results revealed that children who watched more than four hours of television per day had higher body mass index (BMI) numbers compared to those who watched less than one hour. Surveys showed that parents prioritized the safety of their children over outdoor physical activity due to concerns about increased crime rates. As a result, they overlooked the negative effects of excessive TV watching. Research in the 1990s also highlighted how obesity negatively affects children’s social well-being.
The Harvard Health Report titled “Weight Less, Live Longer” provides information on how psychological factors influence appetite and diet – knowledge that many people are unaware of.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that individuals often consume more food when experiencing anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems. Unfortunately, the comfort foods typically sought during these times tend to be high in calories. Consequently, this can result in weight gain for those already struggling with depression, creating a cycle where being overweight exacerbates their emotional issues and promotes overeating. Furthermore, obese individuals frequently face social discrimination which impacts their employment prospects, ability to form friendships, and establish romantic relationships. This discrimination only adds to the already heavy emotional burden borne by those who are overweight. These challenges make it challenging for them to feel optimistic and take steps towards losing weight and altering their appearance.
The book “Food as a Drug” presents various studies examining the concept of viewing obesity as a dependency disorder akin to drug addiction. Food possesses psychoactive effects on individuals and can be seen as a complex combination that elicits reactions within the body comparable to substances found in alcohol and other drugs. The consumption of food has played a significant role in America’s high rates of obesity while also transforming eating disorders into chemical disorders. Unhealthy processed foods have become more popular than nutritious fruits and vegetables due to their convenience, affordability, and enjoyment factor amongst many people.However, individuals must take responsibility for their excessive consumption of items like French fries, hamburgers, and sweets that are filled with chemicals, sugar, and sodium. This category also includes fast food which is high in calories, fat, sodium, and chemicals. While some health authorities may argue against the term “junk food,” it serves a purpose in distinguishing between nourishing food and products primarily enjoyed for their fun factor, convenience, and addictive taste. It’s important to note that approximately 46% of American adults eat out on an average day, with one third choosing fast food. This trend can be attributed to the fast food industry being seen as representative of American culture and gaining popularity in other cultures too. Aggressive advertising through commercials, signs, and large advertisements constantly promotes junk food to consumers. Even a trip to the grocery store exposes shoppers to strategically placed candy bars near checkout counters – demonstrating how deeply the junk food industry understands its appeal. For individuals who are short on time or simply want an easy meal without making decisions or leaving their vehicle behind, junk food provides a convenient option for consuming a substantial meal quickly. However, while the speed and convenience of fast food align with Americans’ fast-paced lifestyles; it does not align with their health and well-being.The consumption of fast food, such as the Burger King Double Whopper with cheese, can have negative effects on health. This meal contains 965 calories, exceeding recommended fat intake and daily sodium limits by up to 750 grams. It is not surprising that those who regularly consume such unhealthy food often experience high obesity rates. Unfortunately, the rushed lifestyles of Americans contribute to weight gain. Carrying excess weight can lead to serious health risks like type 2 diabetes, infertility, hypertension, heart attacks, and colon cancer.
Weight gain occurs when individuals consume more calories than their bodies can burn; these extra calories are stored as fat tissue. Genetic factors also influence weight gain by controlling metabolic rate and appetite. However, being genetically predisposed to weight gain does not necessarily mean being overweight. Even individuals with a moderate genetic tendency for being overweight can lose weight by consuming fewer calories and engaging in regular vigorous exercise.
According to the article “Why People Become Overweight,” certain habits and lifestyle choices can increase the chances of maintaining a lower weight (Carson-Dewitt). The amount of fat consumed and one’s daily routine play significant roles in overall health. Symptoms of obesity often include excess fatty tissue, significant weight gain, and orthopedic issues like arthritis and lower back painResearch indicates that individuals who have excess weight in the abdomen, known as an “apple-shaped” body, are at a higher risk for various diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes compared to those with weight mainly accumulating in the hips and thighs – referred to as a “pear-shaped” body. The book “Eating Disorders and Obesity” emphasizes that where fat is deposited also affects susceptibility to diseases, particularly the danger of intra-abdominal fat. Fat cells located in this area release harmful substances into the liver. Additionally, statistics from this book demonstrate a strong connection between adult-onset diabetes and weight gain. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, and abnormal serum lipids are more prevalent among individuals with a BMI ranging from 23 to 25. Although some argue that being overweight may offer protection against hip fractures and broken bones due to extra padding, it is crucial to acknowledge that heart disease and diabetes pose significantly greater risks to overall health. Therefore, there is no benefit to being overweight; instead, preventing obesity early on is essential for physical well-being and self-esteem as highlighted in the text. Parents play a critical role in this effort by serving as role models and promoting a healthy lifestyle. They should closely monitor their child’s food intake while considering both quantity and quality.The article “Obesity” emphasizes the importance of adults modifying their own habits if they were not taught proper eating practices by their parents. Addressing obesity goes beyond rapid weight loss; it involves developing lifelong habits of making wise choices. Overweight individuals can benefit from maintaining a food diary, changing grocery shopping habits, mealtimes, and eating pace. Psychological factors like stress or using food as a reward also greatly affect excessive eating. Understanding these reasons can help prevent various issues associated with overindulging.
Moreover, the article stresses that incorporating physical activity into one’s routine is essential. Regular exercise not only improves overall health but also boosts metabolism through muscle development, which burns more calories than fat does. When combined with nutritious meals, regular exercise leads to continued calorie burn at an accelerated rate for several hours afterward. Building endurance and trying new activities can prevent losing interest in staying active.
It is recommended that individuals seeking lifestyle changes seek encouragement and supervision from a medical professional. Most doctors would advise following a low-calorie diet of approximately 1200 to 1500 calories per day or a liquid protein diet for up to three months with guidance from dieting and exercise experts.Serotonin-boosting appetite-suppressant pills can be prescribed to control feelings of fullness, but weight loss also relies on maintaining the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, and good-quality fats in food to enhance metabolism. Support groups knowledgeable about healthy diets can offer essential support for following this eating plan (Obesity). Obesity experts emphasize monitoring fat consumption rather than just counting calories. It is recommended that only 30% of daily calorie intake comes from fat, with one-third being saturated fat (Obesity).
Many Americans struggle with obesity and face various obstacles like genetics, metabolism, depression, habits, and lifestyle choices. The constant promotion of unhealthy food and advertisements for large meals on television divert children from choosing healthier options and reinforce the idea that constant eating is necessary. Numerous messages hinder Americans’ ability to achieve fitness goals (Obesity). Coping with obesity presents significant challenges as it not only impacts physical health but also contributes to depression and emotional problems. The negative consequences of being overweight are ever-present, creating a sense of despair.Developing healthy habits is essential from an early stage since they contribute to a longer and more fulfilling life. Regrettably, American society has become overly busy and neglects these advantageous principles, resulting in the pervasive issue of obesity. Obesity goes beyond just food choices; it encompasses one’s entire way of life.
Works Cited
Brownell, Kelly D. and Christopher G. Fairburn, ed. Eating Disorders and Obesity: A Comprehensive Handbook. New York: Guilford Press, 1995.
Critser, Greg. Fat Land: How Americans Became The Fattest People in the World. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003.
Elmer-Dewit, Philip. “Fat times” Time. Jan 16, 1995 v145 n2 p.58 (8). Health and Wellness Resource Center. William J. Squires Library, 2 February 2006.
“Junk Food: How Much Can You Get Away With?” The PDR Family Guide to Nutrition and Health. David W. Sifton, Editor in Chief. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., A Thomson HealthCare Company, January 2003.
Klein, Calvin. “Big Country: the Roots of American Obesity.” The New Republic Sept 19, 1994 v211 n12-13 p.28 (5).
Poston, Walker and Keith Haddock edited the book “Food as a Drug” (2000) published by Hawthorne Press Inc. Carson-Dewitt, MD wrote an article about “Obesity” in the second edition of The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (2001), edited by Jacqueline L. Longe. A care note titled “Weight Management for Children” was published on March 1, 2005. A publication called “Weigh Less, Live Longer” (Harvard Special Health Reports) explores the reasons behind people becoming overweight, with consultation from Lee M. Kaplan, M.D., Ph.D. This publication was released by Harvard Health Publications in 2001.
