Essay topic: Obesity
Obesity in the United States
How often do you eat fast food? Fast food is okay to eat every once in awhile, but eating it constantly can be dangerous. Did you know that fast food makes up 11% of the average American diet? (PublicHealth). Factors like this can lead to obesity, a monumental issue in the United States. In fact, more than one-third of adults and 17% of youth are affected by obesity in the U.S. (NCSL). However, the numbers don’t stop there as obesity is constantly increasing in the United States. Obesity is a growing issue in the United States caused by unhealthy dietary and lack of exercise, so Americans need to develop healthy habits to prevent obesity.
Obesity is a growing issue due to unhealthy dietary such as large portion sizes and the growing popularity of fast food. The USDA reports that the average American eats almost 20% more calories in the year 2000 than they did in 1983 due to a boom in meat consumption (PublicHealth). The huge rise in calories has negatively impacted American health. All of those excess calories can impact the human body for the worse. The consumption of added fats in food also shot up around 1970, and grain consumption rose 45% (PublicHealth). These tie directly into large portion sizes; eating too much of what the body actually needs. However, large portion sizes are not the only issue as fast food plays a big role in obesity as well. The World Health Organization found that the rise in fast food sales correlates to a rise in body mass index (PublicHealth). As fast food is becoming a go-to for food nowadays, it’s clear here that many Americans are gaining weight as a result of it.
Food isn’t the only cause of obesity, as a lack of exercise in many Americans poses another huge cause for obesity as well. Research suggests Americans burn 120 to 140 fewer calories a day than they did 50 years ago (PublicHealth). Considering how many calories Americans typically consume, this becomes a huge cause for obesity. When Americans consume a lot of calories and don’t use them, it turns into fat. According to the CDC, 80% of Americans don’t get enough exercise (PublicHealth). That’s four fifths of the population! All of the calories Americans consume and don’t use eventually turn to fat. When it comes to children; poor sleep, stress, and lower rates of breastfeeding are also thought to contribute to a child’s long term obesity risk (PublicHealth). So how do we fight the rising problem of obesity considering the causes? There’s many ways Americans can combat obesity.
Although there are many factors that contribute to obesity, Americans can prevent obesity by developing a number of healthy habits that can conquer the growing issue of obesity. Following a healthy eating plan and managing your calorie intake is one way to combat obesity (NHLBI). Counting how many calories you consume and burn is an excellent way to manage your weight. Consuming too many calories and letting all of that energy go to waste will only produce more fat. Fast food restaurants and other restaurants serve portion sizes that are usually enough for two or three people (NHLBI). As consuming too much food and calories is a huge cause for obesity, cutting back on how much you eat will greatly combat obesity. Successful weight loss results from a combination of physical activity and caloric restriction (NHLBI). Balancing your dietary needs and your body’s physical needs will pay off in the end. If Americans across the country take these steps to combat obesity, the percentage of people who are obese will go down tremendously.
Overall, the issue of obesity in the United States not only affects adults, but children as well. Although the causes of obesity are very common in society, a few steps in the right direction will help make a big change. Of course fast food may be delicious and easy to buy, you may want to eat something a bit healthier every once in awhile. While it’s easier to lay down and sleep, you may want to instead go for a walk. Obesity tends to start at a young age for most, but taking those steps to managing a healthy lifestyle will prevent the growing issue of obesity for you and possibly future generations.
Works Cited:
"How Can Overweight and Obesity Be Prevented?" National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 13 July 2012. Web.
"Obesity Statistics in the United States." National Conference of State Legislatures. 4 Sept. 2014. Web.
"What Can We Do?" Obesity in America - PublicHealth. 2015. Web.
"Why Are Americans Obese?" Obesity in America - PublicHealth. 2015. Web.
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