The Problem Of Obesity In America
By Cindy
Obesity in America is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Approximately 130 million adults in this country are overweight, about 70 million are obese with the Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 30. Approximately 62% of female Americans and 67% of male Americans are considered overweight. Today, there are above 25% of American children are also obese or overweight. An estimated of 400,000 Americas deaths per year may be attributable to poor diet and lack of physical activity.

What can we do?

There is no doubt that obesity in America is growing. Take a look at any of the shopping mall and restaurants and you will see many, many overweight and obesity people. Why US have such a big number of obesity problems, when it is not an issue in many of our countries? What can be done to solve this problem?

Can Lifestyle be the cause?

Lifestyle seems to be one of the causes of obesity in American. Take a look at some foreign countries; people there do not drive from place to place unless they need to. I think part of the reason for this is the high price of petrol and motor vehicles. Come back to America, this is not the case here. Americans drive everywhere, especially if there can avoid walking. From the study, it is believed that almost 75% of county residents may enjoy a completely sedentary or inactive lifestyle. When you combine this eating habit with the American lifestyle and you know why obesity in America is on the rise.

Food Driven Society and Activity-Scarce Environment

Many experts are of the opinion that obesity in America is such an epidemic is because we are a food driven society and having an activity-scarce environments. The movement you switch on the television for few minutes and you will be bombarded with advertisements for fast food, restaurants, sugary drinks, and more! There are many fast food stores around the streets. It is easy to get access to too much food, and usually we eat far more than we need and with new technology making us easier to avoid exercising.

The Worksite Environment

Since the average American adult spends at least 40 hours a week at work, it is important to address nutrition and some physical activity in the worksites. Most worksites have responded to the challenge, and by 1999, a total of 95%of national worksites with above 50 employees offered nutrition, weight management classes, or counseling at the worksite or through their health plans. Individual efforts

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