Monday, August 25, 2008

Obesity in America

America is one of the most progressive and richest nations in the world. Consequently, it may be one of healthiest nations as well. But unfortunately, statistics shows that the US citizens are a few of the unhealthiest people in the world. The main reason is that around 2/3rd of the US adults are obese or overweight. Obesity is one of this country's nastiest and most costly health problems. It causes several health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, strokes, and certain types of cancers.

Most people think that obesity is a state of overweight, but that's not exactly true. The overweight people have an excess quantity of weight that includes bone, muscle, fat and water. But, obese persons have a surplus of body fat.

Because of the habit of pre-packaged food and less physical activity, the number of obese people in the US has constantly increased since the 1970's. Factors like genetics and certain medical disorders can also cause obesity, but it can be overcome. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 60 million American people are now suffering from health problems caused due to obesity. Obesity in US adults has increased by 60% in the past 20 years and obesity in children has tripled during the past 30 years.

Around 31% of adult people in America are obese and deaths related to obesity have reached more than 300,000 a year. Obesity is common among Mexican American and African American women. One-third of obese women are aged 20-74 yrs.

Instead of eating only meat products, processed foods and high sodium foods, people have now started including grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes into the diet. Besides, they also participate in many physical activities.

With the attention of the health profession and many educational campaigns about the advantages of improved diets and better physical activity, the occurrence of obesity in America has more than doubled over the last few decades.

Obesity provides detailed information on Obesity, Obesity Help, Childhood Obesity, Morbid Obesity and more. Obesity is affiliated with Morbid Obesity Surgery.