K Success

Overcoming the Weight Problem in America

There have been countless studies done to confirm that almost 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. That is an alarming statistic, but health experts are predicting that this problem will only continue to get worse. If the current trends continue, almost 90 percent of Americans will be obese by the year 2030.

Obesity is a serious health issue. People who are obese are more likely to develop heart problems, cancer, arthritis and numerous other health conditions. Additionally, those who are obese are also more likely to suffer from self-esteem issues and depression.

The main reason that so many Americans have a weight problem is because of the environment. In today’s society people move a lot less and they also have access to unhealthy food choices. The only way that the weight problem can be solved is by getting people to exercise more and eat better.

In the past, people would play sports in their spare time. Today people watch television and surf the internet when they have free time. Studies have shown that the average American watches 4 hours of television per day. Television is a major cause of the weight problem because not only does it take up a lot of time, but people also have the tendency to eat while they are in front of the television.

Health experts have stated that a little exercise can reap big benefits. They strongly encourage people to get some form of activity for 30 minutes each day. Exercise helps expend energy. Energy expenditure is one of the key components of maintaining a healthy weight.

In the past, people would cook meals at home and families would eat dinner together. Today more people are eating fast food because they do not have the time to cook. However, experts strongly encourage people to eat more meals at home. Generally speaking, people who eat meals at home are healthier.

The obesity rate is also growing among children. Studies have shown that nearly 30 percent of children who are under the age of 18 are obese. This is startling because children who develop bad habits early in life are very likely to continue those habits in adulthood.

Education is one of the most important things that people can do to fight the obesity epidemic. Children should be taught the importance of exercising and making good food choices at a young age. Parents, teachers and health care providers are the ones who are responsible for teaching children about healthy habits.

Physical education should be put back in schools. Ever since the government has decided to reduce the amount of time that children spend in P.E., the childhood obesity rate has increased drastically. Physical education is just as important as any other type of education.

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States but fortunately, there are several things that people can do about it. Educating children at a young age as well as encouraging people to eat right can help fight the obesity epidemic.