Causes of American Obesity

Introduction

Americans' obesity has rapidly increased because of advanced technology and Americans' lack of self control. Obesity has been designated as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization since 1998 and is one of the most common chronic illnesses for both adults and children (WHO). The American Obesity Association states that currently 64.5% of adult Americans and 45.6% (Adler 12)of American children are categorized as overweight or obese, which means they have too much body fat (AOA).

Discussion

Obesity is a disease that affects approximately 60 million people in the United States, where women are especially affected. But what is obesity? Many people think obesity means that a person is overweight, but that's not exactly true. An overweight person has a surplus amount of weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. An overweight person has a excess of body fat. Most health professionals concur that a man is obese if he has over 25 percent body fat, (Allison Et.al 12) and a woman is obese if she has over 30 percent. Women physiologically have more body fat than men, so that why there's a difference in percentage.

Obesity Causes

There are many factors that contribute to causing obesity including genetics, the environment and behavior.

Genes

Some individuals have a genetic tendency to gain weight and store fat. Although not everyone with this tendency will become obese, some persons without genetic predisposition do become obese. (Allison 1125)Several genes have been identified as contributors to obesity, and researchers are constructing a Human Obesity Gene Map in hope of finding genetic targets in humans that may lead to the development of new treatments.

Environment

An environment that promotes healthy weight is one that encourages consumption of nutritious foods in reasonable portions and regular physical activity. A wholesome natural environment is significant for all persons to avert and heal fatness and sustain heaviness loss. Healthy environments can be created at home, school, work and beyond. Identifying and consciously avoiding high-risk situations in the environment can assist in weight control efforts(Barciulli 300). Obesity is attributable to many factors, nature and nurture included. Some individuals are inclined to blame the obese individual for his or her health status. Still others blame the heredity and/or ethnicity of the person. Many place the blame on more environmental sources. These might include, but are not limited to, education level, peer group, and socio-economic factors. The American Medical Association identifies genetic, environmental, and psychological influences on obesity.

Behavior

Adopting healthy habits for lifelong weight control purposes includes regular physical activity and nutritious eating. Specific behavioral strategies for weight loss and maintenance include: logging and tracking diet and exercise patterns in a diary, eating a low calorie diet, limiting the amount of calories from fat, expending calories routinely through exercise, monitoring weight regularly, setting realistic goals, and developing a social support network.

People are labeled deviant due to their attitudes, behaviors, or conditions (8). All of these contribute to obesity. Some attitudes might foster an acceptance within a peer group or family for obesity. Causal behaviors for obesity ...