Introduction
In recent decades, being overweight has become the norm in the United States. Currently, approximately one-third of the adult population of America suffers from weight problems, and the issue has also been steadily rising among younger Americans as well (Wang et al., 2020). Overweight and obese individuals are more prone to developing dangerous chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, which public health is at risk. This paper will discuss the causes of obesity, its consequences, and potential solutions.
Causes
Obesity is caused by multiple factors, with a sedentary lifestyle being a primary one. America is mainly affected by the infrastructure not designed for human movement but for car transportation. People spend most of the day at their desks, and the workspace does not have conditions for regular movement. A typical diet of an American does not contribute to weight loss either. As a result, a high percentage of individuals gain excess weight.
Consequences
Overweight Americans are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases that shorten life expectancy significantly. Diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular diseases, cancer as well as mental disorders can all be caused by a person being overweight; obesity also limits one’s mobility. Overall, all these issues increase the economic burden as medical problems caused by obesity are associated with overly high healthcare costs.
Potential Solutions
Despite the current adverse prognosis, there are several possible solutions to this issue. The first is to raise the population’s general awareness regarding the risks of a lifestyle that causes obesity. Most of the population is not aware of the danger of the most common chronic diseases and the fact that they are preventable through leading an appropriate lifestyle. Another solution is to make healthy food more affordable and accessible, as the most vulnerable populations cannot access high-quality food.
Conclusion
To conclude, obesity is an issue of the national interest that needs to be addressed urgently. It is commonly caused by a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits and can cause several dangerous chronic diseases that threaten one’s life. The most important solution is to increase the population’s awareness of the consequences of obesity and the consequences of individuals’ nutrition choices.
Reference
Wang, Y., Beydoun, M. A., Min, J., Xue, H., Kaminsky, L. A., & Cheskin, L. J. (2020). Has the prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity levelled off in the United States? Trends, patterns, disparities, and future projections for the obesity epidemic. International Journal of Epidemiology, 49(3), 810-823. Web.