The Problem of Obesity in America Essay
One of the most prevalent diseases in America is obesity: 31% of men and 35% of women are considered seriously overweight[1]. These rates indicate that obesity started taking the form of an epidemic. A common measure used to detect obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI) which is computed as weight in kilograms divided by the square height in meters; BMI over 25 indicates that the person has excess weight, and BMI which exceeds 30 indicates obesity[2]. The Problem of Obesity in America Essay
There exist both biological and nutritional factors causing obesity. The major identified biological obesity causes are the following: a) genetic predisposition increases the changes of obesity; b) hormonal balance is directly associated with metabolism and the distortion of this balance might cause obesity; c) the rate of fat in cells which established in late childhood and early adolescence tends to remain stable[3]. Research also shows that obesity correlates with the presence of four virus types, which means that obesity could develop due to viruses/infections.[4] There are also nutritional causes of obesity: excess calorie intake, lack of proper nutrients in the individual’s diet, lack of regular nutrition, etc.[5]
There are racial and ethnic differences in obesity: for example, 80% of African-American women are obese, and they are 80% more likely to become obese compared to non-Hispanic white women.[6] There are both behavioral and biological causes for this disparity. The biological causes include genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalance. As for behavioral causes, the major reasons leading to obesity in African-American and Hispanic communities are the cultural norms accepting and supporting the ideas of “being big”, TV advertising associated with food, lack of opportunities for physical activity in the community[7]. The Problem of Obesity in America Essay
Obesity may be associated with or even lead to serious medical conditions. Obesity increases the risks of hypertension, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, ostheoarthritis, stroke, several types of cancer, mental illness, and increases the overall mortality risks[8]. Although biological factors leading to obesity cannot be eliminated, people with high obesity risks should modify their behaviors, lifestyle and develop a healthy diet in order to prevent obesity impact on their health[9].
References
“Effects of Obesity.” Stanford Health Care, Available: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/healthy-living/obesity.html
“The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Jun., 2015, Available: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html
Everitt, Arthur V. et al. Calorie Restriction, Aging and Longevity. New York: Springer Science & Business Media, 2010.
Finch, Caleb E. The Biology of Human Longevity: Inflammation, Nutrition, and Aging in the Evolution of Lifespans. Burlington: Elsevier, 2010.
Garko, Michael G. “Overweight and Obesity Epidemic in America – Part V: Non-Modifiable Risk Factors.” Let’s Talk Nutrition. 2011. Available: http://letstalknutrition.com/overweight-and-obesity-part-5-3/
McIntosh, James. “How do Race and Ethnicity Influence Childhood Obesity?.” Medical News Today, 23 Apr. 2015. Available: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/292913.php The Problem of Obesity in America Essay