Posted: July 14th, 2022

Why Is Obesity Becoming an Epidemic?

Why Is Obesity Becoming an Epidemic?
Over the past three decades, obesity rates have been increasing gradually in the United States and other countries all over the world. But while the word “epidemic” is often overused, it is the best term that can be used to describe the increasing obesity rates in the United States. In 1990, less than 15% percent of the US population was obese. By 2010, this rate had increased to over 25% for most states. According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a whopping 68% of US adults are overweight, and 34% of them are obese. In just four decades, obesity prevalence has increased by over 50%, such that out of every three people, two are overweight, and one is obese.
But what accounts for the alarming obesity epidemic? Obesity is a complex medical condition that even experts struggle to understand. It is influenced by the interplay of various factors, including genetics, metabolic activity, and behavioral factors. But while genetics play a role in obesity, the rapidity by which obesity is increasing suggests that behavioral and environmental factors have fueled the epidemic. To control the ongoing obesity pandemic, we must first understand what accounts for the increasing rates.
Modern work. With the advancement in technology, the level of physical activity that people are involved in at work has significantly reduced. Before technology, most jobs required moderate to high-intensity physical activity hence the low obesity rates.
Changes in eating habits. Over the years, the average caloric intake has increased significantly. Americans are replacing healthy homemade meals with snacks and fast foods that are rich in calories. Over 30 years, intake has increased by 28 calories per day.
Reduced physical exercises. Increased caloric intake and reduced physical movement at work would not lead to obesity if increased physical exercises counterbalanced it. Unfortunately, less than 5% of Americans get enough exercise. Most people spend their leisure time seated before TVs or with their phones with very minimal movement.
Even more alarming is that obesity is also gradually spreading and affecting young children and teenagers. More people are becoming overweight and obese at younger ages compared to several years back. Today, in every six children and adolescents under 19, one is overweight or obese. While obesity itself rarely causes death, it increases the risk of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases. Other diseases like arthritis, cancer, depression, and erectile dysfunction are also associated with obesity. Unless the country takes action to control the obesity epidemic, the risk of losing more lives to obesity-related health problems continues to rise.

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