Posted: September 26th, 2024

Causes of Obesity in the United States Essay

Causes of Obesity in the United States Paper.

Did you know that the United States is the second fattest country in the world? This alarming fact highlights the need for immediate attention and action to address the growing obesity epidemic. At least 1 out of 5 American is consider obese. This staggering statistic is a clear indication that obesity is a major public health concern in the United States. Experts estimate that annually, about 300,000 people die due to this epidemic. The economic burden of obesity-related deaths is substantial, with estimated annual medical costs exceeding $147 billion. This is also the second leading cause of avoidable death in the nation. The leading causes of avoidable death, such as heart disease and stroke, are often linked to obesity. The leading causes that contribute to obesity are: eating excessively, getting insufficient exercise, and malnutrition. These factors are often interconnected and can exacerbate one another, making it challenging to address obesity. However, there are other secondary causes related to our culture that are not commonly mentioned. These cultural factors, such as societal norms and values, can play a significant role in shaping individual behaviors and contributing to obesity.

Overeating is evidently one of the predominant causes. Consuming large portions and high-calorie foods can lead to an overall high caloric intake, resulting in weight gain and obesity. America is one of the few countries that annually celebrates eating contests. These events, such as the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating contest, promote overeating and reinforce unhealthy eating habits. An example of these competitions is the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating contest, which is held annually on July 4th in multiple locations. This contest has become a popular event, attracting thousands of spectators and perpetuating the notion that overeating is acceptable and even desirable. That is not the only eating competition scheduled annually; there are many other contests hosted by big companies across the nation. These events contribute to a culture that values quantity over quality and encourages excessive eating. Events like these, demonstrate that eating is a hobby for Americans. Furthermore, eating has become a source of entertainment, with many people seeking out new and exciting dining experiences. Beyond being a hobby it is also an addiction for people. Food addiction is a serious condition that can have severe physical and emotional consequences.

Psychologists, estimate that seventy-five percent of excessive eating is caused by emotions. Emotional eating can be triggered by a range of emotions, including stress, anxiety, and boredom. People feeling sad, lonely, depressed, bored, and frustrated find eating to be an immediate solution that can satisfy them. This coping mechanism can provide temporary relief but ultimately perpetuates a cycle of overeating and weight gain. What is evident about emotional eating is that it can cause undesirable weight gain. Additionally, emotional eating can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, further exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, lack of exercise is another common factor for obesity, not only in America, but in the world. Sedentary lifestyles have become increasingly prevalent, with many people spending more time sitting and engaging in screen-based activities. Physical inactivity occurs when a person does not exercise on a daily basis. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, improving overall health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

In our nation the lack of exercise happens due to the rushed lifestyle that we live. Many people struggle to balance work, family, and social responsibilities, leaving little time for physical activity. Laziness is also a factor that contributes to inactivity; people prefer to spend thirty minutes watching TV rather than exercising. This sedentary behavior can become a deeply ingrained habit, making it challenging to adopt a more active lifestyle. When getting jobs, creating a family, having to pay bills and studying simultaneously it is tough to split up the time adequately. Effective time management is crucial for prioritizing physical activity and incorporating it into a busy schedule. Nevertheless, it’s not impossible to split up the time. With a little creativity and commitment, it is possible to find time for exercise and make it a sustainable part of daily life.

By doing cardiovascular exercises such as jogging, walking, biking or running for thirty minutes every day you will avoid physical inactivity and therefore reduce the probability of being obese. Regular cardiovascular exercise can also improve mental health, boost mood, and increase energy levels. Another common exercise that could also contribute to create a healthy body is swimming. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can be adapted to different fitness levels, making it an excellent option for people with mobility issues or chronic pain. Besides leading to obesity, lack of exercise also causes many other diseases in the human body. A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Some of them are diabetes, which is a common disease in obese people, as well as high blood pressure. These conditions can have severe consequences, including premature death and disability.

In addition, malnutrition is also a leading cause of obesity. A diet lacking essential nutrients can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and a range of other health problems. Individuals suffer from malnourishment when their diet does not meet the adequate requirements for proteins, carbohydrates, calories, etc. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods can help ensure adequate nutrition and support overall health. There are two different types of malnourishment. The first type is characterized by an excessive intake of calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while the second type is marked by a lack of essential nutrients. The first one is when people eat an excess of junk food exceeding the adequate diet, while the second type is the opposite, when the person is not eating enough food to reach the adequate requirements. Both types of malnourishment can have serious health consequences, including obesity, chronic diseases, and impaired cognitive function.

This factor can be seen as a cultural issue due to the food composition in some countries. The widespread availability and marketing of unhealthy foods can contribute to a culture of overconsumption and poor nutrition. A big number of United States citizens tend to eat fast food on a daily basis. Fast food is often high in calories, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, making it a significant contributor to malnutrition and obesity. It is clear that the diet obtained from a fast food is not the best one. A diet consisting mainly of fast food can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, including weight gain, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. Food from fast food restaurants barely has protein or fiber. The lack of essential nutrients in fast food can lead to nutrient deficiencies and impaired health. It primarily consists of carbohydrates, fat, and empty calories. Consuming high amounts of empty calories can lead to weight gain and obesity, as well as increase the risk of chronic diseases. Therefore, fast food diet is not a good nutrition source. A balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods is essential for maintaining good health and preventing obesity.

Another thing that influences malnutrition is alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, including malnutrition, weight gain, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Even though the United States is not at the top of the list of per capita alcohol consumption, the nation has a decent amount of people that drink alcohol on a weekly or even daily basis. Binge drinking and heavy drinking are common problems in the United States, with serious consequences for health and well-being. Alcohol is not bad when it is consume in moderation, but the problem is that many people consume it excessively and it logically affects the nutrition and health of a person. Moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

After analyzing the main causes of obesity it is evident that obesity is an avoidable disease. By making informed choices about diet, physical activity, and lifestyle, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing obesity. There are many habits that can contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Developing healthy habits, such as regular exercise and balanced eating, can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eating moderately is essential to achieve that healthy lifestyle. Aiming for a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods can help ensure adequate nutrition and support overall health. Exercising on a daily basis is also vital for a healthy body. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The most important habit is adopting a healthy diet that could meet the adequate requirements in terms of nutrition needs. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods is essential for maintaining good health and preventing obesity. United States could decrease its obesity rate if all these causes are modified. Implementing policies and programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity can help reduce the prevalence of obesity and improve overall health. There’s no doubt that it takes dedication to improve one’s health, but at the end of the day it’s worth it. By making healthy choices and adopting sustainable habits, individuals can achieve a better quality of life and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.

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Tags: Malnutrition, Nutrition, Obesity, Physical Activity, Public Health