America is fat. And getting fatter. Even after all the health warnings, doctor recommendations and FDA regulations, and a massive weight loss industry, Americans are still packing on the pounds at an alarming rate. Obesity is one of the biggest problems plaguing America today. As Richard Carmona states in “The Obesity Crisis In America,” “Nearly two out of every three Americans are overweight or obese”(1).
Thomas 1 Elton Thomas Ryan Shiroma Engl 60 25 April 2012 Obesity In America. “During the last 20 years in America, there have been dramatic increases in obesity and, unfortunately, those rates continue to stay high. Obesity means having too much body fat, which is commonly confused with being overweight” (Adult Obesity Facts par. 5). A person can be overweight but still be healthy.
Moreover, everyone who doesn’t eat breakfast is more likely to be fatter, because more likely to have unhealthy snacks during the day. Furthermore, The Harvard Heart Letter reports that skipping of breakfast increases your risk for heart attack, type 2 diabetes, LDL cholesterol and obese. Why we should not skip breakfast? By eating breakfast you improve nutrition; so, you improve the total daily nutrient intake. Moreover, nourished body can resist disease and infection, so fewer visits to doctor.
The United States spends six to 10 percent of healthcare on costs caused by obesity compared to 2 to 3.5 percent in other western countries (Schwarz & Peterson, 2010). Schwarz and Peterson (2010) also explained that adolescent obesity affects the nation’s ability to serve and protect. This is because more than a quarter of 17 to 24 years olds are not fit enough to enroll in the armed services due to being overweight. Adolescence is a crucial stage for implementing and influencing health behaviors. Many of the habits formed during this timeframe will last well into adulthood (Schwarz & Peterson, 2010).
Not only does it put them at risk when they are younger, obese children also tend to become obese when they are adults, causing them to have the same, if not more serious health problems. I think that eating healthy and a lot of physical activity is important for children to help them stay healthy. But one large factor that I feel gets over looked when it comes to childhood obesity is how unhealthy food is advertised, and how big of an effect what everyday children watch on the television really does have in the rising of obesity rates. I think that the fast food and advertising are at huge fault for childhood obesity. The fast food industry knows that putting a toy in their kids meals will make young children want to go to their restaurants, rather than restaurants where they go in and sit down and get no toys.
Mainly because it is fast, inexpensive and tastes good. The downside is that most fast foods tend to be high in fat, calories, sodium, cholesterol and sugar. More eat fast food today Eating away from home is becoming more common, particularly at fast food restaurants. Many adults rely on fast food daily for lunch because it is fast, predictable and inexpensive. As the pace of the American lifestyle increases there is less time to prepare a home-cooked meal, which leads many families to stop at the drive-thru on their way home.
Situational Analysis Health care costs in the United States are rising at an alarming rate. The reason behind this is because obesity contributes to other types of disease such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes (Fortunato, 2011, p. 21). Medical costs related to obesity range anywhere from $147 billion to $210 billion (Trust for America's Health, 2012). Obesity has become a major epidemic in the United States. By the year 2030, estimates of lost economic productivity are as high as $580 billion per year (Trust for America's Health, 2012).
The Difference Between Healthy Eating and Fad Diets Abstract Healthy eating and fad diets are not comparable in any way. Fad diets are a quick fix to a long term solution. Healthy eating is the best solution to saving your life and keeping you at an ideal weight. Many people think that a diet is the way to go because most people are lazy and want instant results that they will not keep up with in the future. Some people do it to lose weight for a special occasion, because the doctor said so, or to show off for a long time friend.
I believe that if healthy food is more advertised it will be eaten more. America needs to practice healthier eating behaviors. The media is all about fast food. Who doesn't know the slogan At McDonald’s we love to see you smile? If the media took a step back and focused on positive eating the public will react and chose a healthier lifestyle.
But in reality it is actually quite difficult to stay dedicated to a diet and a healthy life style. Like I stated earlier our fast food industry is ruining out food pyramid. Making healthy foods more expensive and harder to come by just doesn’t make sense in my eyes. It’s the unhealthy stuff that should be expensive such as a “Whooper” or a “Mc-double” compared to a healthy veggie. Staying dedicated to your diet will bring great joy.