ESSAY 12. (UNIT 14)

THE PROBLEM OF OBESITY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

          Accumulation of excessive body fat is known as obesity. Obesity is measured and defined in terms of body mass index (BMI). Body mass index is the numerical way of deciding the appropriate weight range according to the height of an individual. A body mass index of more than 30kg/m2 indicates obesity. It is further classified as severe, morbid and super obesity in the order as the BMI increases. Obesity is a lifestyle diseases which is spreading rapidly in the United States.  As The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported, there is a staggering figure, estimating that 40% of Americans are obese (that is, having a body mass index of 30 or higher.) As shown in Figure 1, obesity in the U.S population has increased dramatically. While it appears that the rates of the obesity problem are reducing for young children, this trend is still likely to continue persisting and perhaps worsen in the future for older children.  

                                                                              Figure 1. 

      The causes of the aforementioned are worth highlighting. Doctors point out that when one tends to eat more than the body requirement, the extra fat start depositing in the body tissues giving rise to obesity. From the chart, it can be inferred that this problem has reached its peak and continue in the years that lie ahead. As The US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (2012) points out, obesity is mainly caused when the intake of the calories exceed the dissipated calories In simple words, people gain weight when they eat more calories than they burn through activity. This imbalance is the greatest contributor to weight gain because of parental neglect. Also, the environment around us influences our ability to maintain a healthy weight. As an illustration, not having area parks, sidewalks, and affordable gyms makes it hard for people to be physically active. Genetic predisposition also plays a pivotal role as a causative factor.

       From the chart, it can be inferred that junk food is likely to be the main culprit. Individuals are fonder of such unhealthy food items and hence are getting more affected by the rising problems of it. The Figure 1 shows the quick fluctuation from 2011 to 2012, and it goes on until the modern days. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 89, Issue 6, 1 June 2004 provides several possible consequences of the obesity problem, such as, sleep apnea, hypertension, heart disease, diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, connective tissue, and skin to name a few. Apart from physical issues, a study of obese children has shown that obesity can also lead to diseases associated with psychosocial functions which in the long run will generate social problems, for instance, being discriminated.  In addition, obesity shortens life, the effect of the increased fat mass and the enlarged fat cells is a decrease in life expectancy.

        In conclusion, there is an acute need to make the public aware about the morbid effects of obesity. From my standpoint, outdoor activities should be encouraged by both the school authorities’ and parents to tackle rising cases of it.  Parents, scientists, doctors, and policy makers all believe that this problem is a critical issue. Doctors recommend that a healthy eating habit and an active lifestyle should be adopted by the individuals of all groups and gender in order to prevent obesity. It is clear that a great deal of studies have demonstrated that the reasons for the rise in obesity are not easy to deal with. Therefore, the solution must involve everyone-parents, doctors, the media, as well as the community.