U.S. Statistics Show Obesity Is Rising
Obesity in the U.S. is a significant problem, and it is an issue that shows no signs of slowing down, unfortunately. Recent studies have (again) confirmed the trend in the number of Americans who are obese. And this number is growing each year, and has been for the past three decades.
One of the latest studies that was conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that almost 40% of adults in America are obese. What is even more alarming, is that the study showed a figure of nearly 20% of U.S. adolescents is also obese. These numbers are the highest figures ever recorded and appear to get worse with each survey that is conducted.
Long-term health (which is associated with these figures) is worrisome because it shows that one in five children from the age of 6-11 years is obese; as is the statistic that shows one in five children aged 12-19 years is, as well. These are staggering statistics. If this isn’t bad enough, the study has also shown that one in ten preschool-aged children are also obese, not just overweight.
What is Obesity?
This is the medical term for an individual who has a body mass index of 30, or above. The findings from these latest studies in the U.S. further support reports from the World Health Organization that show childhood obesity around the world is also a growing problem, and one that has increased by tenfold over the last forty years.
When children become obese or become overweight, the chances are they will stay in this state and will be exposed to higher chances of dying earlier during adulthood.
Why Are So Many People Obese?
The Department of Agriculture made a report that showed that the average American consumed around 20% more calories per year than they did in earlier years. Much of this comes with the increase in meat consumption. Nowadays, Americans consume a figure of around 195 lbs. of meat, compared to a value of 138 lbs. during the 1950s.
With this increase in meat consumption comes an increase in added fats that are consumed, with figures rising by two thirds over the same period. This coupled with the lack of necessary exercise, means that individuals have gained weight over the period of time. In the past four decades, grain consumption in America has grown by 40% as an additional leverage factor.
One of the main contributors to the rise in obesity is fast food. This is directly related to an individual’s body mass index. An average American diet consists of around 11% fast food. With this, comes lots of added sugars from soda and energy drinks which wreak havoc on a person’s waistline. Not to mention the overload of calories found within each meal.
Mixed Messages for Nutrition
We can now see that it’s not only the amount of food that is eaten, but also “what” is eaten that affects a person’s overall health. Some mixed messages are given to Americans about what to eat - and by how much.
There is the up-sizing of meals, processed meals, and the drive-thru fast food availability that are portrayed as both delicious and cheap.
Additionally, adults now spend more time working, and less time at home in the kitchen than they used to. It is easy to see why grabbing a slice of cold pizza and having a diet drink for lunch appears to be the best route to take. It’s fast and easy. Too easy.
