Statistics on Obesity: America’s Wake-Up Call

While there is no denying that obesity is a global problem, the U.S. is certainly at the forefront of the obesity dilemma. The sedentary American lifestyle paired with a penchant for fattening, high-calorie food is at the root of the problem. Statistics on obesity are alarming and at the very least they have pushed some people into action. The government has also stepped up to the plate and some states have implemented different programs to improve education and outreach regarding the obesity epidemic, its prevention, and its solution.

What Statistics on Obesity Say About the American Lifestyle

The typical American doesn’t have a very active lifestyle. Most Americans get around by car and do very little walking. According to statistics on obesity, 25% of Americans are completely sedentary and 78% do not meet basic activity level recommendations. In order to remedy this problem, some states have implemented more stringent physical education programs in public schools.

The typical American diet certainly isn’t helping matters. American food is infamous around the world for being high in calories and fat all the while low in nutritional value. Statistics on obesity show that the rising costs of healthy food lead people of lower socio-economic status to bear the brunt of the obesity problem. Fast food and other kinds of junk food are cheaper and more convenient thus poor people are more likely to buy it.

What Information on Obesity Says About Health Problems

Obesity is not only unattractive; it can put your health in danger. Diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure are all associated with obesity. Statistics on obesity point to the rising number of health problems. For example, there has been a 76% increase in Type II Diabetes since 1990 amongst 30-40 year olds. 60% of obese children already have one risk factor for heart disease and one in four overweight children are already showing signs of Type II Diabetes. 70% of cardiovascular disease is related to obesity.

Statistics on obesity should not be ignored. They paint a vivid picture of a dangerous disease that is becoming more prevalent. The American example has spread to other parts of the world via globalization. Hopefully we as Americans can turn ourselves around and become a good example that the rest of the world can follow. Only time will tell whether statistics on obesity will be a wake-up call for America or fade into oblivion.

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