The Cost of Obesity - Important Things You Might Not Be Aware of

As America continues to depend so much on science and technology to make life easier and more convenient, it becomes a challenge for majority of its people to actually move. Our sedentary lifestyles have made us a nation of couch potatoes. And the more we continue to succumb to the pressures of work so largely dependent on the ever-powerful computer, the more we get glued to our seats and grow rounder bellies in the process. As we strive to balance the demands of school, career and family, we become so dependent on boxed breakfasts, fast food lunches and pre-packaged dinners. We hardly have time to exercise. As a result, more and more Americans are getting overweight and obese.

Despite the growing number of obesity-related illnesses, it seems that a great number of us don't really comprehend the price of obesity. It is a hefty sum that affects our physical, social, mental, emotional and cultural life that everyone should be concerned about. But in case we need constant reminding of the huge price of obesity, here's the lowdown:

1. Obesity predisposes an individual to physical illness. When you are obese, you are more prone to heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.

2. Obesity triggers psychological issues. A person who is obese suffers from self-esteem and self-confidence problems. The fatter a person gets, the more prone he or she is to depression, impaired body image and mood changes.

3. Obese people stay longer in the hospital. A study conducted by Purdue University revealed that obese people stay an average of one to one-and-half days longer in the hospital due to disease. Furthermore, the longer the length of time a person has become obese, the longer will his or her hospital stay be.

4. The morbidly obese pay almost two times as much for their healthcare costs compared to people of normal weight. This is according to a survey conducted by the University of Cincinnati.

5. Obese people have a hard time looking for clothes that fit. Shopping becomes a chore and often, a depressing thought.

6. Obesity affects productivity. Obese people have to constantly battle their health issues and keep on seeing their doctors, so they usually end up getting more absences compared to those who have healthy weights.

7. Obesity affects relationships. Those who are obese often cannot understand why their partners look for someone else. Ironically, the answer is in those love handles. They're not really lovable, after all.

8. Obesity sets a bad example to our children. When parents are obese, children will most likely be obese. Young people who are obese now also get more prone to the diseases associated with being on the heavy side now and even when they grow older.

9. Obesity halts dreams and aspirations. Those who have always wanted to follow a military career or a life of glamour and beauty often find that these professions do not look kindly on those who cannot pass physical tests or can't fit on screen, literally and figuratively.

10. Obesity causes premature deaths. The more obese a person gets, the more he or she is at risk for obesity-related diseases. In many cases, a heart attack prematurely ends a life, leaving families and children behind. This is the major price of obesity.

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