Obesity in America

Imagine a disease spreading with such fervor throughout our society that it surpasses even epidemic proportions and affects a clear majority of Americans without regard for demographic or social classification. This description may sound like the opening monologue of a science-fiction film, but unfortunately this disease is not a fictional tale but rather the painful reality of American culture. A disease prefaced with such an introduction would probably be guessed to be AIDS/HIV or some other more socially popular cause, but instead is the often-ignored issue of obesity. The American Obesity Association cites that at least 50% of the members from each age range are considered to be overweight with clinical obesity topping 20%. Childhood obesity rates have increased exponentially over the past 20 years adding to the over 127 million adults in the USA that are overweight. Statistical data has shown that children who are obese are prone to become obese adults with a shocking 80% of adults over the age of 25 being overweight. Obesity has been directly linked to be the cause for over 30 serious health problems and is responsible for well over a billion dollars of related costs due to health care and work absence-related problems. Among the first-world nations, America tops the list as being the most overweight which then translates into the highest obesity rates among the civilized world. With such a widespread problem as is described, Americans need to re-evaluate their lifestyles and their daily choices. Perhaps eating at restaurants (fast food and otherwise) everyday isn't the best decision. Likewise, indulging in junk food on a regular basis is probably not the healthiest of choices either. Should we really be complaining about not getting that prime parking spot and having to walk a few extra feet? We owe it to ourselves and those who care about us to take a proactive stance against this silent killer. American society has become a culture of convenience and without focused effort to battle obesity, it is this same convenience that will cost us our health, finances, dignity, and quite possibly our lives. (Data may be found on the following websites: www.obesity.org, http://www.winltdusa.com/about/infocenter/healthnews/articles/obesestats.htm, http://starlearners.com/obesityinchildrenresearch1.html)