Obesity in America: How Does it Happen?

Obesity in America: How Does it Happen?

Obesity in America: How Does it Happen?

We all know that obesity has become an epidemic in the United States and we also know that some groups have taken the initiative to fight it. But the question we may not know the answer to is: how did we let this become such a problem?

Portion sizes and plate sizes have increased incredibly since 50 years ago, which obviously means that Americans are generally eating more now than ever before. Plus, fast food and junk food have become convenient and cheap means of consumption, which leads to increased caloric intake.

According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal by Kelly D. Brownell, the average American consumes 50 gallons of sugar-sweetened beverages each year. Also, Americans don't always have a good perception of which food option is healthiest. Which food do you think packs more calories: a double cheeseburger from McDonalds or a spicy tuna roll? The surprising answer: a spicy tuna roll!

Besides the issue of America's fattening food choices, genetics may be playing a key role in the obesity epidemic, especially relevant to childhood obesity. Raising this possibility, studies show that weights of adopted children more closely resemble those of their biological rather than adoptive parents. Other causes may be family upbringing, psychology and the environment.

Fascinating studies, as described in this article, illustrate how effective the environment may be on weight gain. For example, people moving to the U.S. from less obese countries gain weight and people moving from the U.S. tend to lose weight. Is the United States just a bad influence?

Another environmental factor is marketing, especially directed at children who are especially vulnerable. The economics of food also play a role, as healthy food tends to cost more and processed, calorie-dense foods tend to cost less.

Something needs to be done now to reverse these drastic effects of obesity, costing our country an astounding $147 billion each year in associated health care costs.

For tips on controlling your family's portion size, check out this article from Camp Shane summer weight loss camp for children. And share your thoughts on the biggest contributors to this country's obesity problem.

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