Overweight and Obesity in America

Overweight and Obesity

Overweight and Obesity in America

Quintina Richmond

Axia College of University of Phoenix

COM 125 Utilizing Information in College Writing

Dr. Juanita Unhoch

December 3, 2006

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Overweight and Obesity in America

Regardless of the increasing media coverage of overweight and obesity and their related

health risk, many Americans are not concerned about overweight and obesity, their own or

others. The combat and intentions to prevent overweight and obesity is supported by little or no

support at all. Some people have belief that obesity is a result of “personal failing” rather than a

combination of genetic or environmental factors (Wexler, 2004b).

Introduction

“Not long ago, obesity was seen mainly as a cosmetic problem”. It is no longer a “cosmetic

problem” it is now a public health problem. In the United States, government statistics has listed

overweight and obesity as the second-leading cause of preventable deaths. Since, the 1970’s

obesity among adults in the United States has continued to rises adults and children. According

to national surveys by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention obesity “soared”

from 15% in 1980 to 23% in 1994, and 26% in 2000. More than half of all adults in the United

States alone are overweight and, 26% are obese (Wexler, 2001c).

American Obesity Association (2005), confirms that “an estimated 127 million U.S.

adults are overweight or obese, 9 million with cancer, 16 million with diabetes, and 26 million

with heart disease”.

What Determines Overweight and Obesity?

In the health care profession most physician use body mass index (BMI) as a preferred

measurement of body fat and tracking obesity and overweight adults. BMI is based on an

individual’s height and weight. BMI provides an accurate assessment of overweight and obesity

than weight alone. Individual’s who’s BMI is between 25 and 29.9 are consider overweight and

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those who’s BMI exceeds 30 are classified as obese. Persons with BMI of 30 or above are

considered sever obese risk of premature death from all causes (NIH, 1998).

Research and Medical Expenditures

Research is needed to help control the spread of overweight and obesity in the United

States but research has been limited due to shortage of funds. Research has giving us the

understanding and knowledge that is needed to treat obesity. The National Institute of Health

(NIH) has financially supported medical research for obesity by more than $29 billion (AOA,

2005).

Regardless of the billions of dollars that are spent on diet programs, overweight and obesity

is still increasing rampantly across the United States. Obesity medical expenditures reached an

estimated $75 billion in 2003 (Wexler, 2004c). According to the American Obesity Association

(AOA), the Social Security Administration pays about $77 million per month for persons who

met obesity requirements for disability (AOA, 2005).

Americans are in Denial about Their Weight

The CDC reported that in 2000, men and women consumed more calories each day than in

1971 (Wexler, 2004). Public health officials have declared an epidemic of overweight and

obesity in the United States. Regardless of what public officials say, Americans who are

overweight remain unconvinced that their body weight is excessive. Statistics show that more

than 40% of persons who are overweight do not consider themselves to be overweight, but

“about right” or underweight and those who are obese felt that they were normal weight or

underweight (Wexler, 2004). Even though, overweight and obesity continue to grow Americans

still refuse to admit that there is a problem with overweight and obesity within the United States.

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The desire to lose weight was at an all time high (60 percent) in November 2003 compared

to 31% in 1951. During the Gallup Poll in November 2003 many respondents wanted to lose

weight, but less than half were making an effort to do so. An estimated 100 million adults in the

United States are overweight; more than 44 million are considered obese. In the first half of the

twentieth century the government started tracking patterns of body weigh for the U.S. adult

population, by 2004 Americans had reached their heaviest making them “fatter than ever”

(Wexler, 2004b). According to Wexler (2004b), “To date, the United States is losing the battle

against overweight and obesity”. Americans are gaining weight instead of losing weight causing

them to be more overweight and obese than ever before.

Overweight and Obesity in Youth

Youth today are consider the most “inactive generation in history” partly due to reduction

in school activities and unavailable recreational facilities. Statistics show that 30.3 children ages

6 to11 are overweight and 15.3% are obese. Adolescents ages 12 to 19, 30.4% are overweight

and 15.5% are obese. Many illnesses associated with obesity among adults are now more

common among children and adolescents (AOA, 2005). Overweight and obesity in the United

States has increased 61% within the last 10 years and is increasing rapidly amongst children and

adolescents. Doesn’t this show that we just don’t care? Look at our children.

Why are So Many Americans Overweight?

Inappropriate eating result in unnecessary weight gain. Many aspects contribute to weight

gain as well as genetics, environment, and psychological issues. Contributing factors such as

poor diet and sedentary lifestyles have been responsible for 300,000 to 587,000 deaths a year

(AOA, 2005). Weight gain depends on the number of calories the body consume, stores, and

burn. When the body consumes an excessive amount of calories it stores it as fat, therefore

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causing weight gain (Kaplan, 2001d). For the most part, people that consume more calories than

needed and have inadequate physical activity end up overweight or obese (Wexler, 2004). Even

though these factors contribute to weight gain, they affect each individual differently.

Genetic Factors

It is nothing new that heredity affects health which is attributable to genetic factors. Many

experts have argued that some people gain weight and store more calories than others because of

their genetics. Genetics play a different roll with each person, meaning not everyone who has

genetics will become overweight or obese. There are dozens of genes that have been connected

with weight disorders and it is not exactly known how big of a role genes play, but they can

account for 5% of weight disorders “Genetic factors affect the variations in resting metabolic

rate, body fat distribution, and weight gain related to overfeeding, which explains why some

individuals are more susceptible that others are to weight gain or weight loss” (Wexler, 2004a).

Environmental Factors

The environment that we live in today, strongly influence obesity. Since 1980, our

environment has changed to where there are high-calorie temptations at practically every corner,

shopping center, movie theaters, and sports stadiums. The availability of high-calorie foods and

less physically demanding jobs conspire to make Americans fatter. Many Americans chose the

convenience of eating prepared foods, order takeout, and dine in at restaurants rather than to

cook a healthy meal. Eating irregularly, frequently, on the run, and all day snacking contributes

to weight gain as well (Kaplan, 2001).

Psychological Factors

Most people who are overweight and obese biggest challenge, is to deal with depression

and anxiety. These psychological disorders also result from frustration, shame, or rejection by

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others. Some people tend to eat more when they have been affected by depression, anxiety, or

other emotional disorders. Overweight and obesity often cause psychological disorders resulting

to severe emotional difficulties. People who are obese often face prejudice or discrimination.

Because the American society emphasizes directly on physical appearance it can cause

overweight people feel unattractive and lose self-esteem within their self (Kaplan, 2001).

Health Risk that are Associated with Overweight and Obesity

Today, nearly 65% of adults are categorized as being overweight (AOA, 2005). It is true

that Overweight and obesity has gotten so far out of control that it causes over 30 medical

conditions with type-2 diabetes being the most common health risk and heart disease being

leading cause of death. It is true that likelihood for increased health problems occur while being

overweight or obese, but the dangers affect everyone differently.

Metabolic, Degenerative, and Anatomic Complications

Various illnesses that are related to overweight and obesity have been are broken down into

five categories: metabolic, degenerative, anatomic, and cancer. Abnormalities in the body’s

chemistry and functions such as, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels,

high triglycerides, gallstones, and fatty liver disease are known as metabolic complications.

These complications are high risk and Degenerative complications result from permanent

deterioration of body parts. Mechanical pressure from excess weight can cause arthritis and

deterioration to the knee and hip joints. These complications can be resulted from metabolic

complications which can damage other parts of the body and cause strain from excess weight

(Kaplan, 2001c).

Sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops for up to 10 seconds during sleep and it can

happen more than 100 times while sleeping. This condition is known as anatomic complication

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which is common among overweight and obesity. These complications are caused weight-related

structural changes in the bones, muscles, or skin. For example, folded skin that rubs against each

other causing irritation of the skin can develop into skin infection (Kaplan, 2001c).

Cancer

Several types of cancer that have been linked to overweight and obesity: breast, ovarian,

endometrial, colorectal, esophageal, and prostate. There is an 80% chance that those who are

overweight will die from cancer. Cancer

Limited Physical Activities

Since 1980, obesity among adults has doubled. Less than one-third of Americans engage in

any kind of moderated physical activity and 40% of adults do not participated in any physical

activity at all (Thompson, 2001). Many American’s spend their leisure time watching television,

using computers, or playing video games, which encourages excessive eating and causes weight

gain.

Diet and Weight Loss

It is important to know what causes your body to gain weight such as genetics,

environmental, and psychological before trying to lose weight. There are many weight loss plans,

diet pills, and even surgery for those who are severely obese. It is best to see a physician to

consultation on what is best for you. Maintaining weight and living healthier can be successful

with life long changes.

Benefits of Weight Loss

Losing weight will benefit you by making you feel better and reducing medical conditions

such as hypertension and diabetes. Losing as much as 10% of body weight can lead to

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magnificent health benefits. Healthy habits, such as physical activities and nutritious eating, help

to keep weight under control.

One thing is clear, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high and rapidly growing.

Much work is needed to be done to ensure adequate diet and physical activity. The only way we

can make a difference, is to come together. “It is not my problem” has gotten us where we are

today. So many of us turn the other cheek and ignore the problem at hand instead of standing up

and facing the problem head on. Overweight and obesity is slowly killing us and it is time

something be done about it. Obesity does not discriminate it affects all ethnic origin, racial,

genders, ages, and education. Today, public health leaders recognize obesity as a “negelected

public health problem” (AOA, 2005).

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References

American Obesity Association. (2005). Finally a cure for obesity. Retrieved October 11, 2006

from, http://obesity.org

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2006). Prevalence of overweight and obesity

among adults: United States, 2003-2004. Retrieved October 16, 2006 from

www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/obese03_04/overwght_adult_03.htm

Kaplan, L.M., M.D., Ph.D. (2001a). Are you overweight? Weigh Less, Live Longer

(Harvard Special Health Reports). Harvard Health Publications. Retrieved

October 16, 2006, from Health & Wellness Resource Center database.

Kaplan, L.M., M.D., Ph.D. (2001b). Introduction. Weigh Less, Live Longer (Harvard Special

Health Reports). Harvard Health Publications. Retrieved October 16, 2006, from Health

& Wellness Resource Center database.

Kaplan, L.M., M.D., Ph.D. (2001c). Weight and health. Weigh Less, Live Longer (Harvard

Special Health Reports). Harvard Health Publications. Retrieved October 16, 2006,

from Health & Wellness Resource Center database.

Kaplan, L.M., M.D., Ph.D. (2001d). Why people become overweight. Weigh Less, Live Longer

(Harvard Special Health Reports). Harvard Health Publications. Retrieved October 16,

2006, from Health & Wellness Resource Center database.

National Institutes of Health (NIH). (1998, September). Clinical guidelines on the

identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. (NIH

Publication No. 98-4083).

Thompson, D. (2001, December 13). Overweight and obesity threaten U.S. health gains. U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services News, pp. 1-3.

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http://obesity.org/


Wexler, B. (2004a). America weight in over time. Weight in America: Obesity, Eating

Disorders, and Other Health Risk. Retrieved October 26, 2006 from, Opposing

Viewpoints Resource Center.

Wexler, B. (2004b). Public opinion and action about diet, weight, nutrition, and physical

activity. Weight in America: Obesity, Eating Disorders, and Other Health Risk.

Retrieved October 26, 2006 from, Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center.

Wexler, B. (2004c). The economics of overweight and obesity. Weight in America: Obesity,

Eating Disorders, and Other Health Risk. Retrieved October 26, 2006 from, Opposing

Viewpoints Resource Center.

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Overweight and Obesity in America