Posted: September 26th, 2024

Causes of Obesity in the United States Essay

Causes of Obesity in the United States.

Did you know that the United States is the second fattest country in the world? This alarming statistic highlights a growing public health concern. At least 1 out of 5 Americans is considered obese. This prevalence has significant implications for healthcare systems. Experts estimate that annually, about 300,000 people die due to this epidemic. These deaths underscore the urgent need for effective interventions. This is also the second leading cause of avoidable death in the nation. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. The leading causes that contribute to obesity are: eating excessively, getting insufficient exercise, and malnutrition. These factors are often interrelated and complex. However, there are other secondary causes related to our culture that are not commonly mentioned. Cultural influences can subtly shape dietary habits.

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Overeating is evidently one of the predominant causes. It is often driven by both psychological and social factors. America is one of the few countries that annually celebrates eating contests. These events reflect a cultural fascination with food. An example of these competitions is the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating contest, which is held annually on July 4th in multiple locations. Such events attract large audiences and media attention. That is not the only eating competition scheduled annually; there are many other contests hosted by big companies across the nation. These contests often glorify excessive consumption. Events like these demonstrate that eating is a hobby for Americans. This perception can contribute to unhealthy eating patterns. Beyond being a hobby, it is also an addiction for people. Addressing this addiction requires understanding its root causes.

Psychologists estimate that seventy-five percent of excessive eating is caused by emotions. Emotional eating is a common coping mechanism. People feeling sad, lonely, depressed, bored, and frustrated find eating to be an immediate solution that can satisfy them. This temporary relief can lead to long-term health issues. What is evident about emotional eating is that it can cause undesirable weight gain. Recognizing emotional triggers is crucial for prevention. Furthermore, lack of exercise is another common factor for obesity, not only in America, but in the world. Sedentary lifestyles are becoming increasingly prevalent. Physical inactivity occurs when a person does not exercise on a daily basis. This lack of movement can have serious health consequences. In our nation, the lack of exercise happens due to the rushed lifestyle that we live. Balancing work and personal life is often challenging.

Laziness is also a factor that contributes to inactivity; people prefer to spend thirty minutes watching TV rather than exercising. This preference can be attributed to modern conveniences. When getting jobs, creating a family, having to pay bills, and studying simultaneously, it is tough to split up the time adequately. Time management skills are essential in such scenarios. Nevertheless, it’s not impossible to split up the time. Prioritizing health can lead to better outcomes. By doing cardiovascular exercises such as jogging, walking, biking, or running for thirty minutes every day, you will avoid physical inactivity and therefore reduce the probability of being obese. These activities can be easily incorporated into daily routines. Another common exercise that could also contribute to creating a healthy body is swimming. Swimming provides a full-body workout that is gentle on the joints. Besides leading to obesity, lack of exercise also causes many other diseases in the human body. These diseases can significantly impact quality of life. Some of them are diabetes, which is a common disease in obese people, as well as high blood pressure. Managing these conditions often requires medical intervention.

In addition, malnutrition is also a leading cause of obesity. This paradoxical relationship is often misunderstood. Individuals suffer from malnourishment when their diet does not meet the adequate requirements for proteins, carbohydrates, calories, etc. Nutritional education can help address this issue. There are two different types of malnourishment. Each type requires a different approach to treatment. The first one is when people eat an excess of junk food exceeding the adequate diet, while the second type is the opposite, when the person is not eating enough food to reach the adequate requirements. Both scenarios can lead to serious health problems. This factor can be seen as a cultural issue due to the food composition in some countries. Cultural shifts towards healthier options are needed.

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A big number of United States citizens tend to eat fast food on a daily basis. This convenience often comes at a nutritional cost. It is clear that the diet obtained from fast food is not the best one. These meals are typically high in calories and low in nutrients. Food from fast food restaurants barely has protein or fiber. This lack of essential nutrients can lead to deficiencies. It primarily consists of carbohydrates, fat, and empty calories. Such diets contribute to weight gain and health issues. Therefore, a fast food diet is not a good nutrition source. Alternatives should be promoted to encourage healthier choices. Another thing that influences malnutrition is alcohol consumption. Alcohol can interfere with nutrient absorption and metabolism.

Even though the United States is not at the top of the list of per capita alcohol consumption, the nation has a decent amount of people that drink alcohol on a weekly or even daily basis. This pattern can exacerbate nutritional deficiencies. Alcohol is not bad when it is consumed in moderation, but the problem is that many people consume it excessively and it logically affects the nutrition and health of a person. Education on responsible drinking is important. After analyzing the main causes of obesity, it is evident that obesity is an avoidable disease. Prevention strategies can be highly effective.

There are many habits that can contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These habits require commitment and consistency. Eating moderately is essential to achieve that healthy lifestyle. Portion control can help manage calorie intake. Exercising on a daily basis is also vital for a healthy body. Regular physical activity supports overall well-being. The most important habit is adopting a healthy diet that could meet the adequate requirements in terms of nutrition needs. Balanced diets provide the necessary nutrients for optimal health. The United States could decrease its obesity rate if all these causes are modified. Public health initiatives can support these changes. There’s no doubt that it takes dedication to improve one’s health, but at the end of the day, it’s worth it. The benefits of a healthier lifestyle extend beyond physical health.

Tags: Emotional Eating, Fast Food Culture, Malnutrition, Obesity Epidemic