Dr. Robert
23rd september 2006
The United State is among the wealthiest countries. According to a report shared by the BBC despite the United State is one of the wealthiest countries it is also a home to the obese people.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there has been an increase of 60 % in the obesity, over the past years. Studies also show that every third American adult is considered obese and has the body max index of 30 or above. People with body mass index ranging from 25 to 30 are considered overweight.
Obesity is known as a condition, which define the weight of a person. The risk of obesity increases with the genetics, but it is not proven yet. The American Obesity Association states that the primary factor that decides the obesity is the body mass index measurement. It is calculated by dividing weight in pounds to height in inches. The result of this division is multiplied with the 704.5. If the figure after the multiplication is higher than 30 then it is considered as obese. Overweight and obesity are two separate terms. One of the shocking figures is that around 17% of American children are obese.
The scientists have also discovered that there are other factors involved in obesity other than genetic factors. These factors can be behavioral and environmental. Inactive and unhealthy lifestyle can also cause obesity to many people. Chances of becoming obese are radically altered by behavior and lifestyle of a person. Studies also show that increase in obesity in recent years is also due to the increased use of fast foods, processed foods and lack of an active lifestyle.
In the United States, according to American Obesity Association 300,000 deaths are caused every year due to obesity only. A number of serious health conditions are also caused by it like, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
It is not only affecting individuals but it is draining the economy of the United States. Obese and overweight condition cost $117 billion per annum of medical expenses and 3.9$billion per annum on the illness caused by weight.
