Obesity in America
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, about two in three American adults are obese or overweight and about one in three are considered obese (“Overweight & Obesity Statistics.”). The problem of obesity in America has increased over the years due to the creation of new foods, restaurants, and lack of motivation. There are many risks involved with Obesity that many people do not realize that can later lead to health complications and/or death.
Body mass index, or BMI, is measured by weight in kilograms divided by height meters squared. This measurement is taken to show body fats correlation with height. In the chart below, it shows the correct BMI for adults 20+.
BMI of Adults Ages 20 and Older
BMI Classification
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In order to live a healthy life, one needs a healthy amount of exercise with a well balanced diet to equal each other out. Lack of movement causes the body to hold more calories opposed to someone that is burning twice the calories. Without a nutritious meal in one’s body, exercise lacks a purpose. In order for the body to burn fat, there must be healthy potential muscles. Without these nutrients the body will repeatedly reduce muscle tension and begin to eat away at muscle rather than gain it. The two go hand in hand because without one, the other is pointless. More often than not, obesity goes throughout many American families. Typically, if one or both parents struggle with obesity, their child or children, will also. This comes from poor living conditions in the home with what is eaten and what activities are encouraged. Obesity can also be found through genetics. A hormone called leptin is produced in fat and controls the amount of food our bodies need, however if the body is not getting enough of this hormone, then obesity arises because the brain is always signaling to the body that it needs food (Balentine,