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Obesity In America

Obesity in America

Obesity in America is an ever-growing problem and has boosted America to the number one spot in terms of obese population.   Obesity can be defined as a condition in which the body carries abnormal or unhealthy amounts of fat tissue, leading the individual to weigh in excess or 20 percent more than his or her ideal weight (Health & Illness).   The normal amount of body fat in young men is 15-18%, in young women is 20-25%, and in older adults is 30-40%.   How do people become overweight or obese in the American society?   There are several ways to obtain the obese tag, but many are contrary to our beliefs such as bad diet and lack of exercise.   Why is it that America has such a high number of obese people?   What causes this in our society?   I'm sure these are all questions you wonder when you hear that America is so obese.   I shall address all of these and hopefully offer a developed perspective on the problem in America.
Often times obesity begins during childhood.   About 15.5 percent of adolescents, (ages 12 to 19) and 15.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are obese (American Obesity Association).   Children need much nurturing while they're young because they do not fully understand things.   The things kids know are the things that are taught in the household.   Parents must set a good example for their children and that also includes diet.   It is truly essential to teach about the importance of a healthy diet.   Schools are also a great influence on the youth diet problem.   "The epidemic of childhood obesity is a tragedy for many reasons, and portends poorly for the health of our entire nation in the coming decades. Obese children have a low quality of life; the quality of life of severely obese children is similar to that of kids with cancer. Obese children also have a strong predisposition to become obese adults"   (CommercialAlert.org).   This goes along with my point that if people become overweight at a young age, it is likely this weight...