How Do Genes Affect Obesity?

Do Genes Affect Obesity? There is no way to phrase it nicely, America is a nation of fat people. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a halt in the progress of this problem. Americans continue to grow fatter every year. The United States as a nation is shockingly close to the 50% mark of obese adults, with 1 in 3 adults being obese. Even more disturbing is the child obesity rate in the United States which is at 17%. Along with the obesity increase brings obesity related complications such as strokes, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Obesity is one of the fastest growing epidemics in America. Childhood obesity has increased from 7% to 19% in just 20 years. This is easily one of the fastest growing epidemics that has ever …show more content…
Diet is important, but a sure way to keep the pounds off is daily exercise. Studies show that the recommended amount of daily physical activity is 60 minutes per day alternating exercises every other day. As stated before an obese person can become stuck in a cycle of depression where their drive to better themselves can be lacking. Exercise for some people may not be a valid option, especially daily exercise. It is not just obese people in America, but most Americans do not get the recommended amount of exercise. Our culture is a quagmire of get slim now services and fad diets when people think that the only way to be considered healthy is to shed many pounds. That is not true at all. Studies show that even a 5% weight loss can help decrease health risks associated with obesity. Some of the health benefits include lowering a person 's blood pressure, decreasing the risks for heart disease, and reducing the risk of diabetes. A person does not have to be slim to be healthy. A goal should be to aim for a reasonable goal weight rather than a weight that may seem too far out of reach. Obesity has a very high relapse rate with most people regaining almost all of their previously lost weight in about 5 years. Maintaining a healthy weight is challenging, but it is possible. Like anything, weight loss requires hard work and dedication. Most people do not lose weight alone. Family, friends, and members of a community can work to encourage a person down the hard but right path of achieving a healthy weight. It has been stated again and again that diet and exercise is the only way for a person to lose and keep weight off. Belentine, Jerry. "Obesity." Medicinenet.com. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.