Obesity is a global problem, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide; however, obesity in the Unites States appears to be in epidemic proportions. “Today, 69 percent of the U.S adults are categorized as being affected by obesity or having excessive weight” (U.S Dept. of Human Services). This means almost three-fourths of the population is dealing with excessive weight issues. Obesity is, easily, one of the fastest growing health concerns in America. But what exactly does it mean to be obese? According to Merriam Webster, obesity is a condition that is characterized by excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body and that in an adult is typically indicated by a body mass index of 30 percent of greater. Nevertheless, this
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It is not only caused by a single factor; instead, there are multiple factors that contribute to a person becoming obese. People may think that physical inactivity and overeating are the only causes for obesity; however, there are other factors that can influence a person’s weight. Genetics contributes highly to the way a person’s body will function. It affects how hormones are involved in fat regulation. Other factors such as psychological problems and social issues can also lead to obesity. A link between emotions and eating habits has been proven. There are instances where people eat excessively in response to emotions such as boredom, sadness, stress, or anger. Obesity is more than just being “fat” or not looking good in certain clothes. Obesity is called a disease because it has serious affects in a person’s life that can eventually lead to death. The rates of obesity are increasing every year worldwide. The problem with obesity is that it is not any common disease that goes away after a few weeks. Obesity is a chronic disease that most people struggle with their entire life. Obesity is affecting the United States by causing an increase in healthcare, a decrease in the life expectancy of citizens, and by having the highest population of obese …show more content…
Obesity can create negative life changing results on various systems of a person’s body. Heart disease and type 2 diabetes are some of the most dangerous side effects caused by obesity. Heart diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease are ten times often found more in obese people rather than those who are not obese. Coronary artery disease leads to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, and, eventually can cause chest pain, a heart attack, or a stroke. Obesity can also increase the likelihood of a person developing high blood pressure and or cancer. “In women, being overweight contributes to an increased risk for a variety of cancers including breast cancer, colon, gallbladder, and uterus. Men who are overweight have a higher risk of colon cancer and prostate cancers” (Stanford Health Care). Obesity can also cause high cholesterol, hypertension, gallstones, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease, miscarriages, asthma, and other respiratory conditions (Johnson Foundation). One must understand that obesity is not just an economic problem, but it is decreasing the life expectancy of millions of people all over the
It is not only caused by a single factor; instead, there are multiple factors that contribute to a person becoming obese. People may think that physical inactivity and overeating are the only causes for obesity; however, there are other factors that can influence a person’s weight. Genetics contributes highly to the way a person’s body will function. It affects how hormones are involved in fat regulation. Other factors such as psychological problems and social issues can also lead to obesity. A link between emotions and eating habits has been proven. There are instances where people eat excessively in response to emotions such as boredom, sadness, stress, or anger. Obesity is more than just being “fat” or not looking good in certain clothes. Obesity is called a disease because it has serious affects in a person’s life that can eventually lead to death. The rates of obesity are increasing every year worldwide. The problem with obesity is that it is not any common disease that goes away after a few weeks. Obesity is a chronic disease that most people struggle with their entire life. Obesity is affecting the United States by causing an increase in healthcare, a decrease in the life expectancy of citizens, and by having the highest population of obese …show more content…
Obesity can create negative life changing results on various systems of a person’s body. Heart disease and type 2 diabetes are some of the most dangerous side effects caused by obesity. Heart diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease are ten times often found more in obese people rather than those who are not obese. Coronary artery disease leads to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, and, eventually can cause chest pain, a heart attack, or a stroke. Obesity can also increase the likelihood of a person developing high blood pressure and or cancer. “In women, being overweight contributes to an increased risk for a variety of cancers including breast cancer, colon, gallbladder, and uterus. Men who are overweight have a higher risk of colon cancer and prostate cancers” (Stanford Health Care). Obesity can also cause high cholesterol, hypertension, gallstones, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease, miscarriages, asthma, and other respiratory conditions (Johnson Foundation). One must understand that obesity is not just an economic problem, but it is decreasing the life expectancy of millions of people all over the