The Health And Fitness Epidemic Essay

Live Long and Prosper Its official, the health and fitness epidemic has erupted in America. Facebook, Instagram, and other popular media applications are blowing up with fitness pictures, advice, workouts, and even food recipes. Health clubs and fitness centers are at an all-time high, and the number of memberships have increased with them. So, why now? Why are people so determined and focused to get healthy? Working out and eating healthy has been scientifically proven to increase health, help lose weight, lower risk of certain diseases, reduce depression, increase life expectancy, and to help the individual feel great both physically and mentally. Those are just a few examples of some truly awesome benefits and results that help ensure the longest and healthiest life possible Today more than 78.6 million adults and 12.7 million children struggle with obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the fact that obesity is common, serious, and costly. Obesity-related conditions are linked to more than sixty chronic diseases, and is one of the leading causes of preventable death. The American Cancer Society states that 572,000 Americans die of cancer each year. About 1/3 of these cancer deaths are linked to excess body weight, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Additionally, Americans now consume 31% more calories today than they did forty years ago. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, healthier diets could prevent at least…