Right now obesity in America is a widespread health problem that has grown rapidly in recent decades. According to research conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009-2010, over 1/3 of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese. That's more than one out of three people!
Right now this statistic is troubling when you consider that heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer are directly linked to obesity.
Right now the alarming amount of obese people also costs a great deal. Did you know that in comparison to someone of normal weight, the medical costs for an obese person on average are $1,429 higher? And in fact, did you know that in 2008 the total medical costs corresponding to the obesity epidemic in America were estimated to total $147 billion(!)?
Right now children in America are also at risk and are experiencing higher obesity rates. Research shows that 17% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 suffer from childhood obesity, a surprisingly high figure despite all the awareness our society has today. Equally troubling is that childhood obesity has been associated with cardiovascular risk factors and premature death. Children who are obese during childhood are also more likely to carry this problem into adulthood, which then leads to more serious health threats, such as an increased risk of stroke and many chronic diseases.
Right now the obesity epidemic in America has shown no signs that it is going to go way any time soon. Not only does this pose massive health and medical care problems, but it also bodes very darkly for these individuals prospects in the future. For many, obesity is likely (or will) become lifelong ordeals if they don't get help--seriously lasting help that allows them to make real impactful life changes. We haven't even explored what obesity does to ones self-esteem, their connection to their communities, their future job prospects, their contributions, etc.
Right now we need new solutions to address obesity in America simply because what we're doing as a society just isn't enough. Educating people about exercise, nutrition, and healthy living is a great thing... but right now we need to spend equal (if not more) time educating obese people and at risk children about their emotional/human needs, their triggers and patterns, and how to constructively break their debilitating vices.
source : Right Now: Why We Need New Solutions to Address Obesity In America
