Obesity Epidemic - Causes and Cures

Obesity in America has reached an all time high with one out of every 3 Americans categorized as obese. This number has doubled in the past 10 years. In 2007, the CDC reported that only one state, Colorado, had less than 20% of people who were considered obese and all other states were higher than this 20 percent. Americans are not alone in the growing number of people who have gained weight as numbers in other countries continue to rise as well.

Causes

So what has changed to cause Americans to be overweight? Speculations as to the cause of the obesity epidemic include the vast expansion of fast food chains and the large portions as well as fat content. Additionally with our society and habits becoming more and more sedentary the activity level for the average American has declined. With the introduction of computers and video games, our children have become more accustomed to sitting for their entertainment versus playing outdoors. This sedentary lifestyle is not just limited to children and teenagers but also has become the standard lifestyle for many adults as well.

Lastly social networks are also believed to influence the spread of the obesity epidemic. In an article from The New England Journal of Medicine noted that people were more likely to become overweight if their social network was also overweight. This influence from their family and friends may be part of the cause of the obesity epidemic.

There are other factors that are believed to be contributors to obesity in certain people. These factors include genetics, emotional eating and potential metabolic disorder. Although this last cause accounts for only about 2% of the obese population it is something to discuss with your doctor if you think this is a problem for you. As for genetics, this is what you were dealt with which means you must work harder than others to stave off obesity. Emotional eating on the other hand is something that you can work at controlling by recognizing your emotional triggers. Try reducing stress as well as this is one emotion that causes overeating in lots of people as well as can lead to certain health concerns.

Cures

Is there a cure for the obesity epidemic? This one question is widely debated and discussed across many organizations and countries. With the steadily increasing rate of obese and overweight people one would assume that the answer is no. There are new diet pills introduced each year in hopes of curing the obesity epidemic. Although some of these new products show hope and good results, not all diet pills are made equally. Additionally, a pill by itself will not cure the obesity.

One common thread among the experts in helping solve this epidemic is to get active. Exercise is our best defense against fighting this disease. Although working out is not always easy to schedule, we as Americans need to get up off our "you know what" and start exercising our way to fitness. Walking is a great way to get active without straining our bodies too much. So get out and walk with a friend, your dog or on a treadmill.

Another way to battle the obesity epidemic is to change eating habits. With the too sugary and too fatty foods available at stores and restaurants, this change will take some will power. As Americans we need to get back to basics and select healthier and more natural foods. Make your choices closer to nature’s way and you will begin to feel the difference. Opt for whole grain instead of processed foods. Choose fresh veggies and fruits when in season and select low fat or non fat dairy products.

Although there does not appear to be any one "magical" pill or cure for obesity, by getting active and eating healthy you are well on your way to helping solve this problem - at least for yourself. If you need a little help in getting motivated to lose weight, check out these weight loss motivation tips.