Obesity is a major health issue affecting the United States today. It is reported that 31 out of 51 US states are reporting an increased number of the obese in their population, and another report made by the Trust for America's Health indicated that two-thirds of adults in the US are overweight, and the children are coming not too far behind as well. What are the solutions to this alarming medical trend?
Obesity is an alarming public health crisis
According to most nutritionists and dietitians, an individual who has a BMI, or Body Mass Index of 25 and above is considered to be overweight, while those who have a BMI of 30
and above already considered obese. Obesity is a truly life-threatening condition. It's often linked with so-called "lifestyle" diseases such as hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease, diabetes, alcoholism, low self-esteem and other factors that lead to a lower quality of life.
Major factors that contribute to the rise in obesity
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is becoming an alarming global epidemic, and it's estimated that around 2 billion people are either overweight or obese. Among the major reasons for the spike in the numbers of the obese are the widespread practice of sedentary lifestyles, which is also coupled by a major shift in diets to junk foods and carbohydrate-rich fast food fare. The WHO states that Americans are among the most overweight people in the planet, and the crisis shows no signs of abating, since more US states are reporting an increase in the numbers of the obese. Obesity rates among adults have already gone up by 20 percent in 47 US states including the District of Columbia.
There's an alarming rise in the number of overweight children
The ever-increasing number of overweight and obese children is also very alarming. A report has suggested that around 25 million children in the United States are either overweight or obese. The southern part of the US has a serious obesity epidemic, and 10 of the 15 southern states have the highest levels of child obesity. Health officials admit that despite the increasing attention to this alarming health trend, obesity is still continuing to grow in the US. And while some policy efforts are being made to address the issue, the United States still very lacks a truly comprehensive program to tackle the increase in obesity numbers.
What are the best possible solutions for addressing obesity?
Most health experts have agreed that there has to be a national-level policy campaign to effectively combat obesity. Drastic action has to be taken by government, local communities and individuals, and there's absolutely no magic or overnight pill for this menace. What is needed is a major shift in norms and eating habits. A lot of emphasis must also be placed on enhanced physical activity to reduce the numbers of the overweight. Here are the 5 major recommendations for effectively combating obesity.
1. A widespread and all-inclusive approach needs to be done to help individuals make healthy choices, and support also has to come from both schools, families, communities, employers, food and beverage companies as well as government.
2. The American Academy Of Pediatrics Has also advocated that physicians must also pay extra attention to the physical activity of their child patients. They also need to promote a child's physical activity level, as well as provide education and better health supervision, and find ways to reduce the amount of sedentary activities at home or in school.
3. Federal, state and local governments must collaborate with private employers and insures to make sure that a comprehensive wellness program is in place in offices and companies.
4. More research should be done to effectively promote healthier habits.
5. A national strategy to combat obesity must also be implemented by the Federal Government.
2. The American Academy Of Pediatrics Has also advocated that physicians must also pay extra attention to the physical activity of their child patients. They also need to promote a child's physical activity level, as well as provide education and better health supervision, and find ways to reduce the amount of sedentary activities at home or in school.
3. Federal, state and local governments must collaborate with private employers and insures to make sure that a comprehensive wellness program is in place in offices and companies.
4. More research should be done to effectively promote healthier habits.
5. A national strategy to combat obesity must also be implemented by the Federal Government.
Despite some of measures being currently implemented by government and the private sector, obesity both among adults and children continues to rise at an alarming pace. It's important the adults and children eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, so that they could contribute to halting the spread of this dreadful health epidemic.
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