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Reducing Obesity in America

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates nearly 65 percent of American adults are overweight, with 31 percent qualifying as obese. According to the surgeon general, obesity is the fastest-growing cause of disease and death in America.

  1. Significance

    • The United States ranks No. 1 among all countries for having the highest obesity rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity-related deaths have climbed to more than 300,000 a year, second only to tobacco-related deaths.

    Geography

    • Based on statistics maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Southern states and those located along the Rust Belt rank the highest in obesity. States in the West and New England have the lowest obesity rates.

    Features

    • Government policies need to be put in place at both federal and local levels, setting healthier nutritional standards for foods in schools and vending machines. States should also work to improve the availability of low-cost, nutritious food in low-income areas to reduce consumption of cheap fast-food options. Creating more parks and sidewalks can help increase physical activity among Americans.

    Considerations

    • Because some cases of obesity may be caused or worsened by certain illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid disease or auto-immune disorders, affordable health care needs to be made available so those who are obese may seek treatment.

    Effects

    • Promoting healthy lifestyle changes through proper nutrition and physical activity can reduce the number of obesity-related illnesses, thus reducing the millions of dollars in health care spent on obesity-related illnesses, morbidity and mortality costs.

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