Can Fast Food Cause Obesity? Scientists Study the Links

March 26, 2008

Obesity is a common problem in countries like America, India etc. In America. Obesity is a condition where an adult person is not able to maintain a balance between his calories intake and energy expenditure. Thus the person is said to be in an obese condition.

Obesity is determined through a formula called Body mass Index (BMI). If BMI is more than 30, the person is said to be obese.

The Causes:

These teenagers are at considerable risk of becoming obese adults. As children unhealthy eating habits and poor food choices were main reasons contributing to children obesity. Also lack of Exercise has been a leading cause of child obesity. Since a few years there is a considerable increase in the percentage of obesity in adults. . Business lunches, convenient take always, kiddie’s fast food treats, family meals. Eating out is on a rise for this generation. Thus all these factors are largely responsible for adolescent obesity not only in developed countries but also in developing countries.

Thus with an increase in percentage of obese people, doctors and scientists are beginning to study the causes of obesity. After through study and research, both doctors and scientists are in a dilemma as to whether fast food can cause obesity. Some of the facts seem to point clearly in this direction. For example, with an increase in obesity rates in the past decade, there is also an increase in the frequency in which many people choosing fast food as their main course. Also since past few decades Fast food chains have developed in every nook and corner of the area. Also the way, in which these people advertise in televisions and print media, targeting the children generally has given an evidence to rethink on this issue.

However +these studies have indeed highlighted the fact that families that dine out at least three or more times a week does run a higher risk of obesity and larger BMI’s. The BMI, or body mass index, is a formula with which doctors can determine exactly how overweight a person is. A BMI of 30 or more is an indication of obesity, and a number between 25 and 30 means the patient is overweight. As mentioned earlier that in America one in every three person is classified as obese. Thus these fingers do point that there is an urgent need to bring obesity under control.

Fast Food cans Cause Obesity in Some

Yes one of the factors to consider when trying determining if fast food can cause obesity is other lifestyle choice that might affect the body weight. It has also been found in studies those slender teens that choose fast food on occasions will balance the calories consumed by consuming fewer calories the rest of the day. But obese and overweight teens do not have the tendency to make those types of choices. Also families, who dined out regularly, would have the tendency to stock lesser amount of fresh vegetables, fruits, and salads. Also these families would probably have more storage of aerated drinks and fried stuff.

Summary:

Thus the fact that whether fast food causes obesity is frightening then one has to make sure to eat healthier foods As in vegetables, soups, salads, and fresh fruits. It des not mean that one has to avoid dining out altogether, but one has to make correct choices while dining out. These teens should learn to strike a balance while dining out. Thus if healthy heating habits are inculcated right from childhood, obesity can very well be controlled.

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