Fast Food Obesity And Ever Expanding Waistlines
March 30, 2008
Obesity is a common problem in countries like America, India etc. 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. In America one out of every three is obese.
Obesity is determined through a formula called Body mass Index (BMI). If BMI is more than 30, the person is said to be obese.
Why Does Obesity Occur?
These youngsters are at considerable risk of becoming obese children and thereby obese adults. As children unhealthy eating patterns and poor food choices were main reasons responsible for childhood 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 and quick take always, fast food treats, family meals. Eating out is on an increase for this generation. Thus all these factors are very much responsible for adolescent obesity not only in developed countries but also in developing countries.
Thus with an increase in percentage of obese people, doctors, scientists and medical people are beginning to study the causes of obesity. After through study and research, both of them are in a dilemma as to whether fast food can cause obesity. But yes fast food causes obesity. So now Americans can no longer blame the genes for being obese. If these people do an introspection of their own self they will come to a correct conclusion for obesity. One will very soon realize that this fast food is the main culprit. The way these fast food outlets are advertising and the way their number is increasing is evident of the fact that we have been “Addicted ” to this kind of food.
Striking American with full Force:
With Americans being constantly barraged by pizzas and burgers advertising, and with candies and sweets stacked up near every checkout counter in every convenience store, it is indeed very natural that fast food obesity is striking Americans with full force. And, with the possibility of eating while filling gas at a gas station, the Fritos, Twinkies and Coke consumed will not reduce the harmful effects of fast food obesity in a hurry. Hoever with people giving in away to their temptation of fast food, self-help tools may be of little help. Thus in this race between obesity and being healthy, obesity is way ahead. All this resulting into diabetes types two, BP, heart diseases, etc.
Harmful Effects of Obesity
Among adolescents it manifests itself as lowered self-esteem, lesser educational achievement, lower incidence of marriage, and also lower household incomes and finally, higher rates of poverty. Among Children it results in lesser educational achievement, lower self esteem thereby resulting into children moving towards anti social activities.
Remedial Measures:
Need to dine out in such fast food joints must be curtailed. 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.
Summary:
The only action plan that can help in reducing the link between fast food and obesity in America is to cut back on this type of fast food diet. People should learn to strike a balance while dining out.
Got something to say?
