The Rising Trend Of Fast Food And Obesity
March 22, 2008
Obesity is a common problem in countries like America, India etc. In America one in every three person is classified as obese. 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.
Obesity 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.
Fast Food and Restaurants:
For many youngsters fat food is the way of life. These teenagers and adolescents survive only on fast food. Be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner these adolescents will prefer ordering the food from outside, as it is convenient and tasty as well. Also fast food is easily available. Research shows that if these young adults continue to have fast food meals twice to thrice in a week then the chances of obesity will increase by 50%. This is an alarming statistic for a nation with such a high incidence of obesity and a fast food chain on nearly every corner. The food that is consumed from fast food restaurants is loaded with fat and calories, not to mention sodium, oil, and sugar. And if all these special food is ordered in a “Super Size” then the amount of calories consumed in a single day will easily cross 1600 Kcal. Thus this is more than sufficient for many people. Studies have also shown that families that eat fast food more often are also less likely to keep healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables in the house so as to offset some of the negative effects of the burgers and fries.
A pretty frightening fact is that there is 20%loss of life expectancy due to obesity. Young adolescents are aware of the ingredients that go into the making of these fast food items, but yet are so tempted to consume it that they do not think twice before going for it. At times these adolescents do think that can fast food result in obesity? But 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.
How do we diminish the Link between Fast Food and Obesity in America?
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. Fast food does not have to be avoided altogether and at all costs - it just needs to be considered. These teens should learn to strike a balance while dining out.
Summary:
Thus if healthy heating habits are inculcated right from childhood, obesity can very well be controlled. 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.
Got something to say?
