Obesity Facts
It is no secret that a large number of people in America are overweight and it is troubling that obesity is becoming more prevalent in children and adults. There are many consequences for this epidemic of widespread obesity and it is affecting all of us. The good news is that our medical weight loss program has helped over 125,000 people lose weight but as a country, we are fighting an uphill battle.
The Cause
People become overweight or obese due to excessive calorie consumption and a lack of exercise or physical activity. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the main factors that contribute to people being overweight or obese are behavior, environment, and genetics.
The neighborhoods we live in, home environment, workplace, and school settings can all play a role in obesity. Some communities may not have access to gyms and fitness centers and many people live in suburban or even rural areas with little or nothing within walking distance. Some strides have been made recently but the foods children are often exposed to at school have very little nutritional value. The foods in our home that we choose to eat out of necessity or convenience has a major impact. Many people have long driving commutes to work and then sit at a desk all day with very little or no physical activity.
Our genes are often tied to obesity but genetics are not usually the only cause. Genetic predispositions to obesity are often facilitated by influencing factors such as behavior and environment. If someone is prone to be overweight or obese due to genes, it can be exacerbated by a lack of exercise and bad eating habits.
The Numbers
The statistics on the overweight and obesity problem in America are shocking. According to the CDC, over two thirds of Americans over the age of 20 are overweight and over a third of Americans are obese. Overweight and obesity in children has increased dramatically since the 1980s. Today, over one third of American kids and teenagers are considered overweight or obese.
The rates of obesity across the country vary from state to state but the fact of the matter is that even the state with the lowest rate of obesity (Colorado) has a rate of about 20%. There are 13 states with an alarming obesity rate of 30% or higher and nearly all of them are located in the Midwest and the South.
The Consequences
Obesity contributes to many preventable deaths in the U.S. because of the medical issues that can arise from it. Type II diabetes is a major health problem and it is mostly cauased by obesity. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in America and one of the root causes is obesity. According to the National Cancer Institute, 40% of cases of endometrial and esophageal cancer are directly attributed to obesity. Obese people also have an increased risk for high blood pressure which can lead to strokes and ultimately death.
Medical CostsObesity affects all Americans financially as there seems to be an increasing trend in medical costs. According to the CDC, it was estimated that roughly $147,000,000,000 is spent annually on either directly or indirectly treating medical issues related to obesity. This puts a huge financial strain on the health care system as much of it is funded by taxpayer dollars.
Nobody has to just accept being overweight or obese. We know that losing weight is not an easy task for most people and this is why the Dr. G’s medical
weight loss program was created. If you have unsuccessfully tried other methods of losing weight, stop by a Dr. G’s location near you. Our physician led weight loss program can help you lose weight, keep it off, and provide you with guidance to ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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