America the Fattest

Everyone can see it happening, no one seems to care, and no one ever talks about it yet it’s one of the biggest problems in America. Obesity is an epidemic that is increasingly prevalent amongst not only adults, but frighteningly so among children and adolescents. To say that obesity is an increasing problem is massive understatement it’s been an increasing problem. In fact it’s increased so much that America is the world's fattest country according to a report from Trust for America's Health. "Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges the country has ever faced, and troubling disparities exist based on race, ethnicity, region, and income," said Jeffrey Levi, PhD, the executive director of Trust for America’s Health. Obesity is a very real problem, an issue that needs to be taken seriously, talked about, and  something needs to be done to combat the countries obesity problem. Since we are already the fattest country in the world, something clearly hasn’t quite “clicked” with the majority of American adults. The scariest part of the issue is America is ALREADY the fattest country, and the problem is increasing! That is pathetic and just speaks volumes to how much people care about their health and how horribly we over consume. As the saying goes “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” so hopefully the “old dogs” can do something about their eating habits to better influence America’s youth.

            Currently more than one in three children or young teens is obese, that’s 12 million children and adolescents that are obese in the United States. The problem doesn’t start with the children, and they are not to blame for repeating actions learned by parents, guardians, or other greasy fingered adults. Parents need to lead by example, put down the Big Mac and not just show and tell their children what to eat, but explain to them why they should be and are eating it. I live a very healthy lifestyle and that’s my choice, I don’t push anyone into changing their habits because you can’t truly do something unless YOU want to.  I am not a parent so I can only ask, why would you not want the best for your children, for them to live as long and healthy of a life as possible? It’s certainly no easy task but it is far from impossible, excuses are just easier than finding solutions for most. Fast food has become a way of life for most Americans, which is no surprise seeing as every time you venture out you are bombarded with radio ads, billboards, and illuminated signs on every corner. There is no escaping McDonalds, Wendy’s, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Pizza Hut, simply too many to list. It’s no wonder obesity is such an epidemic; there is seemingly no escape from the fast food power houses and their corporate greed.

 Not only are American’s eating themselves to death, but they seem to be in denial over the fact. Over the course of the last year 28 States saw an increase in adult obesity. According to the CDC’s Estimates that number would likely be significantly greater if people gave accurate information in regards to their height and weight when surveyed. So even with inaccurate results that are LOWER than they would be because people lie about their height and weight we are STILL the fattest country. Whether people are in denial, or they are doing what most people do and tell themselves “I’ll start a diet tomorrow”(Probably some joke fad diet they saw on T.V.), “I’ll cut my carbs”(Not even knowing what this does or how to properly do it), or “It’ll be my New Years resolution!” People need to open their eyes, better yet put down the burger & soda and see what is and has been going on in America and do something about it. A good start is find some activities that you can do with your children or teens that don’t involve a Drive-Thru or a Couch.