Obesity Statistics Prove We Have No Self Control Over Our Eating Habits |
Thursday, August 6th, 2009 |
Obesity in America is so bad that it has been called an epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person is deemed to be obese if he has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. This means that the person consumes more food than is required by the body and does not burn enough calories. As a result the person would suffer from diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome to name a few. The main causes of obesity are said to be unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. A decrease in physical activity results in lower calories being burnt. However hormone deficiencies could also lead to obesity.
The obesity statistics are somewhat staggering. It is said that virtually two-thirds of American adults above the age of 20 , that is 66 percent of the population, are said to be obese, according to results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) . Out of these obesity statistics, 33 percent are said to be women whereas only 30 percent are said to be men. Another survey by NHANES shows that the prevalence rates of children aged between 2 to 5 years has increased from 5 percent to 13.9 percent over the last few years. Children too face the obesity epidemic and their future seems not too bright as CDC researches predict that by the time these children reach the age of 25, they’d become obese.
Based on obesity statistics by the National Institutes of Health, obesity is the second leading cause of death that can be prevented, in America. This is only exceeded by tobacco. An estimated 300, 000 deaths are said to be caused as a result of obesity each year. Diabetes too is very common among obese people bringing about more complication to their health. 80 percent of those suffering from type 2 diabetes are said to be related to obesity according to obesity statistics by the Wellness International Network Limited.
These obesity statistics from America are quite scary to begin with and that is why the situation has been named an apidemic. If people could become more careful and aware of the implications and adapt new lifestyles that are healthier on their food habits and the amount of exercises they receive, perhaps obesity statistics will start changing?.
Whatever your views on obesity, health or Diet issues, you can post your thoughts at the Health and Fitness Blog. You can also find more information and resources on Health & Fitness today at the Health And Exercise Website. Information on the world famous Atkins Diet can be found at the Atkins Diet Website.