Obesity in Americans
America's obesity problem is getting worse. The only ray of hope is that many people are now paying attention, seeking some solution.
The most obvious response to a solution of side lining obesity in children and the elderly is more physical exercise. The first step is to promote sports to all students in schools; but this won't fix the problem completely. Parents need to also play a part in the obesity epidemic.
With 65 percent of the American population now overweight and 31 percent classed as obese, it's clear that we need to start the reform measures yesterday. Yet there are some that disagree, arguing that weight is purely a personal issue.
Last week one of them called into Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's radio program. This woman, identified as "Maria from Cabot," didn't like Huckabee's recently announced Healthy Arkansas Initiative and its focus on children.
"I don't think it's the state's business to get into the health concerns of a child"
Maria couldn't have hit a better target than Huckabee, who's lost 105 pounds since a diabetes diagnosis last year. He agreed that "people have a right to do dumb things," indeed to be overweight or unhealthy.
The signal is unmistakable. Overweight conditions threaten both our health and the long-term fiscal stability of governments, our payers of last resort.
Obesity won't recede without a strong mix of countermeasures. We know logical first steps. Waiting has become unthinkable.
People tend to blame the overweight condition of our children on fast food - over at freeweightloss.com they have a whole section dedicated to the nutritional facts of fast food restaurants.
How do I tell if I am Obese?
If your BMI level is 30 or higher, then you are obese. While any excess weight is likely to be detrimental to your health, being seriously overweight may require medical attention.
If your BMI is over 30, or you are unsure about your weight, consult your GP.
To check your BMI you can use our BMI Calculator found here - BMI Calculator
Resources
- Obesity treatmen
- Easy Weight Loss Exercises
- The North American Association for the Study of Obesity