Obesity Epidemic

Obesity is one of today’s most blatantly visible but yet most neglected health issues in America causing an escalating global epidemic of overweight. Also known as “globesity” that is taking over the United States (Controlling the Global Obesity Epidemic). Although, obesity may not be the Black Death, it is still a severe health crisis that needs to be treated immediately (Griffin). Statistics show that two-thirds of adults and nearly one-third of children struggle with either being overweight or obese in the United States today (Abraham). “Obesity is a complex condition, one with serious social and psychological dimensions, that affects virtually all age and socioeconomic groups and threatens to overwhelm both developed and developing countries”
Research has concluded those who are breastfed for six months or longer, have a 20-40 percent less chance to becomes overweight (Obesity). A number of precautions should be made in order to help prevent and decrease obesity during childhood and adolescence. Families should focus on changing their everyday eating habits to healthier options and eliminating the fatty and sugary foods from their daily diets. For instance, parents should lead by example and be role models to their children. Basically, parents should practice what they preach therefore eat healthier food and be physically active too (Fornicola). Instead of engaging with electronic devices children should be encouraged to go outside and play or just participate in some sort of physical activity (Obesity). Kids do not like a formal approach to exercise make it safe, fun with the child’s interest and abilities in order to keep them focused on the ultimate goal a healthier lifestyle (Fornicola). Parents should even try to teach their children some old fashioned games that were their favorite games as a child such as running bases, capture the flag, tag, jump rope, etc. One would be surprised how interested children would be in them which would result in kids working on many skill sets such as running ability, conditioning, strength, competitive nature, and strategic thinking (Fornicola). Adults should also take steps in order to reduce their own obesity rates as well. The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is all about changing your lifestyle and sticking to it. A good place for people to start is by far with themselves and the individuals around them. One should be aware of what they are eating, become more interested where their food is coming from and just keep in mind what is good and bad for their body (Hart). Making healthier