Obesity Epidemic In America

Article updated June 11, 2023

Obesity Epidemic Overview

This article discusses the causes and consequences of the obesity epidemic. The presentation on obesity is not meant to be in any way judgmental to anyone. However, statistics indicate and provide evidence of the adverse effects of obesity, including the probability of developing type 2 diabetes.
Also, read the article in Harvard - School of Public Health An Epidemic of Obesity: U.S. Obesity Trends, which provides more detail on this Epidemic. Hopefully, readers concerned about their health can view this discussion objectively and use it to motivate themselves to make healthier lifestyle choices for their life's health.

Almost 80 to 90% of obese individuals are diagnosed with diabetes, and this statistic displays a clear link between obesity and diabetes. Many studies have shown that being obese markedly increases an individual's risk for type 2 diabetes.

Health professionals are aware that obesity is the main driving force behind the development of type 2 diabetes.

If bingeing or overeating becomes a habit, the person risks becoming obese and pre-diabetic. This is when the person develops a condition called insulin resistance, which leads to persistently high blood glucose concentrations, a sign of diabetes.

Unfortunately, binge eating, and over-eating have become for many a daily habit, rather than an occasional occurrence. Add to this the way we eat as most individuals follow the Standard American Diet. Plus, the increase in the number of fast-food restaurants worldwide is staggering. More than 33,000 McDonald's outlets in 119 countries, serving more than 68 million customers every day.

Is it any wonder there is a worldwide obesity and diabetes epidemic?

Obesity – It’s Not Just Physical

The adverse effects of obesity go far beyond one's physical aspect, as it can negatively affect a person's emotional and social well-being.

While the physical consequences of obesity are discomforting, its emotional effects are even more painful and difficult to treat or heal.

In the United States alone, the rate of discrimination against people who are obese is increasing at an alarming rate. Obese employees have been labeled as lazy, sloppy, and less competent than their non-obese peers.

In colleges and other educational institutions, obese students have received negative comments from their schoolmates. They may also experience rejection, humiliation, and biased reactions from their teachers and school community.

The increased risk of psychological problems occurs, and their self-esteem suffers, which causes emotional issues to appear.

Conclusion

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are preventable and reversible if you are careful and follow a whole food plant-based diet. Weight loss and positive lifestyle changes can essentially prevent diabetes and other obesity-related diseases.

Engaging in moderate to intense physical activity for thirty minutes a day, most days of the week, can lower a person’s risk of developing diabetes by up to 40 to 60%.

Although there are many statistics and evidence provided in this eBook, the most significant thing to take away is that neither obesity nor type two diabetes is unavoidable or irreversible.

Taking personal control of your health requires real effort but is worth it for longevity and quality of life.

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