The problem of obesity and overweight matters affecting people around the world is becoming an epidemic. More and more people are suffering from obesity in the US specifically, in the West and also around the world. There are many reasons why this problem keeps getting worse. The main concern that health professionals have is that obesity and weight issues affect the health of individuals concerned. Such individuals are predisposed to lifestyle diseases and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary and heart conditions and diabetes.
According to latest statistics available, up to two thirds or 66% of adults in the US are overweight. Also, up to one third are obese. This is a very serious trend and governments as well as individuals need to wake up and take action. In children, statistics indicate that about 20 per cent of teenagers across North America are obese while 20% of kids aged between 6 and 12 years are overweight and obese.
These statistics are almost similar in Europe, with about 50 % of the adult population aged 20 and above being overweight. Such concerns in the West have come to the attention of the national governments. The local health care facilities are being weighed down by the increasing demand to address problems of obesity and overweight patients.
There are various reasons why this problem has been growing across the US and generally in the West. For one, individuals and families are leading very busy lives. They therefore have no time to prepare meals and rely solely on processed and deep fried foods purchased at local stores and restaurants.
Processed foods are not at all healthy to the body as they have all their nutrition taken out. When families purchase these processed foods, they get very little nutrition. On the other hand processed foods are full of unhealthy fats and salts which promote obesity.
The busy lives that people lead also take them away from gym and the playing fields. Rather than engage in healthy exercises on a regular basis, most people will ride in their cars, use and elevator and sit on a chair all day. Sedentary lifestyles are just as bad as processed and deep fried foods.
The best way to curb this condition is to create awareness with the general public. Children need to be taught the benefits of a healthy diet and the benefits of playing and exercising on a regular basis. However, adults should ensure they provide their kids with healthy foods and healthy snacks.
A deliberate change in lifestyle is very important. A healthy lifestyle will definitely result in reduced number of obesity and overweight cases. Families, communities and schools should endeavor to provide their members with playing fields and gyms where they can work out and get rid of excess weight.
Another important lifestyle adjustment that can be made is use of a healthy diet. Consumption of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, greens and others is very important. There are plenty of healthy foods that families can consume. These few changes will ensure there are fewer problems and cases brought by weight issues in the society.
**
Clifford Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant Life. See more information at http://www.oralchelation.com and http://www.vibrantlifemsm.com/
We Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information and Exceptional Customer Care and Service.