You usually associate the word epidemic with contagious diseases like the flu or the measles. But CNBC was serious. In the US, obesity is an epidemic. In 2008, no state had fewer than a 15% obesity rate.
What are the instigators? Over eating. Eating unhealthy foods. Being sedentary. Lack of knowledge. Genetics. Access to unhealthy foods (a whole other topic in itself these days - watch Food Inc. if you haven't already). I'm sure there are more.
Why is obesity so bad? Complications that come with being obese. Type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure. Heart disease. Sleep apnea. And more.
The US spends 344 million dollars a year on fighting obesity.
It costs $50,000 a year to treat diabetes.
1 in 3 children are obese or overweight.
It makes me sad to know that so many other countries are fighting hunger. But we are fighting obesity. This needs to change.
I agree. Obesity is not natural and stems from too little self control, laziness and expectations that we're entitled to a culture of indulgence. I don't think it's as related genetically as a lot of people make it out to be. Insulin resistance comes from obesity, not a blanket genetic predisposition.
ReplyDeleteA similar analogue to obesity is debt laden people. They over-indulge, consume and their financial well being spirals out of control.
i think genetics definitely play a role. it shouldn't be and excuse or a reason for obesity, but body type, metabolism, and leptin deficiencies are effectors.
ReplyDeletethere's just too much to say about this topic. it's crazy to think about it all at once.