Obesity and Americans

Our bodies are basically made up of water, fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Too much fat can be associated with a condition called obesity. Obesity is a dangerous condition because it is associated with the development of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some types of cancer.

According to recent government surveys, 64.5 percent of the adults in America can be considered overweight or obese. As the number of adults who are overweight or obese increases, the resources needed to treat the consequences of obesity will also increase. Some sources have stated that obesity in America has become an epidemic.

Test your body's Body Mass Index (BMI) with your doctor, health care provider or registered dietitian to see if you are considered overweight or obese.

Causes

Obesity cannot be linked to just one cause. Many factors may contribute to obesity, including decreased physical activity, increased food consumption, genetics, metabolic diseases and even socioeconomic status.

Whatever the cause, obesity can be managed. Using moderation when it comes to portion sizes and keeping in mind a balanced lifestyle of food choices and exercise are good places to start when fighting obesity.

Treatment

There are a variety of weight loss programs for fighting obesity. Those programs that offer a balanced approach of making smart eating choices along with regular exercise are the best programs to follow. Make sure you can identify fad diets that boast of quick weight loss. These programs many times can have negative health effects. Before you start any weight loss program, always consult with your health care provider.