The Status of Obesity and Overweight in the United States: A Comprehensive Review

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Description:

Obesity and overweight have emerged as a serious health problem in the United States, affecting not only individual health but also the national economy. In this article, we will shed light in detail on the current state of obesity and overweight in the United States, its causes, effects, and possible solutions.

 1. The current state of obesity and overweight in the United States:

The obesity rate among adults in the United States reached 41.9% in 2023, with the highest rates among black and Hispanic Americans, at 49.9% and 45.6%, respectively. Obesity rates have also increased among children and adolescents; 21.1% of people aged 2 to 19 are obese, while the rate of severe obesity has reached 7.0%.

 2. Causes of obesity:

There are several causes of obesity in America:
* **Dietary habits**: Excessive consumption of fast food, sugary drinks, and processed foods.
* **Lack of physical activity**: Lack of exercise and physical activity in modern lifestyle.
* **Economic factors**: Due to the high prices of healthy foods, the poor prefer fast food.
* **Environmental factors**: Lack of parks and playgrounds in urban areas.

 3. Health effects of obesity:

Obesity causes a number of health problems, including:

* **Heart disease**: Obesity increases the risk of heart disease.
* **Diabetes**: Increased rates of type 2 diabetes.
* **Cancer**: Increased risk of various types of cancer.
* **Joint problems**: Weight gain increases pressure on joints, leading to pain and other problems.

 4. Economic Impact:

Obesity is also taking a toll on the U.S. economy. The cost of obesity in 2020 was $870 billion, and is expected to reach $1.47 trillion by 2035. In addition, the annual medical costs of obese people are $1,429 higher than those of non-obese people.

 5. Possible solutions:

Various measures are needed to address the obesity problem:

* **Educational programs**: Awareness about healthy eating habits and physical activity in schools and community centers.
* **Government Policies**: Proposals for subsidies for healthy foods and taxes on fast food.
* **Environmental Improvement**: Construction of parks and playgrounds and increase of green spaces in urban areas.
* **Medications**: Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are proving helpful in treating obesity, however their cost and availability are challenges.

 Conclusion:

Obesity and overweight in the United States are a complex problem that requires action at the governmental, economic, and social levels to solve. Although some progress has been made, a comprehensive strategy is needed to completely eliminate the problem.