Currently, over 30% of adult Americans are considered obese, which is a 13% increase since 2010. One in four children in the United States struggles with childhood obesity. We all know that our country’s rate of obesity is a problem, but this is a problem that is hard to fix without first identifying what is causing it.
Many people believe that urbanization is a factor that contributes to a country’s overall overweight and obesity rates. In other words, once a country becomes more developed and industrialized obesity begins to skyrocket. However, this does not explain why some industrialized countries—such as Japan—do not struggle with obesity as much as others. Also, this way of thinking is very narrow and ignores other crucial aspects of what leads to obesity.
At its most basic level, obesity is caused by simply consuming more calories than your body is able to burn. However, in reality, obesity is a very complex condition that is heavily influenced by your community’s social norms surrounding food, eating, fitness, and lifestyle.
Diet and Lifestyle
One contributor to America’s high prevalence of obesity is a change in lifestyle and dietary habits. These include:
- Portion sizes of packaged foods including soft drinks and snacks have progressively gotten larger over the years.
- More adults in the workforce, commuting and working longer hours, leads to fewer meals that are prepared at home.
- The upswing of technology has lead to children spending more time watching television, using computers, and playing electronic games instead of engaging in active play and recreation.
- Americans eat more meals in restaurants which are more likely to serve oversized portions of foods that are high in calories.
Stress
America is considered one of the most stressed nations in the world, and it’s only getting worse. According to the American Institute of Stress, 44% of Americans report feeling more stressed than they did five years ago. The reason this contributes to obesity is because 40% of people tend to overeat or eat unhealthy foods when they are stressed out. Additionally, the hormones that are released when you are stressed, such as cortisol, trigger the release of triglycerides from storage and relocate them to fat cells deep in your abdomen.
Environment
Another factor that contributes to obesity in the United States is the way that communities, workplaces, and schools are structured throughout the country. Just in the past few decades, many changes have been seen, including:
- Many communities do not provide safe routes for bicycling or walking.
- Historically, places such as gas stations or office supply stores did not sell food, but now food is available almost everywhere, at all times.
- Popular televisions shows are dedicated to food, restaurants, and cooking but show no regard for the health consequences of the food that is being featured.
- Marketing for restaurants and food products are heavily featured through television, radio, and online routes.
- Many schools provide fewer recess periods or gym classes than in the past.
- Many jobs present few opportunities for physical activity, leading to more adults becoming sedentary.
