America’s Growing Obesity Problem

Anyone visiting an average restaurant in the United States only has to look around to see that obesity is a growing problem in the United States. On a weekday afternoon, the drive-through lines at a McDonald's can stretch down a block as people wait for a supersize portion of high-fat, high-sodium, and fructose corn syrup-imbibed foods.  Americans appear to consume the maximum amount of calories with the least extended effort of any culture. While our ancient ancestors who hunted and chased down animals for a meal would find this scenario a dream come true, it is becoming a nightmare for many Americans. Aside from feeling uncomfortable with their weight both physically and psychologically, the U.S. Surgeon General reports that 300,000 Americans die annually from obesity-related conditions.

American obesity is such a concern that it's now considered a nationwide health epidemic.  The current IHRSA/ASD Obesity/Weight Control Report reveals the following shocking statistics on the U.S. obesity problem:

• There are 3.8 million Americans who are over 300 pounds
• More than 400,000 people in the U.S. (primarily men) weigh 400 pounds or more
• Average adult American woman now weighs 163 pounds
  

The National Center for Health has been carefully watching the U.S. obesity issue for decades.  They have released the following disturbing information:

During the years between 1962 and the year 2000, the amount of Americans who are obese rose from just from 13% to a shocking 31% of the country's population.

There are 63% of people in the U.S. who are medically overweight, with a Body Mass Index greater than 25.0

American children are struggling with obesity, with the number tripling over the past twenty years. 31% of U.S. children are considered obese, with a Body Mass Index of 30.0 or more.

The U.S. Surgeon General reported that 300,000 Americans die annually from obesity-related conditions.

We know that Americans are overweight and that it presents very real risks to their health. People who are overweight have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes and life-threatening cardio-vascular complications such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Obese Americans are more inclined to have a stroke or suffer from general metabolic syndrome. They are also more likely to develop gallstones, which require the removal of their gall bladder. The American Institute for Cancer has released data that obesity may contribute to the development of certain cancers like prostate, uterine, breast, and colon cancer.  Excess weight puts stress on joints and can add to the pain of conditions such as osteoarthritis. It can also be a cause of sleep apnea and lead to menstruation and general fertility problems in women.

Americans are growing more aware of their larger size in relation to their foreign counterparts. Healthcare institutions have developed advertising awareness campaigns and childhood obesity is being addressed in schools through nutritional and physical education programs. People are struggling to cut calories and improve their general nutrition.  They are signing up for exercise programs and working on their fitness.  However, for many who are obese, significant weight loss requires a complete life-style change and this is not easy. The current American culture, their consumption practices, and the food industry are also working against them.

Obesity is a real health crisit for Americans. Even with the current awareness of its dangers, the statistics on those overweight are getting worse.  Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have even predicted that by the year 2030, the majority of all American men and women will be categorized as clinically obsese.  The U.S. has historically been proud of being "the land of plenty" but when it comes to weight it's time for them to admit they have become of nation of "too much."
 
A recent help in the weight-loss battle is weight loss medication
such as Orlistat (Xenical®) and Rimonabant (Acomplia®), medicines both carried at www.pacificonlinepharmacy.com. While such drugs do not present the quick-fix many would hope for, they can help the clinically obese when included in a total plan for weight loss. The medications need to be doctor-prescribed and used in combination with a reduction in daily calorie intake and an increase in physical activity. However, most obese Americans are happy to take any medication which can increase their odds of weight-loss success.