Why Is America So Fat?

Abstract

America is facing an obesity crisis, and it is growing bigger every year. It is estimated that 34–36 % of Americans are obese (BMI of 30 or higher) with a higher percentage of obese women than obese men. Since 1999, however, men are beginning to catch up with women. Among adolescents and children, the gender roles are reversed as almost 19 % of boys are obese compared with 15 % of girls. The USA has become one of the fattest countries in the world, but obesity is not just an American crisis. Obesity has surpassed hunger and starvation as the leading cause of concern among food-related issues. It is estimated that 34 % of the world’s population is either overweight or obese. Obesity is a concern because it is a factor in the development of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, and many other diseases.