The obesity epidemic
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The rising problem of obesity has been in the news daily over the last several years. As new research becomes available, the devastating effect of obesity on individual lives, our health care system and to the national economy becomes more and more evident.
It has been estimated that if obesity were cured in America, 100,000 deaths each year would be prevented. And yet, there is no consolidated national movement against obesity as there is against asthma, multiple sclerosis, or lupus, which effect far fewer lives. There is a lack of empathy of the obese by the non-obese population because of the mistaken belief that a person can easily lose 100 or more pounds by simple will power. Unfortunately, this is not true. Although the cause of obesity is not understood, what is well documented is the complete failure of diet and exercise regimes in this population to have any lasting effect. Yes, the treatment is simple – eat less, exercise more. But, 95% of obese people will regain any weight lost through any weight-loss program.
The causes of obesity are complex. Even 50 years ago, obesity was a rare disease. Today, obesity affects the majority of the population. Our genes haven’t changed in the last 50 years, but what has changed is our environment. Americans are eating more and spending less for it.
Obesity can cause devastating effects on a person. Firstly and most importantly, quality of life is significantly impaired. Some people who have been obese all of their lives do not even realize the level of impairments obesity imposes. Simple tasks such as bathing, tying your shoes, getting in and out of a car, and airplane travel can be daunting. Shopping for clothing is expensive, difficult, and embarrassing. People have trouble keeping up with young children or with an active family during vacation.
There are medical conditions that are directly related to obesity. These conditions are called co-morbidities. The list of co-morbidities is rather lengthy.
This page last updated on 2007-09-24 11:34:44