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Obesity and Exercise

In: Social Issues

Submitted By irishred76
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Obesity is an ever increasing problem, not just here in the United States, but worldwide. It has reached epidemic proportions and is no longer limited to just adults, but has now become a major health concern among children and adolescents as well. This can largely be contributed to the lack of movement or stagnation that has become routine to a great number of people. Technology no longer requires us to get up and move around for things as simple as changing television channels or even turning lights off and on. Obesity is a topic that needs to be seriously addressed and can be combated effectively with simple exertion. Obesity has many levels or stages. Being overweight or the early stage of obesity is when one’s current body weight is 15-30% greater than their ideal weight; the progressive stage is when body weight is 30-50% greater than ideal; the latest stage is when body weight is 50-100% greater than ideal; and finally, the severe stage is when a person’s body weight is 100% or greater than ideal. These percentages are determined by what is known as the Body Mass Index or BMI. While the health risks increase with each of these stages, they are not limited to one stage or another. Being overweight, obese, or morbidly obese can lead to ailments as simple as fatigue or joint pain to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia . While these diseases are not solely limited to those with weight issues, they are more prevalent in people who are above their ideal weight. Emotional problems are also common among people who are overweight. Many have low self-esteem and struggle with depression. This is particularly common in adolescents who find themselves less popular or see themselves as less attractive due to their weight. Exercise is simply defined as activity that requires physical effort and movement. First and foremost, it is highly

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