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Prevalence of Obesity

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Submitted By brownt312
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Obesity in America
Tamaneka Brown
HCS/535
June 10, 2013
Sally Kohls

Obesity in America

Obesity in America is a growing health care issue and concern among health care officials. Today’s family setting and society in general is so fast pace that individuals find fast and easy ways to of getting a bit to eat. Poor eating habits and little to no physical activity are just a few contributors to the prevalence of obesity. Obesity affects individuals of all ethnical backgrounds, both male and female, and individuals of all ages. It is time that this nation takes control of creating a healthier America by encouraging healthy habits and lifestyles. An individual having a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered to be overweight and obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or higher (Flegal, Carroll, Ogden, & Curtin, 2010 ). BMI measures the amount of body fat that a person has in comparison to their age and height. A person begins to gain weight when their calorie intake is more than their physical activity (CDC, 2012). Lack of exercise and poor dieting are known causes of obesity, but the lack of sleep and exposure to air conditioning are also thought to be contributing factors (Causes of obesity, 2006). Other suggested factors that may contribute to the rising rates of obesity are endocrine disruptors, smoking, and certain pharmaceuticals (Causes of obesity, 2006). An individuals environment may reflect their decision making and genetics may increase the likely hood of becoming obese (CDC, 2012). With so many factors possibly contributing to this health issue, obesity is not limited to a particular culture or class. Obesity affects individuals of all social backgrounds, economical status, and educational levels. The prevalence of

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