The Centers for Disease Control states that Obesity is a “complex health issue… that results from a combination of causes and contributing factors, including individual factors such as behavior and genetics.” Obesity is additionally complex because most often it is not the only disease present in an overweight individual's diagnoses, but tends to be joined by others such as heart disease, diabetes, poorer mental health, stroke, and some types of cancer. Obesity can be classified as having a higher body mass than what is considered healthy, this is conventionally determined by calculating an individual's BMI or Body Mass Index. An individual is considered overweight with a BMI between 25-29.9, non-severely obese with a BMI between 30-35, or morbidly obese with a body mass index greater than 40. Obesity not only increases morbidity and mortality but also directly impacts an individual's quality of life.
Statistical impact on the Population
There is a stigma towards obesity within modern society. Logically one might think this stigma would help persuade healthier lifestyle choices, but that is notably not the case. Obesity prevalence worldwide has doubled since the 1980s. In 2016 obesity affected approximately 93.9 million US adults. That is more than 1 out of 3 adults in the US who were considered obese in 2016, and the rate has continued to increase. This growth correlates with many obesogenic societal changes such as an increased sedentary lifestyle brought on by the furthering of technology, as well as an increase in the convenience of processed foods with low nutritional value. Overall the data is unevenly distributed amongst races, with African American, and Mexican American populations impacted the most with obesity rates of 47%, and 46.8% respectfully. In recent years obesity has slowed its progression in developed countries but is still increasing.
Epidemiological Evidence
As a chronic disease, obesity has become one of the most common to plague the population. The American culture is one that inadvertently supports weight gain and in turn obesity through easy access to processed foods rather than nutritional options, sedentary lifestyles focused on desk work, screen-time watching television, and transportation rather than physical activity. Leisure-time sitting, as well as consuming high-calorie low nutrient foods is associated with weight gain and this “poor diet and physical inactivity are listed as the second most important actual cause of death”. Individuals who are raised with parents who form lifestyle habits that increase their likelihood of obesity are more likely to themselves become obese. Genetics do play a part in obesity, though that part is fairly inconsequential. As such, obesity is largely preventable with proper diet and activity and is believed to be directly related to a greater chronic disease burden. An individual who is obese is likely to face other chronic diseases or conditions simultaneously or as a consequence of being obese. These diseases and conditions include, “type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease, osteoarthritis, infertility, certain cancers, respiratory conditions, liver disease, gallstones, trauma treatment/survival, infection, psychological conditions, physical disability, early mortality, loss of productivity, and higher medical cost”. The best course of action for healthcare professionals is to strive for prevention and educate as well as assist in weight loss and maintenance for those who are obese.
Cost to Society in terms of Money
Based on the aforementioned medical risks that come with obesity, as well as the increased prevalence of obesity in the American population, it goes without saying medical costs have drastically increased. This has in turn led to an increase in dollars allocated for disability costs as well. In Clinical Guidelines On The Identification, Evaluation, And Treatment Of Overweight And Obesity In Adults, the panel states that there has been “alarm about the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States in recent years” and that it, “centers on the link between obesity and increased health risks.” The concern is justly applied, as the numbers in 1995 showed the total cost attributed to obesity at $99.2 billion, while in 2008 the same disease cost approximately $147 billion. These numbers paint a picture of a population that is sick and getting sicker.
Cost to Society in terms of Productivity
Aside from financial costs, there is a loss in productivity as well. The annual nationwide productive costs affiliated with those with obesity are between $3.38 billion and $6.38 billion. In regards to civic duty, obesity has caused a dire issue with US military recruitment. Data was collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys about individuals who were eligible for military service in 2007-2008. The data shows that 5.7 million men and 16.5 million women exceed the army’s enlistment standards for weight and body fat. Other important career paths are impacted by this as well such as first responders, as well as physically taxing positions in the labor force.
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