Obesity: An Epidemic Sweeping The Nation

Obesity is one of the most lethal health problems facing our society in current times. Being overweight wreaks havoc with both our internal health and how we view ourselves from a physical standpoint. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention have released empirical evidence that shows upwards of thirty-four percent of the population in North America are considered obese. Keep reading to discover what obesity is and how this health problem became a growing epidemic in North America.

How Does It Happen?

Although there are many theories regarding the root cause of obesity, the general belief is that obesity occurs in individuals that consume more calories than required on a daily basis, as their body stores these excess calories as fat. Combine this with years of inactivity and a lack of daily exercise, this creates the perfect environment for obesity to occur. Individuals that are overweight are more at risk for developing numerous health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a stroke, a heart attack, and the biggest threat to them all-heart disease.

Risk Factors For Obesity

With numerous causes associated with obesity, who is at the highest risk for developing this disease? Although anyone is prone to gaining and losing weight, some individuals have a higher risk of developing obesity due to certain factors. These risk factors include genetics and family lifestyle as obesity tends to run in families, especially if one or both parents are obese. Other factors include being inactive, eating an unhealthy diet, medical problems, certain medications, social and economic issues, a lack of quality sleep, quitting smoking, pregnancy, and age. Again, although anyone of any age, class, or ethnicity can become obese, certain factors play an important role in a person's ability to gain or lose weight effectively.

The Significance Of Diet

The first step in strategic weight loss is through intelligent food choices and strategic meal timing. Many of us, moving throughout our work and personal lives, have a natural tendency to become hungry during certain parts of the day. Individuals that work in cubicles or an office environment usually make their way to the vending machine, or worse yet, head to a local fast food restaurant for lunch. Individuals need to calculate when they believe they will be hungry and plan a healthy snack dedicated to the time they know hunger will strike. Those trying to lose weight should pack a series of meals for their work-day in order to avoid traveling to the nearest restaurant and consuming foods that will cause weight gain.

Meal Ideas

One of the most satiating foods that can be consumed in order to keep hunger to a minimum is oatmeal. Having a bowl of oatmeal with freshly cut fruit early in the morning will keep one's hunger at bay until the mid part of their workday. After breakfast, it is highly suggested that individuals start consuming lean protein sources to fuel their fat-burning goals. Foods like chicken breast, fish, lean steak, and eggs are great sources of protein and help the body recover and operate efficiently. As a great snack on the go, try carrying organic nuts and fruits to keep a healthy diet from wandering astray. If a person finds themselves yearning for a piece of candy as the hours go by, grab a handful of almonds in order to conquer the urge.

Why Exercising Is Crucial

Another critical tool in fighting obesity is through exercise and being active. It is estimated that less than five percent of adults perform physical exercises on a regular basis to stay fit and healthy. This lack of enthusiasm for working out may stem from the fact that the process itself is seen as something that is painful, grueling, and unpleasant to the highest degree.

If someone is in a position where obesity is controlling their life, they simply need to dedicate themselves to one small activity per day until it becomes habitual. This can be as simple as walking to the mailbox every day in order to check the mail or walking on a treadmill for five minutes. As small as these steps may seem, they are geared towards helping a person lose weight in a linear progression as each day goes by. It will not be easy and they will have to force themselves to perform these actions. The point is to perform these routines until they become healthy habits that are simple for the person to do (and possibly fun too!).