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The facts about obesity in American adults

According to recent research one in three American adults are overweight . That is in the age group of 20 - 74 year olds .This figure is growing steadily , much like Americas weight problem . As a British citizen I have read and heard about obesity on the other side of the Atlantic but have come to realise that it is an ever increasing problem in the UK too .Some of the reasons are the same in both countries .

Westerners these days live a hurry up life' . As such they often do not have the time , the will or the knowledge to shop for and make a meal from basic fresh ingredients .Adults have become more reliant on readily prepared meals and fast foods' .Many processed foods contain significant amounts of Trans Fatty Acids or Hydrogenated fats . These fats are generally bad for our health and also are quite fattening . Most peoples metabolism does not cope with these fats as efficiently as with natural ones . The body is left craving more fats .Food producers use such fats as they often make their foods, which may not be very tasty naturally , quite palatable .

As Americans have become more affluent food has become more than something just to keep them alive . For most of us today eating is a pleasurable experience . The problem is that rather than indulging in occasional treats many of us do so on a daily basis . Too many of these tasty , treat foods are fattening and also bad for your health . With a population that has an average increased weight an increase in Diabetes and Heart conditions has also occurred .

A large proportion of Americans spend a small fortune each year on diet products . However the sheer fact that they have to keep spending on them means these products are not working . One of the problems with an American diet is that individual portions are quite large . Friends who have visited the States told me that they were surprised at just how large restaurant meals and drinks were . Coffee they said was refilled regularly whereas in England you would be served with a single cup or mug . If you needed more you would have to order and pay again .

Many people do not realise they are actually obese but rather think they are just over weight . In America apparently 64% of the population is overweight which is a big percentage ( source http://www.medicalweightlossce nter.com/obesityfacts/ ).Your BMI , Body Mass Index is what determines whether you are within your normal weight range , overweight or obese . This is worked out using you height and weight .I think a BMI over 30 is classed as obese but your doctor or health official would be able to advise you properly .

It seems that certain ethnic American races have more weight problems than others . Whether this is just down to the differences in diet or standards of living I don't know . I know that often poorer people have more weight problems as they tend to buy cheaper foods and less fresh products which may be more expensive .

In America , overall though , as in many places around the world , peoples greed plays a factor .We are all a little greedy these days . The fact we can over indulge reinforces our believe that we are successful somehow .Maybe that unconscious thought is what makes so many Americans obese .After all at one time people would say that everything was bigger and better in the USA . The trouble is biggest is not always best .

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
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