Why Are We So Fat?

Blog Post 3

If the obesity rates in the United States were any other disease, such as cancer or AIDS, we would call it an epidemic.  The citizens of this country downplay the severity and the consequences of being overweight.  Most do not understand that this disease can KILL. So, why are we so fat anyway?

Well, there are a number of reasons why obesity is plaguing our nation.  There are genetic factors, environmental factors, and psychological factors. Each person is affected differently and very well may be obese as a consequence of all the items listed previously. 

Obesity is a disease that usually follows down the line of families.  While some say it is genetic, it could also be environmental in the sense that families do share genes, but they also share eating habits (Clark, 2008).  However, in one study of adopted individuals, their body weights as an adult were more similar to the body weights of their biological parents, then of their adoptive parents (Clark, 2008). This would mean that the genetic factors played a bigger role in their weight than did the environmental factors. While genes may not be directly to blame for being overweight, the characteristics that some genes cause may play a part.  According to the Center for Disease control and Prevention, genes can be linked to a drive to overeat, tendencies to be sedentary, and an enlarged capacity to store body fat (CDC, 2010).  Just because one is predisposed to be obese, however, does not mean they will certainly become obese.

A person's environment, lifestyle, can also play a huge role in obesity.  The right food choices, and portion control are key, especially if there is a predisposition to obesity.  Exercise and physical fitness help to promote a leaner body.  Most Americans get little or no exercise in their daily lives (Clark, 2008).  Most cities are not built with many parks, places of recreation, and affordable gyms (Psychology, 2010). People simply do not have the tools to help them live an active lifestyle.  And with the emergence of more and more fast food places, with prices that can't compare to a dinner purchased of fresh food at the grocery store, American are eating horribly.  100 years ago, the average American would consume five pounds of sugar in a year.  Today that number is two-hundred pounds! (KNDO, 2010).  And with the sizes of our fast food sodas, it's no wonder why our people are "blimping" out.  When Coca-Cola first introduced their product, it was sold in 6 ounce containers, whereas today we can "large size" our McDonalds order and receive a 64 ounce Coke (KNDO, 2010).  This is pretty standard among our food portions at present day.

Psychologically, people tend to associate eating with certain emotions.  The most popular: sadness, anger and boredom.  Greater self-control is needed when experiencing these emotions.  Depression and obesity have been loosely related as well.  In a sense, it is somewhat of a rotating door, people eat because they are depressed, but they are depressed because they eat and are obese (Clark, 2008).  

References:

            CDC. Obesity & Genetics. January 10, 2010. Retrieved from CDC Website: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Obesity/

            Clark, T. Obesity. 2008. Retrieved from http://www.tjclarkinc.com/d_genetic_obesity.htm

            KNDO. Why is America So Fat? November 15, 2010. http://www.kndu.com/Global/story.asp?S=13508113

            Psychology Today. Obesity (Causes). 2010. http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/obesity?tab=Causes