The obesity epidemic - Americans are the fattest

[Marth]

The obesity epidemic - currently Americans are the fattest we've seen. I think it is over 30% of the population is obese now. What are some ways we can get America back in shape realistically? Is the only solution strenuous exercise?

[Walker]

Obesity is one problem that needs urgent attention....

Due to inactive lifestyle, people hardly move around a lot and this takes its toll on body collecting lots of fats....

Or course...regular exercising and lesser intake of vegetable oils and butter is the effective solution, but I came across this wonderful herd named Aloe-vera..which is found really effective in weight loss too....

Since Aloe Vera has beneficial effects on our digestive system, it has become an efficient and effective aid for weight loss. Aloe Vera helps to reduce and stabilize our body mass index as it promotes the metabolism of fat content.

Regards,

Walker

[Cermet]

How about stopping the government from handing out all of these motorized scooters, better yet, where I live EVERYONE has a handicap placard. Sure, some people actually need but so many people just need to get out and walk...

I've found it's easier to exercise if you're doing something that you need to do -- like going to the store -- or going to work -- so my suggestion would be to stop driving and walk.. or take the bus(where you have to walk to the bus stop) -- better yet, buy a bike.

[zowie]

Unfortunately, that is the only viable option. There is no short cuts to a healthier body. You need to sweat it out and gain your shape back. The pills like Ephedrin which are used for losing weight can cause problems for your heart and hence should be avoided.

Originally Posted by Marth

The obesity epidemic - currently Americans are the fattest we've seen. I think it is over 30% of the population is obese now. What are some ways we can get America back in shape realistically? Is the only solution strenuous exercise?

[jyo10]

The obesity epidemic is a fallout of the increasingly sedentary lifestyles we are largely given to. There's hardly any exercise and schedules are so hectic as to leave people hard-pressed for time to jog around or exercise. It's also a matter of fitness not being on the priority list of many, for many tend to believe that shaping up is a matter not requiring urgent attention- procrastination comes in here.

[RioKwik]

I think this is a problem that is caused by several factors in our society and culture as Americans. There is no one way to combat it but several things that have to be done in order to deal with and face the issue.

One of the biggest things that keeps us from making nay change is the whole social stigma of being overweight. It is not something that people talk openly about and that is because in this day and age no one wants to risk offending anyone else for fear of being turned against.

Even comedians tread lightly when they approach the subject. No one wants to be told their kid is overweight and something needs to be done and no parent wants to tell another parent either. There are very few parents who will take a serious and positive approach to their children being overweight and then look for ways to help them because they think it is a reflection on them as parents.

[Aleiah]

Yeah, there is really an obesity epidemic in the US. I've read the papers and magazines and it shows that these has blown out of proportion and is considered as a ballooning problem already. Aside from obesity, kids already has some diseases that normally are attacking adults only like diabetes, clogged arteries, and such. This is so scary. They need to regulate the food intake of these kids as well as giving them food that are less in calorie, avoid junks and fast foods. They should be given veggies and a lot fruits and fluids also.

[ZammaJann]

If we stop focusing on the idea of WEIGHT and instead turn our focus to the idea of HEALTH then we might be able to reverse this problem.

The largest problem with obesity is that the lifestyle that causes most people to become obese is the real problem. So let's stop focusing on the obesity itself and focus instead on the lifestyle.

Over the top exercise and extreme dieting are not the answers. These will only cause frustration and the yo-yo effect. Instead individuals need to start incorporating more healthy choices into their lives. For example: Find an activity you enjoy and do that activity several times a week. Replace refined grains with whole grains. Replace your afternoon junk food, with a healthful alternative.

If you are making these positive changes, then don't worry about your weight. It will take care of itself slowly.

[r1superman]

Really I think it's the choices we make. Most of us our pretty lazy and we would much rather go through the drive through than cook our own meals. If we would just commit to making our own food I bet America would look a whole lot skinnier!

[0099]

one of the main reasons for Americans being obese is that they are the busiest. their life style is a big problem, they hardly get any time to do exercise also they don't have time to cook so they depend largely on fast food and canned stuff. these kind of food have high caloric value but low nutrition. and taking too much of it without proper work out is an easy invitation to obesity..one way Americans improve upon their health is to correct their dietary schedule and switch to healthy food with low calorific value and high nutritious value.

[mteager]

Not only exercise, you have to eat less as well and better foods. Even if your busy you can do a little exercise, that's all it takes. I'll do some sit up when i wake up then some press ups off the bath when I go to the loo. It's as easy as that.

[powerlifer]

The obesity epidemic is out of control, a lot of children are classed as obese before even their 10th birthday.

Its all down to poor diet, too much pre-packaged and processed food. Which if they keep going down the line they'll end up with diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illness.

Exercise and being active is one element but diet is the key factor and people should learn to cook fresh, healthy, organic food.