| The
latest findings in obesity symbolize a myriad of health and work
challenges – in the future. Obesity amongst children and adolescents
is an emerging issue. It has gained significant attention in the
media. Approximately,
more than 20 million youngsters are either obesity or on the
precipice of becoming overweight. These numbers represent the
highest recorded numbers. With another two-thirds of the adult
American population, (estimation 136 millions), burgeoning waste
lines, it’s an epidemic of mammoth proportions.
Recent data released
by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey obtained
information by
• The percentage
of obese men (35 or more pounds overweight) jumped significantly
from 2000 and 2004.
• Over 33 percent
of children and adolescent aged two to 19 were overweight in
2004. This is a 28 percent escalation from the year 2000.
• Obesity among men
surged from 27.5 percent to 31.1 percent of men in the category.
• The female gender
maintained an obesity status quo of 33 percent.
• In ethnic groups,
more than 30 percent of white adults were obese with 45 percent
of African-American adults and Mexican-Americans accounting
for 36 percent.
The obesity blitz
of men and children has caused much alarm. The reason these
weighty issues are the cause of concern is that it may cause
a future health epidemic. For instance, type 2 diabetes, heart
disease and cancer are the medical complications associated
with being overweight. Not to mention, type 2 diabetes is already
topping the charts amongst children.
The growing numbers
of obese Americans calls for action. Organizations such as the
Obesity Society, the National Institute for Health and the World
Health Organization recommend making people aware of the dangers
of being overweight – before the epidemic worsens. |
