Obesity: It's Not Just an American Problem Anymore
By Stephen R. Farris
At one time (maybe still the case) America was considered to be the most obese country on the planet. However, that simply isn't the case anymore, as obesity has grown into a worldwide problem.
It's no wonder weight gain has become a global problem. We've all become subject to the fast-paced world we live in, with the easy access to electronic devices, thousands of cable, satellite, and streaming channels to choose from, topped off by every conceivable type of enticing food delicacies we could ever imagine --- and they're not all good for us either.
So sitting around searching the internet and playing games on our smartphones, laying on the couch binge watching movies, and ordering food to be delivered, has contributed greatly to higher obese levels. Unfortunately, there are additional factors as well. So let's take a look at a few more.
Genetics
It's not entirely fair to chastise an overweight person about not having the willpower to lose weight. Genetics can play a role in obesity. Studies indicate that if a person has parents that are obese, they have a higher chance of becoming obese themselves. However, the study went on to say that genetic probability is not entirely set in stone.
Processed Foods
We've also become accustomed to eating more processed foods, rather than growing our own. Time constraints are some of the reasons, besides societies becoming more urbanized and dependent on grocery stores being their primary source for food. Grocery shelves are loaded with canned goods and packaged items that have gone through heavy processing, not to mention loaded with high sodium and sugar. Packaged meats such as ham, turkey, bologna, salami, and hot dogs are not always good for us, since they too, have been through several stages of processing. The best alternative is to seek out fresh fruits and raw vegetables, as well as lean cuts of meat that can be found in the fresh meat section of your grocery store.
Addiction to Food
While different from drugs, food addiction is a real problem too. Our bodies can develop a craving for high sugar or high fat content -- the bad kind -- products. That means sodas, ice cream, candy, cookies, or just about anything that is high in fat and sugar can contribute to becoming obese over a period of time. Plus it can be hard to overcome.
If some of these things isn't enough to worry about, there's the way fast-food is being marketed to everyone as well. Fast-food restaurants make it all too easy to entice you to eat their products. Besides, they aren't as healthy as they appear to be on your TV screen or in all those email or text messages you get.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Layton, Utah.