The Obesity Epidemic

If a person's bodyweight is at least 20% higher than it should be, he or she is considered obese. Despite the new attention paid to obesity by doctors, researchers, and the media, no discernible progress has been made in fighting obesity. Most experts seem to think that obesity will only get worse before it gets better. The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, with the condition predicted to affect more than one billion people by the year 2020 (Phillips et al., 2013). Currently, more than one-third of US adults are obese (CDC, 2013). Although invasively addressing obesity has become popular, treating the underlying causes of obesity is much more likely to help people keep the weight off. The causes of obesity range from simply consuming too many calories and leading a sedentary lifestyle to more complicated issues; such as, the presence of endocrine disruptors and side effects from certain medications.  A group of researchers even believe that they have discovered a gene, called FTO, that contributes to overeating in one out of every six people. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1093678/The-junk-food-gene-DNA-flaw-means-thirds-stop-eating.html

In addition to obesity amongst adults, childhood obesity has more than doubled over the past thirty years. Currently, nearly 18% of children ages 6-19 are considered obese (CDC, 2013). Furthermore, according to researchers and the University of Minnesota Medical School, between 4 percent and 6 percent of youth in the United States are severely obese, with serious accompanying health problems. Strikingly, children in this age group are at risk for the same health problems that affect obese adults. These health problems may include: cardiovascular problems, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and sleep apnea. They're also prone to muscle and joint disorders as well as psychosocial problems, the authors point out. Despite the possibility of developing the same health problems as adults, the only FDA approved medication for childhood obesity is Orlistat (Alli), which blocks the absorption of fats from food. Dr. Stephen Pont, one of the researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical school, stated "Part of the solution is working with doctors and the other part is working (with patients) where they live", citing a need for "advocates for healthy community change.

                             

                            http://wvmetronews.com/2013/09/26/kids-get-moving-to-fight-obesity/

At Overbrook Elementary in Charleston, West Virginia, the student body danced to a three-minute fitness routine aimed at raising their heart rates. It was world JAM day, short for "just a minute". According to the Physical Education teacher at Overbrook Elementary, "We’re trying to make these kids aware that if they can just start moving for one minute and then two minutes and then to three minutes, that’s why it’s called Jammin’ for a Minute, they can increase their physical fitness daily". School wide activities, such as this, teach children the importance of physical fitness and allow them to have fun while working out. Other communities need to join the fight against obesity in order to teach children the characteristics of health lifestyles. 

Sources:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.20263/full

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263404.php

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

http://wvmetronews.com/2013/09/26/kids-get-moving-to-fight-obesity/

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/26/us-health-obese-kids-doctors-idUSBRE98P0UE20130926

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm