As of 2018, 39.6% of the US population is obese (HHS office, 2017). Obesity is defined by the National Institutes of Health as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. Genetics plays a large role in the causality of obesity; however, this paper will focus on the external factors that affect the US population. Obesity is high in the US due to inadequate physical activity and an increase in calorie consumption, by way of modern work, leisure activities, and eating, as well as increasing social normality.
The modern workforce has been revolutionized and has contributed significantly to the current obesity epidemic. Advances in technology have led to changes in the agriculture and manufacturing industry, causing less human energy to be needed at workplaces today. Less than 20% of jobs in the US require moderate physical activity, compared to 50% in 1960 (Obesity in America, 2012). This has caused the average American man to burn 142 less calories per day than in 1960, contributing to a 28-pound increase in weight (Obesity in America, 2012). These advances in technology have led to an increase in the number of sitting hours an average worker experiences per day and decreases energy expenditure. This is inevitable in the changing workplace, but it has caused drastic negative effects on obesity in the US.
Modern day recreational activities have also adapted with technological advancements, contributing to US obesity. Less than 5% of American adults get enough exercise per day, which can be satisfied by walking for 30 minutes (HHS office, 2017). This number is so small due to the changing ways individuals entertain themselves. Many Americans would prefer to watch TV or browse mobile devices than be active. A study done by the American Cancer Society has shown a correlation that “each hour of TV viewing per day is linked to a 10% increase in diabetes, a 7.5% increase in heart disease, and a 6.5% higher death rate” (Obesity in America, 2012). The study also showed that heavy TV watchers had larger waistlines, and higher levels of blood pressure and blood sugar (Obesity in America, 2012). This causing factor of obesity is completely voluntary; however, it is very relatable. The type of work I do falls into the 80% of Americans whose work does not require moderate physical activity. I am an accounting major and spend most of my days sitting at my desk or in class completing all the necessary work. This is just a must because it relates to my future work life. However, in my spare time I have the choice to be active or sit in my bed and watch TV. Most of the time I find myself invested in a show on Netflix so there are many days where I do not meet the physical activity requirements. I am a prime example of an American contributing to the national obesity epidemic because of this.
An increased calorie intake caused by modern eating habits is the other main factor contributing to obesity in the US. Calorie consumption has increased by over 24% since 1961 – up to an average of 3600 per day (Gould, 2017). Many of these calories are empty calories from added sugars and solid fats. In fact, for individuals aged 2-18, empty calories contribute to 40% of total daily calorie intake (HHS office, 2017). The reason for this rise in calories consumed is increased portion sizes and eating frequency. Many individuals often eat even after they are full if they still have food on their plate, obtaining extra calories that they do not need. Furthermore, a study done by the University of North Carolina has shown that between 1977 and 2006, the average number of meals and snacks rose from 3.8 to 4.9 a day (Obesity in America, 2012). When each meal and snack is increased in size, the amount of unneeded food consumption continuously increases, leading to the American obesity issue.
These modern eating habits are accentuated by the increasing appearance of fast food restaurants. Professionals have shown a positive cause and effect relationship between fast food restaurants and obesity (Darcey, 2019). The increase in fast food restaurants leads to higher levels of obesity. There are unhealthy ingredients and calories due to exceeding levels of sugars and fats. There are also larger portion sizes and lower costs. In fact, a study done by the University of Washington showed that junk food costs on average $1.76 per 1,000 calories, compared with $18.16 per 1,000 calories for nutritious foods (Parker-pope, 2007). Finally, since the 1970s, the number of fast food restaurants has more than doubled, with a restaurant near almost everything (HHS office, 2017). There are also many added delivery options. This creates a convenience factor that helps explain why a cause and effect relationship exists between fast food restaurants and obesity. Eating at these restaurants involves a short-term reward for good tasting food however there are minimal long-term benefits. The short-term value of obtaining this junk food exceeds the short-term costs increasing the short-term attractiveness. The actual price is low for a large amount of food, with minimal transportation costs (high convenience benefits). I, personally, really enjoy indulging in fast food every so often. I do it because it is cheap and satisfies my taste buds, as well as the reward regions in my brain. However, I have less activity in these regions as I am of optimal weight, so I do not feel the need to eat this type of food as often as an overweight person, for example. Overweight people show more activity in these reward brain regions, so they are more eager to become satisfied with this tasty, yet unhealthy food (Gazzaniga, 2019). This ultimately and eventually leads to higher levels of obesity in the US.
Social norms also play a large role in the US national obesity epidemic. An increase in the socially acceptable weight and body mass index (BMI) leads to a continuous increase in the BMI of others. A study has shown that when an individual is one unit below the social average BMI, their own BMI will increase at a rate of 0.025 units per year (Wang, 2014). On the other end, when an individual is one unit above the social average BMI, their own BMI will decrease by only 0.015 units per year (Wang, 2014). An individual’s BMI will gravitate towards the social average, however, will increase faster than it will decrease. This is due to social factors. As people get heavier, their weight slowly becomes the new normal and therefore socially accepted. Their embrace of the extra weight becomes spread upon social media and other social networks to friends and family. In my personal experience, I have come across multiple posts about how it is okay to be heavier and that “everyone is beautiful no matter your size.” Although I do believe this is true, it contributes to the average weight increasing. It becomes socially okay to be bigger, which increases the social average BMI, leading to a snowball effect of increasing weights. This is a large contributor to the current obesity epidemic.
Obesity is a large problem in the US. Almost 40% of the US population suffers from this epidemic (HHS office, 2017). This is due to an increase in calorie intake and inadequate physical activity that is caused by modern work, leisure activities, and eating, as well as increasing social normality. If nothing is done to stop this, almost half of the US population will be obese by 2030 (HHS office, 2017). This absolutely needs to change.