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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. |
