Obesity has taken its heavy toll on Americans. Through the years, the number of people afflicted with this deadly medical condition have increased. About one-third of American adults (33.8%, or over 72 million individuals) are obese, with no state having an obesity prevalence rate of less than 20%.
A documented public health menace, obesity can lead to various diseases. Common and deadly diseases are different heart conditions, type 2 diabetes, stroke, liver diseases, cancer and obstructive sleep apnea. Not only are these diseases life threatening for the afflicted person, it can (and will) affect economic expenditure.
Expenditure, regardless of food consumption or treatment of obesity, is at an all-time high. In a 2008 study, the heavy burden of overweight individual’s consumption of food is estimated to cost at around $147 billion. Health care costs or treatment expense had increased to $127 million.
Another thing, aside from the deadly, potential diseases a person can get from obesity is the negative mental, or social, condition. Obese persons tend to have a negative outlook on life – with their condition associated with derogatory terms and labels, such as “fat idiot” and “pig”.
A harsh truth, the wayward mental condition of an obese person may only lead to further worsen their already serious, lethal problem. Self-esteems are lowered, perceptions are terribly bleak – overweight people may turn to crash diets, drugs, or even more consumption of food, as an escape from reality.
If starting at a younger age, the obesity epidemic may only amplify. It was also documented that that from the total American population, around 17%, or 12.5 million children and adolescents (from the age 2 – 19) are already obese. It is alarming, seeing that individuals from that age bracket have been shown to have a fragile state of mind. Being the target of bullying, the butt of several jokes from other children – or even, adults – and negatively stereotyped into a label, these individuals have had been living a hard life.
However, there is still hope. Obesity can still be countered, fought off and prevented. It all starts on acceptance, and having a positive state of mind. If you are a part of the 33.8% obese individuals in America, start accepting that you can change and solve your problem.
You can still help others, even if you are not obese. Do your part by having a positive outlook, and avoid having the mindset or confining your idea of “fat” in a box. Help starts by not considering obesity as a motley of fat idiots – but as people in need of acceptance.
