208 days ago
208 days ago
On the other hand, Colorado proved to be America’s thinnest state with an obesity rate of just under 20%. However, 20% is still not a healthy number. In fact, an obesity rate of 20% fifteen years ago would have been America’s fattest state.
Based off the given information, you do the math- It’s easy to see that American’s wastes are supersizing! But why is this? Why is the world’s wealthiest and most powerful nation also the fattest? Based off my research and growing up in Louisiana (the US’s 5th fattest state) most my life, here are my conclusions:
- Fast Food- America is the birth place of fast food making it part of US culture and diet. Furthermore, the Fast Food industry is big business. These multibillion dollar companies know how to advertise to make their meals more appealing and have reached economies of scale, thus allowing them to sell larger quantities of food for a cheaper price.
- Driving Culture- America is also the home of the automobile and most US cities (especially in the South) were planed around the idea of everyone owning a car. This makes Americans walk less which equates to less exercise. Even just 20 minutes of walking a day could reduce body weight significantly.
- General Diet- The average US diet consists of large quantities of meat and carbohydrates. The US diet is very different to the rest of the world since other country’s diets serve smaller portions and eat more fruits and vegetables. It’s also true that America is one of the world’s largest consumers of beer and alcohol, and we all know that booze does to your belly…
- “It’s OK to be Fat” Syndrome- As more Americans are becoming obese by the day, that actually influences others to let their bellies pop out just a little more. Think about it. If you live in a place like Rio de Janeiro, for example, where the beach culture puts an emphasis on maintaining your beach body, you’re going to try harder to stay in shape. The opposite happens in the US. If you’re surrounded by obese individuals, you’re going to have a different notion of what “fat” actually is.
- Lack of Exercise-American’s work hours are amongst the highest in the world. So, the more you work the less time you have for physical activities. In some ways, physical activity is also looked down upon in some parts of the US. I recall running outside and cars swerving to hit me when I was a teenager back in Louisiana! Continuing, joining a gym or participating in other recreational activities can be expensive for many people. Despite being a first world developed nation, many in the US, especially during the current recession, are tight on cash and can’t afford to do so.
