Obesity is an ever growing problem in America today. It is now considered to be the main reason for preventable death and disease in the United States. The reason for this is that there are multiple diseases and other afflictions which are directly and indirectly caused by obesity.
Obesity can also increase the harmful effects caused by other diseases. Some examples of diseases which are worsened by obesity are diabetes, asthma and various heart diseases. In fact heart disease is the number one cause of death overall and many heart-related deaths can be directly attributed to victims being overweight or obese. The plague of obesity in the United States is currently costing Americans billions of dollars each year in health care used on preventable illnesses.
A large percentage of American children are either overweight or obese and this is caused as much by the child as by their parents. Obesity is caused by eating too much food while not getting sufficient physical activity to burn excess calories.
Americans have developed harmful habits, such as eating large fast-food meals followed by extended periods of inactivity. Because of this Americans often do not perform the necessary exercise that is needed to burn calories. The often hectic, stressful life led by most Americans has led people to spurn a balanced home-cooked meal in favor of convenient, unhealthy fast-food.
Another factor that has contributed to obesity is the increased usage of sedentary technologies such as computers, television and video games. Children, as well as adults, are increasingly spending their time with these items instead of going outside to play and exercise.