The Problem
Obesity is still on the rise in the US, and the rate has now jumped past 30% of the total population for both men and women. But what societal factors contributed to this epidemic, and how can individuals move past this issue and maintain their health?
It's all in the Money
If there's one thing that motivates people, It's money. Often times the decision that will make a company more money isn't in the best interest for the general population, but the issue is that most companies don't care about the general population. If food companies can make a quick buck by using cheaper, lower quality ingredients or unhealthy processing procedures, it's likely that they will pick this option instead of worrying about the greater good.
Subconscious Signals
Even the very colors of the fast food restaurants you drive by could be effecting the decisions you make. Red and yellow colors activate a response in the brain that makes you hungrier, and restaurants like Arby's, Wendy's, and McDonald's make sure to follow this criteria for brainwashing the public. Commercials also often glorify products and present an unrealistic image of how the food actually appears and how it is consumed.
Mass Addiction and Ease of Access
This is the last and most important aspect of the Obesity epidemic in America. The first thing people usually do after a big decision or positive event is go out to eat, and the reason for this is a culture buried in past traditions of associating food with a lavish, comfortable lifestyle and success. This correlation often coerces more people to go out to restaurants to celebrate events, and in order to satisfy the growing demands of the customer, these Restaurants incorporate larger and larger serving sizes into the menu. Even outside of the restaurant, processed goods initiate a much faster metabolic response in the body, resulting in fluctuating levels of the body's natural process of signaling hunger and fullness. Sugar itself is also extremely addictive, and the instant gratification of eating unhealthy food can become the one thing people look forward to in their day.
The Solution
So many different diets and lifestyle changes can be incorporated into one's life to change eating habits, so ultimately it's up to you to decide what works best. The first step to take is to simply start researching on your own what is best for your body and deciding what you ultimately want to work towards. Try to set realistic goals and look for changes you can maintain long term. Eating 900 calories a day and dropping 5 pounds a week isn't sustainable and is very taxing on your body and mind, so It would be much wiser to take a more moderate approach and try to lose only 2 pounds per week.
A good way to start off is to simply track what you eat without making changes, and then deciding what you want to start cutting out or adding into your diet. The most important aspect of this is to find what works for YOU and not just other people. Attaining your best body is possible, and the closer you get the better you will feel on a day to day basis. Remember, it's not your fault that you are constantly being surrounded by unhealthy options and pressured to eat unhealthy foods! This is a constant in American society. All you have to do is try your best to attain the body you deserve.