| 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, its 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.
|
