A Review of Obesity in the United States
The American Medical Association says that obesity is a disorder in which an individual is at least 20 percent over normal body weight. The research indicates that obesity is a major health concern in the United States today. About one in every five men and almost one in every three women in the U.S. are obese. In addition, there appear to be some cultural considerations involved in the perception of weight, and this has affected some segments of the population more than others. The literature shows that obesity causes or aggravates a number of physical problems, and that a combination of exercise and diet is the most effective method of losing weight and keeping it off. This paper will provide a discussion of what obesity is according to the healthcare community, an examination of the extent of obesity in America today and its cultural considerations, and a segment on potential resolutions to the problem. A review of two leaders in the weight-loss industry, Jenny Craig, Inc. and Weight Watchers follows, together with the results of a telephonic survey to representatives of these companies. Finally, a summary of the research will be provided in the conclusion.
A. What is Obesity Anyway? Obesity always involves a high proportion of body fat in relation to muscle and bone. Although food requirements vary, even among individuals of the same height, build, age, and sex, the basic needs of most active people are about 2, 000 calories a day for women and 2, 500 for men. The most obvious symptom of obesity is an increase in weight. However, not all women who put on weight are necessarily obese. For instance, a pregnant woman or anyone who begins to exercise after being sedentary gains weight for other reasons; however, an increased amount of fat in the body tissues is the most common reason for weight gain. Obesity is associated with a wide range of serious physical disorders. Ov...