Eat less, move more : the epidemic of obesity in America : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have documented a recent trend toward a dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity among many populations in the United States. More than half of the nation is carrying excess body fat, increasing the risk factors for a variety of deadly diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, along with many other serious conditions. The underlying causes of obesity have a tremendous impact on society and on the growth of the disease. Poor eating habits and inadequate nutrition have multiplied the effects of increased portion sizes, convenience foods, and fast food consumption to add excess calories to the average American diet. Additionally, technological advances and environmental factors have led to a decrease in physical activity. These influences culminate in the epidemic of obesity affecting the entire United States today. Research has pointed to a variety of causes and statistics, many of which address the need for major reform in eating habits and levels of planned exercise or physical exertion. The objective of this project is to present information detailing the underlying causes of the increasing percentage of clinically obese and overweight people in America. It lists and explains the physiological criteria surrounding obesity, the causes of obesity prevalence increases, and the resulting consequences of decreased physical activity and increased caloric intake. It also provides suggestions to curb the obesity epidemic and thus improve the general health of American society.