Obesity In North America
Obesity in North America
In 1999, an estimated 61% of adults in the United States were obese. One in seven children was also obese. Obesity is the biggest public health problem in North America. It can cause serious disease such as diabetes. In economic term, the cost of obesity in the United States was about $117 billion in 2000. Therefore, North American Society needs to be aware that modern life can cause obesity. This modern life includes fast food, transportation and new technology.
One reason of obesity in North American society is fast food. There are many fast food restaurants in North America. Besides, it is cheaper and faster than other restaurants, and it can be found very easily. For example, if people do not have enough time to cook or they are in a hurry, buying fast food is their best option. Also, fast foods contain high calories, and are packed with high amount of sugars, carbohydrates and oil. For instance, one Big Mac carries 540 calories which an individual need to run for one hour to burn off. In addition, Big Mac is usually served with fries and a large drink which contains high calories. …show more content…
There are many transportation systems which people can choose to use nowadays. In fact, people prefer to drive rather than walk to work. According to The Transportation Department of North Central Texas, almost 75% of trips which are taken by car are less than 1 mile, and only 1 American in 200 rides a bicycle to work. Also, David Bassett of the University of Tennessee and John Pucher of Rutgers University said that countries with the highest levels of active transportation generally had the lowest obesity rates because active transportation, such as walking, biking and running can help people lose weight and
In 1999, an estimated 61% of adults in the United States were obese. One in seven children was also obese. Obesity is the biggest public health problem in North America. It can cause serious disease such as diabetes. In economic term, the cost of obesity in the United States was about $117 billion in 2000. Therefore, North American Society needs to be aware that modern life can cause obesity. This modern life includes fast food, transportation and new technology.
One reason of obesity in North American society is fast food. There are many fast food restaurants in North America. Besides, it is cheaper and faster than other restaurants, and it can be found very easily. For example, if people do not have enough time to cook or they are in a hurry, buying fast food is their best option. Also, fast foods contain high calories, and are packed with high amount of sugars, carbohydrates and oil. For instance, one Big Mac carries 540 calories which an individual need to run for one hour to burn off. In addition, Big Mac is usually served with fries and a large drink which contains high calories. …show more content…
There are many transportation systems which people can choose to use nowadays. In fact, people prefer to drive rather than walk to work. According to The Transportation Department of North Central Texas, almost 75% of trips which are taken by car are less than 1 mile, and only 1 American in 200 rides a bicycle to work. Also, David Bassett of the University of Tennessee and John Pucher of Rutgers University said that countries with the highest levels of active transportation generally had the lowest obesity rates because active transportation, such as walking, biking and running can help people lose weight and