It goes without saying that many Americans struggle with excessive weight, most of which can be addressed early on in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control website, more than one third of adults in the U.S. were obese in 2010 (CDC.gov), which shows that obesity is one of the biggest healthcare problems the U.S. faces today. It creates a growth in healthcare costs because it causes so many other problems in individuals, most of which are life threatening. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website also states that obesity can lead to diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, stroke, and respiratory problems (CDC.gov). At any age, being overweight or obese can also cause emotional problems as well, like low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Imagine what these issues can do to a young child or even a teenager going through puberty. There is already enough pressure in the world to be thin, beautiful, and practically perfect. Adding all these physical and emotional problems only creates bigger issues that many parents or teachers don’t want to see in young children. Some might argue that it is an inherited gene so there’s no way of avoiding it. While genetics may be a predisposing factor, one shouldn’t let that determine their
It goes without saying that many Americans struggle with excessive weight, most of which can be addressed early on in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control website, more than one third of adults in the U.S. were obese in 2010 (CDC.gov), which shows that obesity is one of the biggest healthcare problems the U.S. faces today. It creates a growth in healthcare costs because it causes so many other problems in individuals, most of which are life threatening. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website also states that obesity can lead to diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, stroke, and respiratory problems (CDC.gov). At any age, being overweight or obese can also cause emotional problems as well, like low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Imagine what these issues can do to a young child or even a teenager going through puberty. There is already enough pressure in the world to be thin, beautiful, and practically perfect. Adding all these physical and emotional problems only creates bigger issues that many parents or teachers don’t want to see in young children. Some might argue that it is an inherited gene so there’s no way of avoiding it. While genetics may be a predisposing factor, one shouldn’t let that determine their