Obesity is a serious problem in the U.S. and recent studies confirms that obesity is on the rise. Two new studies from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that about 41% of women and 35% of men are obese, which is no surprise why this puts Latino children at a high risk for obesity.
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Being significantly overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and even cancer. These are all chronic diseases that Hispanics are at high-risk and this is why it’s so important to exercise and eat right. A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, 30 and above is obese and 40 or higher is morbidly obese.
The news of the studies are not surprising, but it’s a powerful reminder of the challenges that are faced with obesity. The U.S. government has spent millions of dollars in the obesity epidemic over the last 3 decades, but unfortunately it hasn’t done much to diminish the problem.
Many blame the fast-food industry for the increase in obesity. While the quick ease and low prices of fast-food may have an effect in the obesity problem, the real problem starts at home. Children should be encouraged to exercise and eat fruits and vegetables at an early age, that way these foods won’t seem as a punishment, but as part of their daily routine. Exercising is crucial and not living a sedentary lifestyle helps keep the pounds away. Another thing many don’t take into consideration is the relation between obesity and preventative care. Visiting the doctor at least once a year is crucial because many times there are underlying health problems that prevent you from losing weight, which need to be addressed ASAP.