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WebMD Community Talk Show

Serving up a new debate daily, this is the place where putting up your dukes and defending your opinion is encouraged.

Last Reply:

Why are Americans Obese?

Olivia_WebMD_Staff posted:

Did you know that, according to statistics, 42% of Americans will be considered obese by the year 2030? And, the number of children and teens with Type 2 diabetes is growing at an alarming rate.

On May 14 & 15, HBO will air its "The Weight of the Nation " series that will explore obesity in the U.S. WebMD is going to be following the show with our own series of blog posts starting next week. The facts are certainly disturbing.

Why do you think Americans are fat?

62 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?Did you know that, according to statistics, <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20120507/fat-future-42-percent-americans-may-be-obese-by-2030">42% of Americans will be considered obese</a> by the year 2030? And, the number of <a href="http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20120429/kids-type-2-diabetes-combo-treatment-best">children and teens with Type 2 diabetes</a> is growing at an alarming rate. On May 14 & 15, HBO will air its "<a rel="nofollow" href="http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/">The Weight of the Nation</a> " series that will explore obesity in the U.S. WebMD is going to be following the show with our own series of blog posts starting next week. The facts are certainly disturbing. Why do you think Americans are fat?

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xkatmom responded:

-Eating being advertised as something fun to do
-People focused on doing what is pleasurable (&/or entertaining)
-Reliance (as a lifestyle) on convenient & processed food, such as ordering pizza, picking up fast food, or preparing boxed macaroni, cereal, etc.
-Snacks provided at every children's gathering
-Parents not cooking meals due to most parents working outside the home
-People not learning how to cook as they used to, usually from cooks in the previous generation
-Ignorance: people not knowing or caring what comprises good basic nutrition

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?-Eating being advertised as something fun to do -People focused on doing what is pleasurable (&/or entertaining) -Reliance (as a lifestyle) on convenient & processed food, such as ordering pizza, picking up fast food, or preparing boxed macaroni, cereal, etc. -Snacks provided at every children's gathering -Parents not cooking meals due to most parents working outside the home -People not learning how to cook as they used to, usually from cooks in the previous generation -Ignorance: people not knowing or caring what comprises good basic nutrition

mbartos responded:

Sedentary life styles - few of us really work - we sit in offices.

Huge portions.

Lots of sweet drinks - cola and others.

Snacking - something that seldom happened not many years ago - now an ongoing event.

Bombarded by food advertisements that make us think about food more than necessary.

Too much sugar.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?Sedentary life styles - few of us really work - we sit in offices. Huge portions. Lots of sweet drinks - cola and others. Snacking - something that seldom happened not many years ago - now an ongoing event. Bombarded by food advertisements that make us think about food more than necessary. Too much sugar.

1949rose responded:

We spend to much time in front of screens (TV, Computer, Phones, I-pads, etc) We just don't move enough. Kids spend more time indoors than playing outside. More meals are from a box than from scratch.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?We spend to much time in front of screens (TV, Computer, Phones, I-pads, etc) We just don't move enough. Kids spend more time indoors than playing outside. More meals are from a box than from scratch.

animlvr replied to FCL's response:

Very good points.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?Very good points.

animlvr replied to 1nt3rnalC0mbu5t1on's response:

Wow, you seem to have a pretty negative view of people in general. I would have to disagree. I heard Dr. Oz talked about a lack of connection to others, I think he may be on to something, especially in this digital age, where true connection and intimacy are replaced by quick electronic blurbs. No one seems to take the time to relax, enjoy anothers company, really getting to know another person. Instead we are tied to our smart phones, our computers, our televisions or are driving in our cars distracted, and in a hurry to get to point B.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?Wow, you seem to have a pretty negative view of people in general. I would have to disagree. I heard Dr. Oz talked about a lack of connection to others, I think he may be on to something, especially in this digital age, where true connection and intimacy are replaced by quick electronic blurbs. No one seems to take the time to relax, enjoy anothers company, really getting to know another person. Instead we are tied to our smart phones, our computers, our televisions or are driving in our cars distracted, and in a hurry to get to point B.

19770 responded:

Americans are fat because: 1. They make poor food choices (fast foods, empty calories, large portion sizes) etc

2. Sedentary lifestyles (lack of exercise)

3. Poor stress relievers, some eat when stressed instead of working out, doing Yoga etc

Even though most Americans work very hard, I believe they can find a way to incorporate some forms of exercise in their daily routine, even 30 minutes of cardio is better than doing none at all.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?Americans are fat because: 1. They make poor food choices (fast foods, empty calories, large portion sizes) etc 2. Sedentary lifestyles (lack of exercise) 3. Poor stress relievers, some eat when stressed instead of working out, doing Yoga etc Even though most Americans work very hard, I believe they can find a way to incorporate some forms of exercise in their daily routine, even 30 minutes of cardio is better than doing none at all.

An_245432 responded:

We eat too much fast food instead of taking the time to make healthful meals at home.
We don't get enough exercise. Sitting in front of the TV or the computer screen instead of walking, biking, doing yard work.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?We eat too much fast food instead of taking the time to make healthful meals at home. We don't get enough exercise. Sitting in front of the TV or the computer screen instead of walking, biking, doing yard work.

citywalker responded:

There are too many additives to our foods. We don't take the time to think about what we are eating. We are always in a hurry.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?There are too many additives to our foods. We don't take the time to think about what we are eating. We are always in a hurry.

Vivs9 responded:

Hello, I'm a Colombian Physician. And, of course, I studied and still read tons of American Medical Journals, and I've got family and friends at the States, so I've visited a couple of times.

And every time I go there, I suffer because of Food.
They have just Too Much Processed Food!!
It's hard to find healthy meals when eating out of home.
I'm a healthy person, with healthy habits, and visiting Los Angeles, Wisconsin, or New York was awsome and fascinating, but I think that Americans are Obese because there is Excess in Offer of Fast and/or Processed Food, and there is Very Poor offer of Healthy Meals when you're out of home and with little time for cooking.
SO, I would put it down to:
1) Unbalance in Marketing.
2) Lifestyle.

I hope this view from a foreigner helps.
Sincerly,

Viviana Guerrero-M.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?Hello, I'm a Colombian Physician. And, of course, I studied and still read tons of American Medical Journals, and I've got family and friends at the States, so I've visited a couple of times. And every time I go there, I suffer because of Food. They have just Too Much Processed Food!! It's hard to find healthy meals when eating out of home. I'm a healthy person, with healthy habits, and visiting Los Angeles, Wisconsin, or New York was awsome and fascinating, but I think that Americans are Obese because there is Excess in Offer of Fast and/or Processed Food, and there is Very Poor offer of Healthy Meals when you're out of home and with little time for cooking. SO, I would put it down to: 1) Unbalance in Marketing. 2) Lifestyle. I hope this view from a foreigner helps. Sincerly, Viviana Guerrero-M.

retouch1 replied to Vivs9's response:

All the above points are valid. I would venture a guess that most people don't know what's in processed food or how nutrition is changed and how it is digested.......Ironically, It's on the net.
People ARE changing, learning and exercising more than they did last year. Excuses like "I don't have time", are breaking down and are no longer accepted as accurate. A healthy family is really the number one goal for all of us.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?All the above points are valid. I would venture a guess that most people don't know what's in processed food or how nutrition is changed and how it is digested.......Ironically, It's on the net. People ARE changing, learning and exercising more than they did last year. Excuses like "I don't have time", are breaking down and are no longer accepted as accurate. A healthy family is really the number one goal for all of us.

healthfreeek responded:

Oversimplification of the problem. "Eat less, exercise more" is simple enough... But if the solution were that simple, we'd see obesity going down instead of up. 19 out of 20 people who diet will regain the weight they lose. It's easy to say "well, people are just lazy." But that kind of thinking isn't going to keep us from seeing half of Americans obese in the next 2-3 decades.

Less money should be spent on ad campaigns scaring and shaming overweight and obese people, and more on research to find what's behind the imbalance. Yes, more calories in than calories out equals weight gain, and vice versa. But why is it that 95% of people can't do this long term?

The fact that "why are Americans Fat" is a "share your opinion" topic rather than a "here's scientific research to explain what's going on" shows just how little we know.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?Oversimplification of the problem. "Eat less, exercise more" is simple enough... But if the solution were that simple, we'd see obesity going down instead of up. 19 out of 20 people who diet will regain the weight they lose. It's easy to say "well, people are just lazy." But that kind of thinking isn't going to keep us from seeing half of Americans obese in the next 2-3 decades. Less money should be spent on ad campaigns scaring and shaming overweight and obese people, and more on research to find what's behind the imbalance. Yes, more calories in than calories out equals weight gain, and vice versa. But why is it that 95% of people can't do this long term? The fact that "why are Americans Fat" is a "share your opinion" topic rather than a "here's scientific research to explain what's going on" shows just how little we know.

tpottt responded:

I will say why I am fat ( 90 pounds ). The first is that I eat too much. I have 2 or 3 servings of food. I have large servings. I eat late at night while watching TV. I enjoy fruit and vegetables, but I forget to stop and even good food is bad in excessive amounts. The second problem I have is, that I do not exercise enough. I do work out 4-6 times a week, but it is not very strenuous. WELL, IT IS TIME TO HIT THE REFRIGERATOR AND SEE WHAT'S IN IT AS I WATCH NCIS.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?I will say why I am fat ( 90 pounds ). The first is that I eat too much. I have 2 or 3 servings of food. I have large servings. I eat late at night while watching TV. I enjoy fruit and vegetables, but I forget to stop and even good food is bad in excessive amounts. The second problem I have is, that I do not exercise enough. I do work out 4-6 times a week, but it is not very strenuous. WELL, IT IS TIME TO HIT THE REFRIGERATOR AND SEE WHAT'S IN IT AS I WATCH NCIS.

kawaiikami replied to An_241374's response:

@An_241374 *Your answer is typical of the prejudicial & discriminatory thought process of an uneducated or aliterate person. There are many, many reasons for obesity, for anyone being overweight. There is NO SIMPLE ANSWER. It is people like you who should step back and learn more, understand things before you make ignorant comments such as this. However, it is highly unlikely that yourself along with the rest of society who thinks like you will ever change your bigoted minds. Such a sad statement for humanity.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?@An_241374 *Your answer is typical of the prejudicial & discriminatory thought process of an uneducated or aliterate person. There are many, many reasons for obesity, for anyone being overweight. There is NO SIMPLE ANSWER. It is people like you who should step back and learn more, understand things before you make ignorant comments such as this. However, it is highly unlikely that yourself along with the rest of society who thinks like you will ever change your bigoted minds. Such a sad statement for humanity.

brunosbud replied to Vivs9's response:

Vivs9,

Comparison between obesity rates in the US (34%) and Colombia (14%) clearly support your observations.

Thanks for sharing your comments.

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?Vivs9, Comparison between obesity rates in the US (34%) and Colombia (14%) clearly support your observations. Thanks for sharing your comments.

brunosbud replied to kawaiikami's response:

I agree that the obesity issue in this country is complex and has "no simple answers"...

At the same time, I also believe that the strength of America hinges on the health of Americans. The US use to be a world power because, at one time, Americans were the healthiest people on earth. That is clearly no longer true, now. American corporations are less competitive and, therefore, less profitable since Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes compromises productivity of the American worker.

Most every American acknowledges we must eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise, daily...

But, does every American acknowledge that spiraling health costs have cost this country millions of jobs and is crippling our hopes for economic recovery, now, and in the future? Does every American realize how our own individual health can effect financial markets, retailing, real estate and the quality of our education system? Does every American understand how Obesity affects child birth, cognitive development, allergies and breathing disorders that can impair a child's performance in the classroom?

So, if there's "no simple answers" that can resolve Obesity, kawaiikami, what, now? Do we just get fatter, more unhealthy and allow our dollars to continue to dwindle in value? Shall I sell everything I have and put all my money in gold?

Report This| Share this:Why are Americans Obese?I agree that the obesity issue in this country is complex and has "no simple answers"... At the same time, I also believe that the strength of America hinges on the health of Americans. The US use to be a world power because, at one time, Americans were the healthiest people on earth. That is clearly no longer true, now. American corporations are less competitive and, therefore, less profitable since Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes compromises productivity of the American worker. Most every American acknowledges we must eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise, daily... But, does every American acknowledge that spiraling health costs have cost this country millions of jobs and is crippling our hopes for economic recovery, now, and in the future? Does every American realize how our own individual health can effect financial markets, retailing, real estate and the quality of our education system? Does every American understand how Obesity affects child birth, cognitive development, allergies and breathing disorders that can impair a child's performance in the classroom? So, if there's "no simple answers" that can resolve Obesity, kawaiikami, what, now? Do we just get fatter, more unhealthy and allow our dollars to continue to dwindle in value? Shall I sell everything I have and put all my money in gold?

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