Obesity And Its Effects On America - 1735 Words

Introduction The topic of obesity in America is not a new one. In fact, the reality of obesity and its effects on America and its population has been mounting by the decade. Currently, more than 1/3 of adults in America are obese. This translates to 34.9% or 78.6 million people. Unfortunately, this number doesn’t even account for the youth of America (CDC, 2014). To call this an epidemic could almost be considered an understatement. This paper will discuss the four major economic impacts linked to obesity: direct and indirect costs, labor productivity costs, transportation costs, and human capital costs. The paper will review each of the impacted costs. After reviewing the material however, one may be left with a different question all together. Which is the most pressing threat obesity or the economic impact it leaves behind? Direct and Indirect Costs Direct Costs Medical Costs The most obvious economic impact of obesity in America is that of direct medical costs. In 2008 the United States spent $147 billion in direct medical costs of obesity (CDC, 2014). Additionally, obesity can largely increase the risk of health conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, multiple forms of cancer, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis, infertility, and even mental health illnesses (CDC, 2011). Though some are higher contributors to medical spending theyShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Obesity In America1066 Words   |  5 PagesIn America more than 35.7% of the population is obese or overweight. (â€Å"Overweight and Obesity Statistics†). That is nearly around 78.6 million people in America (‘’Obesity in U.S.’’). Americans are drastically becoming more obese over the years. There are a few americans who practice the hab it of physical exercise and many who have a habit of super-sizing. Foods in America are available anywhere and people become overwhelmed when they see food ads. The percentage of our economy who have lower incomeRead MoreCauses And Effects Of Obesity In America870 Words   |  4 PagesThe Centers of Disease Control and Prevention defines obesity as having a BMI over 30 (CDC). In the year 2000, roughly 30 percent of 20 year olds in America were obese. By 2003 that number had risen to 32 percent. That is a small window of increase. From the 1970s to the early 2000s, the percent of obese Americans doubled. This means that in 1970, only 15 percent of Americans were obese, and in the thirty years following, obesity took a sharp rise. In 1960, 13 percent of Americans were obese. TheRead MoreObesity And Its Effects On America Essay2573 Words   |  11 Pagesprescription. The shots worked, but likely amidst in the ushering in of the Korean, cold and Vietnam wars, civil rights movements, the decade of love, and the Kennedy tragedy and subsequential faux-pas of the Nixon administration, it must have slipped Americas minds. But never you fear! It is back with a feverous fervor, and thanks to the internet is feeding consumer madness the storm is bigger and more controversial than ever. Many people are on the fence about this and others are in hot debate, screamingRead MoreChildhood Obesity And Its Effects On America1394 Words   |  6 PagesHave you ever wondered what are the major causes of obesity? The CDC (2017) states that one out of every five children in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and this number is continuing to rise. Wilson (2016) states that many children who are obese develop health complications, such as joint, gallbladder, and sleeping problems. The majority of children who are obese as kids tend to be obese as adults. Reason being, many children develop bad eating habits by learning from their surroundings. WhenRead MoreFactors And Effects Of Obe sity In America767 Words   |  4 Pagesby crack a few decades ago. The nation is plagued by factors such as obesity, high sexually transmitted disease rates, tobacco and alcohol use, hard drugs such as cocaine and crystal meth, and prescription drug abuse, such as the ongoing opioid crisis. Factors such as the previously mentioned affect society by affecting large numbers of individuals in society. The United States of America has more recently been plagued by obesity, particularly in children. There has been an increase in the amountRead MoreEffects Of Obesity On America And Is Reaching All Time Heights879 Words   |  4 PagesBradshaw AP Psychology May 7, 2015 Research Paper Obesity has been on the rise in America and is reaching all time heights. Obesity in America is at 27.7 percent and 1 in 5 children in America are obese currently and many will have to deal with it throughout their lifetime. With almost a third of our population struggling with this problem, the increasing obesity rates are becoming a major concern. Even though there isn’t a single answer to why obesity has become so prevalent, there are many contributingRead MoreWeight On Obesity1551 Words   |  7 PagesAll the Weight on Our Shoulders America is in danger; this rising threat is obesity, which is growing as the leading cause of preventable deaths just behind tobacco. Throughout its history, America has seen many different conflicts and threats rise and fall and with each threat. Each generation has risen to the challenge time and time again. Now, it’s the new age generation’s turn to do the same. Obesity is a significant problem and it must be curbed or it will crush us under its weight. As the citizensRead MoreChildhood Obesity Essay examples1472 Words   |  6 PagesForty years ago in America childhood obesity was rarely a topic of conversation. A survey done in the early 1970s showed that 6.1% of children between the ages 12 and 19 were overweight. Eight years later the same survey was done and 17.4% were considered overweight (Iannelli). â€Å"Childhood obesity epidemic in America is now a confirmed fact since the number of overweight or obese children has more than tripled during the last 30 ye ars† (Childhood Obesity Epidemic). â€Å"Over the last 20 years, the prevalenceRead MoreFood Policy Debates : Obesity And Advocates1075 Words   |  5 Pagesbased research information on several topics that relate to obesity. The article gives a lot of information about the battle between for fighting obesity and advocates that want Americans to make their own choices about the food they consume. This article covers a wide range of informative data from food served in schools, to the rise of industrial farming. The author is a freelance reporter that does not seem to have a bias for the obesity subject. Instead this author provides information for theRead MoreObesity And Its Effects On Obesity1637 Words   |  7 Pagesdestructive can effects of obesity be. First of all what is an obesity? Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual s ideal body weight. It is a very serious problem and is becoming very dangerous in today’s w orld. Obesity is now considered to be the second most preventable death in America, with tobacco being the first. As use of tobacco rates continues to decline, the obesity rates continue to rise. With that being said, death numbers of obesity are going