Obesity Invasion Of The United States - 1247 Words

Obesity Invasion An invasion is occurring right under America’s nose, it’s has spread like wildfire through the vast mountains of California. What is this invasion I speak of you may inquire? Well, it is expansion of the American’s waistlines that is soaring at such alarming rate it astounding. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention concedes that â€Å"obesity is affecting 1 out of every 3 adults and 1 in 4 children.† A study conducted by Ramon Martinez, a technical specialist in health metrics for the World Health Organization, compiled data that showed 188 countries ranked by the percentage of their population that is overweight or obese. The U.S is ranked 27th place with 66.3 percent of it’s population being obese or over weight.†¦show more content†¦It can also effect one’s mental health by causing stigmatization, depression and anxiety. These health complications not only overwhelmed our healthcare system, but has placed a financial burde n on the cost of healthcare in America. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention claims that â€Å"obesity related medical care cost in the United States are at an all time high, and in 2008 dollars, these cost were estimated to be 147 billion. The annual nationwide productive costs of obesity-related absenteeism range between $3.38 billion ($79 per obese individual) and $6.38 billion ($132 per obese individual),† according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. An analysis conducted by Emory University own healthcare economist Ken Thorpe, Ph.D. C, titled â€Å"The Future Cost of Obesity† estimates that the annual of cost of health care will sky rock by an estimated 344 billion dollars by 2018 or about $20.00 per every healthcare dollar spent in the U.S, providing a financial imperative for obesity prevention initiatives. The progress of obesity has developed over the course of four decades has many contributing factors that can not be ignored. Such as cultural beliefs, attitudes and personal preferences towards certain food