Environmental Factors of Obesity

environmental factors of Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common issues is America today. Over the years the amount of obese people in America has increased greatly. This problem is not only affecting adults, but children also. Many people have tried to determine if obesity is caused by environmental factors or natural factors. Obesity is strongly influenced by environmental factors such as poverty, housing condition, work situation, fast-food, and sedentary lifestyles.

One reason for the increasing amount of obesity is because of our sedentary lifestyles. According to Ian Mason, "Our children are watching more television, playing more video games, and spending more time on the computer than we used to as children. Now adults, we as children, spent the majority of our time outside playing or being involved in other physical activities. While children today are involved in sports, or dance, most overweight children are not. They pick up this conditioning from their parents who are teaching them these things." Since parents today are so busy, they take the free time they get to watch television or use the computer. This really affects not only the lives of parents, but their children's also. Children begin to live these unhealthy lifestyles because they have learned to from their parents. ( "Obesity")

Another contributing factor to obesity is our rushed lifestyles. A lot of times people who don't have time to make a healthy breakfast in the morning rely on the unhealthy alternatives of fast food. This includes junk food such as McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, fatty breakfast sandwiches, and other fast foods. These junk food restaurants leave people feeling tired, without energy, and exhausted. Breakfast is very important because it is the start of your day, however starting off your day with donuts and cheeseburgers is not healthy at all.

In addition to our rushed lifestyles, poverty is another factor of obesity. Poverty and overcrowding can inhibit parental supervision of children. It can also negatively affect their health in general and increase obesity. Many people who go through poverty make little money, and times none at all. Not only is fast food available but it is also affordable for the rich and poor. Poorer diets among poorer groups can be explained by the lack of opportunities, stress, and level of knowledge. According to Dr. Abir Youssef,