The Big Problem When we were told to write a paper about trying to solve a problem with the world my mind went racing. The thought of writing about racism, terrorism, pollution, the death penalty, and euthanasia all crept in my mind. It wasn’t till late that night when I was watching TV that I realized a really BIG problem with the U. S.
; being overweight. All over the television were people that were overweight or looked like they needed to just go out for a walk. It may not seem like a huge deal when I first say it but when you truly think about it you begin to realize that it is. It’s not that these people are bad or anything its just that for the sake of themselves and others they need to change some of their daily habits and get in shape. According to USA Todays article “An overweight America comes with a heavy price tag” by Nanci Hell mich, sixty-five percent of Americas population is either overweight or obese. They define overweight as ten to thirty pounds overweight and obese is anything over thirty pounds.
Also with the massive amount of children overweight, it is said that sixty five percent will only rise over the years. Doctors have just discovered that with the wide girths that overweight people have, deep-hidden belly fat lurks around the organs. This is the most dangerous type of fat and can lead to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. Also their is an increase of sixty percent in death from all causes of obese people (web). Now where does this fat come from? “Social situations encourage overeating, restaurants compete by offering bigger and bigger servings and technology has made it possible to avoid exercise,” says James O.
Hill, the director of the Colorado Clinical Nutrition Research Unit at the University of Colorado (web). Fast food restaurants have made it easier to obtain fatty and non-healthy food while using minimal amount of physical effort to obtain it. At gathering, food seems to be everywhere to keep the guests happy and nourished but not necessarily healthy. With such inventions as cars, TV, and computers the urge to go out and run around seems to be depleting.
Therefore, our children of today seem to be playing video games or watching Sponge Bob Square Pants instead of outside playing Cops and Robbers or Ghosts in the Graveyard. With twenty five percent of children overweight, the chances of them loosing the weight or keeping their children healthy seems to be unlikely. Habits must be changed now and must be done soon to stop our unhealthy habits. Dieting and exercise is the two biggest things to do to get your body in shape. Changing you eating habits is one of the best thing you can do for yourselves. Such diets as the Atkins Diet has shown to be very successful in massive weight loss.
Also their are dietary pills that can secrete hunger or supposedly burn the fat off of you. I would suggest consulting a doctor before taking any of these pills though. Instead of eating three big meals, eat six small ones; this is a new method of weight loss but has shown positive effect. If none of these are to your liking, a doctor can offer some suggestion to something you may like instead. Besides dieting though, working out that body is also a very successful. Any activity where your heart rate increases is said to be working off that fat that’s built up.
Whether its walking around the block, joining the YMCA, or just shooting hoops in the driveway, taking up a hobby where your doing something active should be a daily habit for ones self. Some organizations are actually awarding people vacations for working out and running in certain marathons. As for the children, get them involved within the community by signing them up for sports. Not only will your child be exercising, but will also be socially involved with other kids that enjoy the same sport they do. With all the physical problems you face, why not get yourself in shape.
You will feel better about yourself as well as impress others. It will allow yourself to live life instead of watch it on TV. It won’t deny you of your favorite foods but will conjure healthier foods that will be more to your liking. And for our children, “Parents are role models,” Hill said. “We sit on the couch, eat our high-fat foods, and then tell our kids to eat right and go out and exercise.
That doesn’t work” (web). Take your children outside and do activities with them. They will enjoy it and you won’t regret it.