Many say that the obesity epidemic is due to biologic factors. This is a very important distinction because biologic factors are out of the control of individuals. They are determined by the basic genetic makeup of each person. Individuals who believe that the obesity epidemic is due to biologic factors are indicating that they believe no amount of dieting or increase in exercise can solve the problem.
On the other side of the argument there are those who believe that the obesity epidemic is mainly caused by cultural factors. This means that they believe that cultural issues and lifestyle choices determine weight. So according to this group changes in lifestyle choices could be the solution to the problem. There are a plethora of bad habits accepted in the US and changing these bad habits could result in weight loss. And weight loss can result in improvements in general health.
One cultural factor that adds to the obesity epidemic is overeating. Overeating in the US is obvious when statistics are considered. The production of food is out of whack in the US. The US produces far too much food. There is enough produced on a daily basis to provide 4,000 calories for every individual in the country (including children). This is, obviously far too much considering the basic daily allowances.
In 2002 a study was conducted that supports the cultural theory. Food and drink was carefully documented for all study participants. Activity and applicable psychological factors were also carefully documented. The results were surprising yet obvious.
The results of the 2002 study indicated that people who gain weight eat more and indulge in larger serving sizes. Those who believe in the biologic theory were surprised by the results because they believe that the genetic makeup plays a larger part in weight gain/loss than lifestyle choices. In contrast…the results were obvious because they basically concluded that gaining weight occurs when people eat too much. It’s a basic principle that many overlook due to its obvious nature.
So in accordance with the study’s conclusion the general health of the nation would experience improvement if the citizens of the nation would only eat less. In addition, change would begin if only Americans would decrease their portion sizes on a day to day basis.
