Health problems – obesity (topic 4)
Today I’m going to talk about obesity, which is one of the most serious public health issues in the modern
world.
I will focus mostly on the United States, where the problem is especially severe, but I will also mention the
United Kingdom, where similar trends are visible.
Obesity is defined as having excess body fat, often measured by a high Body Mass Index, or BMI. It
increases the risk of many other health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types
of cancer.
Unfortunately, obesity has become a global epidemic, affecting both adults and children.
Causes of Obesity
Unhealthy diet: Americans eat a lot of processed food, fast food, and meals high in sugar, salt, and fat.
For example, people often consume sugary drinks, like soda, and large portions of junk food.
Lack of physical activity: A lot of people have a sedentary lifestyle, meaning they sit most of the day.
Technology has made things easier, but also less active – people drive instead of walking, and they watch
TV or play video games instead of doing sports.
Economic and social factors:
In poorer areas, healthy food is often more expensive or harder to find. Fast food is cheap and convenient.
Also, some families may not have time to cook proper meals, especially if both parents are working.
Cultural attitudes: In the USA, portion sizes are much bigger than in Europe. Eating out is also more
common, and meals tend to be high in calories.
Statistics and Data
Let me give you some numbers to show how serious this is:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 42% of American adults
are obese.
Among children and teenagers, the rate is about 20%, which is very alarming.
In the UK, the numbers are a bit lower, but still worrying: around 28% of adults are obese, and
about 10% of children aged 4–5 are obese when they start school.
These numbers show that obesity is not just a personal issue – it’s a public health crisis.
Consequences of Obesity
As I mentioned, obesity can cause heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. It can also lead to high
blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint problems.
Mental health: People who are obese often suffer from low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. They
might also face discrimination and social stigma.
Economic costs: Treating obesity-related diseases is very expensive. In the USA, billions of dollars are spent
every year on healthcare for obesity. This puts a lot of pressure on the healthcare system.
Prevention and Solutions
Teaching people, especially children, about healthy eating and the importance of exercise can help a
lot. Schools should offer nutrition classes and more opportunities for physical activity.
Healthier food options: Governments can help by regulating advertising, especially for junk food
aimed at kids, and by subsidizing healthy food, like fruits and vegetables.
Cities should be designed to encourage walking and cycling, and there should be more public parks
and sports facilities.
Personal responsibility: Of course, individuals also need to make better choices. This means cooking
at home, avoiding sugary drinks, and trying to stay active.
In the UK, for example, the government has introduced the Sugar Tax, which increases the price of sugary
drinks to reduce consumption.
