The number of Americans who struggle with their weight is rapidly rising. Nearly 65 percent of adults in the United States can be classified as overweight or obese. A decrease in the amount of physical activity required in our daily lives combined with an increase in the availability of foods that are high in fat and sugar has made it more difficult than ever to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a major public health concern. Overweight people have an increased risk of developing a number of serious medical conditions, including arthritis, stroke, carpal tunnel syndrome, gallbladder disease, diabetes, infertility, low back pain, and sleep apnea. Each year, obesity causes at least 300,000 excess deaths in the United States alone.
Who Is at Risk for Becoming Overweight?
People with a family history of obesity have an increased risk of becoming overweight. Genetic influences can account for roughly 33 percent of a person's weight. However, environmental factors play a role as well. Children model their eating habits and activity levels after their parents; children who grow up in families that emphasize a healthy lifestyle are less likely to struggle with their weight as adults.
In addition to family history, research has also identified other factors that increase a person's risk of becoming overweight. People who have low incomes are more likely to be overweight than people of a higher socioeconomic status. Men are more likely than women to be overweight, although women are more likely than men to be obese. For both women and men who need to lose weight to improve their health, bariatric surgery is a viable option.
