Obese
Obesity is a problem of the 21st century. It strikes both adults and children. More and more teens suffer from this illness. Studies have shown that in the USA 30 % of the adult population are obese. Also, in the last 20 years, the number of overweight children has doubled. A very serious issue is that illnesses such as type 2 diabetes go hand in hand with obesity and such illnesses are no longer related to adults only. Children are in danger, too. Cardiovascular problems are also associated with highly increased weight gain. Scientists have proven that obese people are three times more likely to have a stroke, heart attack or to develop diabetes than people of normal weight.
People in general do not pay enough attention to their health. Half of the population in the USA, for example, does not exercise, nor do they eat fruit and vegetables as much as they should. Junk food is not expensive, and more important, it is available. That is why it is more popular. People reach for unhealthy meals because they often do not have enough time to prepare something healthy. However, this is not an excuse. It is much better to prevent a problem than to deal with it later. Parents need to provide example for their children. They need to be role models. Children whose parents do not have a healthy life style also tend to live in the same way. Think about your children!
Practical problems that obese people might encounter are small seats in buses and airplanes, difficulties in finding clothes and shoes of appropriate size, even hospital beds are designed for people who weigh 170 kilograms maximum. This is why some hospitals cannot even admit people who are obese.
Apart from these, obese people have more psychological issues to deal with. They often become depressed and eat even more. Once you enter the vicious circle, it is very difficult to escape. People lose their self-esteem; think they are not worthy of anybody’s attention. Sometimes they even reject their families’ concern. Obesity can be even more difficult for teens because they are going through the delicate period of their lives. Obese children are often teased or mocked by their peers. This can have serious consequences on their self-confidence.
A question dealt so many times is whether obesity is a social or psychological problem. Obese claim that the society and the tempo of the life society imposes on them is the reason for their condition. Most of them say that they do not have time to think about health. On the other hand, psychologists say that obesity often stems from insecurity and loss of self-confidence. Young people are obsessed with trends, but this can also lead them to completely opposite direction. If they are disappointed in their looks, they punish themselves by overeating. This results in eating disorders and possibly obesity.
People need to become aware of the problem. Whenever you urge to eat something greasy and unhealthy, whenever you think how delicious junk food is, remember that your life is at stake. You, and only you, are responsible for yourselves.