Obesity has been a growing problem in the U.S for decades. There are many theories that try to figure out one leading cause as to why the number of obese people has increased so much, but it is not as simple as a single reason. For years dietitians, and scientists have been trying to home in on one single cause but in reality there are a plethora.
One of the leading causes to American obesity can be tied back to the workplace. Recent studies from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that less than 20% of jobs require as little as a moderate amount of physical labor. As technology advances jobs such as farming, and physical demanding work do not require much physical labor anymore. A lot of things that humans used to do have been replaced by machines doing the work instead. In job environments such as office buildings the lack of physical activity is even less than more demanding professions. While working in the office most Americans sit for 7 or more hours a day with an occasional break. The same can be said for those who work from home, because they are constantly sitting and typing. The lack of movement over time will lead to fewer calories burnt in turn leading to the gaining of weight. If the decrease in physical activity at work were balanced by an increase of physical activity outside of work, then weight gain would not be such a problem. Unfortunately this is not a reality and, only a fraction of Americans meet national guidelines for the recommended amount of exercise. According to the American Psychological Association only 25-35% of Americans remain active on a daily basis. Instead of working out in their spare time, most Americans sit in front of a computer, TV, or tablet display and the website says https://www.technologyreview.com the average American spends 24 hours a week in front of a screen. Although the lack of movement is one of the main contributors to obesity, it is not always the case.
In the case of some people obesity is strongly based off of genetics. According to the website obesitymedicide.org it is said that there are more than 50 genes that are associated with obesity, and these genes can succumb the carriers of them to gain extra unwanted weight. The website obesitymedicine.org goes on the state that a gene called the fat mass and obesity-associated gene, is tied to about 43% of the population. Carriers of this gene will experience “symptoms” such as increased appetite, increased calorie intake, and a greater tendency to store body fat. Because of these genes children with obese parents are more likely to become obese as opposed to children with lean parents. This creates a cycle, and as more people become obese these traits are passed down over an over leaving more and more people at risk of getting them. Although these traits do exist, that does not mean that obesity is completely predetermined. The modern diet, more so the lack thereof heavily contributes as to why people are gaining so much weigh...
