Obesity And Junk Food

Many healthcare professionals are concerned by the rates of obesity development in the general public, especially in the US. While it has already become a national epidemic with millions of people diagnosed as overweight or obese, experts are trying to analyze the influence of fast food on this phenomenon. Of course, fast food was blamed to be the cause of obesity for a really long time now, and this is further supported by additional facts and statistic observations:

- The rates at which obesity increases are rising every year
- Fast food is chosen as primary food for an increasing number of people
- Fast food is convenient, cheap and easy to get
- Fast food is aggressively advertised in the media

The link between obesity and fast food is undisputed. Numerous studies and analysis have confirmed that the poor nutritional value, high content of saturated fats and low quality carbohydrates, low content of fiber and high calorie density that are typical for fast food are strong factors influencing weight gain. Coupled with high calorie drinks that usually come with such food, this is a definite way to get obese in a short period of time.

Numerous researches have confirmed that fast food raises the risk of developing obesity, especially with people who eat fast food more than three times per week. Such individuals usually show a rapid increase in their BMI, which is the primary way to assess the development of obesity. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the easiest way to detect how much excessive weight a person has. It represents a relation between a person's height and weight. With a BMI between 25 and 30, the person is considered being overweight, and when the number is higher than 30,it's a diagnosis for obesity. The shocking fact is that nearly 70% of all adults in the US can be classified as overweight, while 35% are clinically obese. Such figures definitely show us that obesity has become an epidemic and taking into account the health risks associated with obesity (hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, etc.) it is a very serious public health concern for the American government.

Fast food chains have started reacting on the pressure they get from the general public and healthcare system representatives. Most menus now include healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, salads, simple water, low-fat products. But the overall weight of these innovations is too small to say that there's a really positive response to the growing criticism of fast food. The simple fact that the sales of such weight loss drugs as Phentermine do not show any decline but rather a serious rise, really makes us wonder what will happen next.

Remember that it's often a matter of personal choice. No one is forcing you to eat fast food and you have as much opportunities to consume healthy food as everyone else. So be confident to make the right choices if you do not want to pop Phentermine and go through intense weight loss programs later in your life. Keep in mind that it's a matter of your personal lifestyle and you can keep it healthy by avoiding fast food.