EFFECTS OF OBESITY

Effects of Obesity



Abstract

In this paper we have explored the effects of obesity in America. Obesity is one of the most alarming concerns for American citizens. This issue has not only affected the citizens but also the government officials. Therefore, the study has also investigated the obesity with regards to patients' access, availability, health issues and costs to the patient, taxpayers and the government and its long term outlook. In conclusion, the research describes ways to deal with this serious concern. In addition, the study provides a platform for the future researches and assists effective strategy formulation in healthcare.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Review of the Literature5

Discussion7

Patients' Access7

Availability7

Health Issues8

Costs to the Patient13

Costs to the Taxpayers15

Costs to the Government16

Long Term Outlook17

How We Might Solve This Issue18

Conclusion18

References20

Effects of Obesity

Introduction

Obesity in the United States and other countries are an important and rising public fitness crisis. Obesity is growing in United States with an increasing rate. Obesity amongst adults, young people, and children is gradually more encountered in medical settings, and a responsiveness of present etiological models, evaluation strategies, and involvement methodologies are essential for the optimal organization of this significant health problem. Between 5 to 25 children per hundred are obese in USA. It comprises 15% of the children population. Obesity is an increase in excess body fats which leads to the growth of the body weight (Jakicic et al, 2003).

An important point to mention is that the childhood obesity is a weight-for-height in excess of 120 percent. It is a chronic disorder which has multiple causes. Obesity is increasing in United States with a growing rate. Between 5 to 25 children per hundred are obese in USA. It comprises 15% of the children population. Obesity is an increase in excess body fats which leads to the growth of the body weight. Childhood obesity is explained as a weight-for-height in excess of 120 percent. It is a chronic disorder which has multiple causes.

A consensus has emerged during recent years that one of the best methods for clinically defining obesity is the body mass index (BMI). The formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (w/h2) (Gilbert, 2009). Despite its widespread use, there are limits to BMI as a measure of weight status. For instance, it cannot be used as a specific indicator of the level of body fat on the individual, and it is influenced by factors such as age, gender, and exercise status (i.e., sedentary vs. active). Older individuals tend to have a higher percentage of body fat than do younger individuals for a given BMI, and people who work out regularly. Prevalence statistics reported during the past few years reveal an astonishing increase in the level of overweight and obese individuals in the United States.

Review of the Literature

A research study in the United States revealed that in the year 2009 there was 15% of the population, which was considered to be facing the issue of obesity according to the standards of ...