Sample Solution

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States and across the globe. The number of obese individuals has more than tripled since 1975, with over 40% of American adults classified as obese according to the CDC (1). While genetic susceptibility certainly plays a role in any individual’s weight, there are numerous environmental and behavioral factors which contribute to this health crisis.

One major factor linked to obesity is the abundance of unhealthy foods available today. A diet high in processed or fast food items can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels that lead to feelings of hunger soon after eating (2). These snacks are typically calorie-dense with little nutritional value resulting in long term weight gain when consumed regularly.

Another contributor to increasing rates of obesity is physical activity or lack thereof. Many occupations do not require manual labor and people may find themselves sitting for 8 hours or more every day at their desk job (3). Even activities that once involved movement such as shopping have become easier with online stores allowing customers to avoid walking around malls altogether. Furthermore, even if an individual does have some form of physical activity incorporated into their routine it may not be enough and more time dedicated towards exercise may be necessary for preventing excessive weight gain.

In addition, psychological components related to poor body image also play a role for many Americans struggling with obesity (4). An obsession about being skinny can drive people away from healthy dietary habits as they attempt restrictive diets without professional guidance – leading them down potentially dangerous paths instead of working towards sustainable goals regarding nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Ultimately. while each person’s circumstances vary greatly when it comes gaining excess weight – one thing all individuals share is responsibility; taking control over decisions made concerning lifestyle choices will go far beyond shortsighted fad diets which can do harm both physically and mentally – so let us look forward collectively by starting from within.