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Obesity : Causes And Effects

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When you think of the general health of America, what first comes to mind? Most would likely answer this question along the lines of our population being overweight. Obesity is one of the leading causes of death in the US with at least 30,000 people dying from this disease each year (Obesity Epidemic). Obesity symptoms often arise at an early age and can lead to an array of issues well beyond excessive weight gain, but who is to blame? Many critics attribute the explosion of the disease to the widespread growth of the fast food industry, the expanding social media world, the reduction of physical activity in schools, unhealthy food in schools, or even genetics. However, individuals must take personal responsibility for their health. Obesity’s roots can be seen from the start of life, or even pre-birth, and it is up to adults to help teach children how to live a healthy lifestyle. Some may just blame it on genetics, but parents that allow and promote kids to consume unhealthy food are greatly responsible for allowing the disease to flourish. Also, not including any physical activity in their children’s daily life contributes to the obesity epidemic. So what is being done? Many schools districts across the country have introduced prevention methods like nutrient education, but are these really effective? The real question is, if people don’t take personal responsibility will American’s unhealthy habits ever really change? Beyond the very real medical conditions obese

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