Currently, more than 4 in 10 Americans meet the medical definition of obesity and are at risk for serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The pandemic has increased stakes. In that first year, nearly one-third of severe COVID-19 cases were blamed for overweight.
USA TODAY decided to look at recent changes in weight in the United States, including advances in treatment and a scientific understanding of obesity. We spoke with more than 50 experts in nutrition, endocrinology, psychology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, and people familiar with extra weight issues.
The answer is not easy.
But they reach the essence of America: our problems with race, stigma, personal responsibility, financial stability, and corporate power.
1: Obesity was considered a personal failure. Science shows that this is not the case.
Many people feel shame and guilt about not being able to lose weight. Human biology, which has evolved to retain extra calories, makes it very difficult to lose weight on your own. It’s hard to find help, but it’s there.
Obesity has long been considered a personal failure. Science shows that this is not the case.
2: Extra weight increases risk in the long run. Fat embarrassment hurts now.
Despite the increasing proportion of overweight and obesity, the stigma of overweight remains on almost every aspect of society. Some people are fighting back, but it’s not easy to counter decades of stereotypes and falsely simple solutions.
Extra weight increases your health risk in the long run. Fat embarrassment hurts now.
3: What we eat is important. Researchers look for the “best” diet.
Biology makes it difficult to lose weight. Our food environment makes it very easy to add extra pounds. What should you eat if you are trying to lose that extra weight or avoid unnecessary pounds? Scientists are still looking for an answer.
What we eat is important. Researchers are still looking for the “best” diet.
Four: People do not choose to gain weight. They live in “systems that they do not control.”
Extra weight is often considered a personal failure, but many factors beyond the power of the individual contribute to weight gain, including food deserts, the cost of healthy food, stress, and prejudice. The situation is not hopeless.
Americans don’t choose to get fat. Many live in “systems that they do not control.”
Five: New drugs and surgery will result in significant weight loss. It costs money.
Until recently, surgery was the only way to lose a significant amount of weight. The new medicine promises to change that and offers the possibility of dropping 15% to over 20% of the extra pound. The challenge is to make these medicines available to those who want them.
New drugs and surgery can result in significant weight loss. But they come at a cost.
6: How does the obesity epidemic end? With children.
Experts say that any solution must start with a child. Beginning almost at birth, children learn patterns that last a lifetime. As a result, there are many problems with teaching healthy eating, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.
How does the obesity epidemic end? With children.
