Discuss the relationship between obesity and other health conditions that lead to cardiovascular diseases, including the interactions that occur.

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Discuss the relationship between obesity and other health conditions that lead to cardiovascular diseases, including the interactions that occur.
**The Obesity Epidemic in the United States—The Tip of an Iceberg**

Before the last half of the 20th century, obesity was often seen as a sign of prosperity. Look at the great art of 18th- and 19th-century Europe and you will find portraits of the prosperous and portly prominently displayed. In the last half of the 20th century and the early years of the 2000s, obesity has become the province of the poor and the middle class.

Obesity is defined as a BMI over 30. Overweight is defined as a BMI from 25 to 30. The BMI is calculated as the weight in kilograms/height in meters squared. A BMI of 30 for a 5 foot, 8.5 inch male or female is approximately 200 pounds. To determine whether a child aged 2-19 years is considered obese, a BMI for age is calculated, but further assessment is needed to determine fat distribution, such as measurement of skinfold thickness. The prevalence of obesity has been steadily rising in the United States over the last 50 years, increasing over 250%. Today, approximately 20% of children aged 2-19 are obese, along with approximately 35% of adults.

U.S. data confirm a strong association of obesity with lower socioeconomic levels overall and in most but not all racial and ethnic groups. Overall, children and adolescents 2-19 years in families with an income under 133% of the poverty level (a little over $30,000 for a family of 4) have almost twice the prevalence of obesity as children and adolescents in families with income over 350% of the poverty level. However, these patterns do not apply to non-Hispanic black girls or to Mexican American boys or girls, in whom high levels of obesity occur at all income and educational levels.

A number of factors play important roles in giving the portrait of obesity in the United States a far less prosperous persona. The availability of rich high-calorie foods has played an important role by allowing access to abundant quantities of foods by lower socioeconomic individuals. Technologies to create concentrated sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup and trans fats, have reinforced this tendency. Once obesity is established, exercise may be sedentary life setting in motion a vicious circle of more sedentary style and increased weight. Similarly, once obesity is established, the large quantities of food required daily often necessitate the purchase of cheap high
Transcribed Image Text:**The Obesity Epidemic in the United States—The Tip of an Iceberg** Before the last half of the 20th century, obesity was often seen as a sign of prosperity. Look at the great art of 18th- and 19th-century Europe and you will find portraits of the prosperous and portly prominently displayed. In the last half of the 20th century and the early years of the 2000s, obesity has become the province of the poor and the middle class. Obesity is defined as a BMI over 30. Overweight is defined as a BMI from 25 to 30. The BMI is calculated as the weight in kilograms/height in meters squared. A BMI of 30 for a 5 foot, 8.5 inch male or female is approximately 200 pounds. To determine whether a child aged 2-19 years is considered obese, a BMI for age is calculated, but further assessment is needed to determine fat distribution, such as measurement of skinfold thickness. The prevalence of obesity has been steadily rising in the United States over the last 50 years, increasing over 250%. Today, approximately 20% of children aged 2-19 are obese, along with approximately 35% of adults. U.S. data confirm a strong association of obesity with lower socioeconomic levels overall and in most but not all racial and ethnic groups. Overall, children and adolescents 2-19 years in families with an income under 133% of the poverty level (a little over $30,000 for a family of 4) have almost twice the prevalence of obesity as children and adolescents in families with income over 350% of the poverty level. However, these patterns do not apply to non-Hispanic black girls or to Mexican American boys or girls, in whom high levels of obesity occur at all income and educational levels. A number of factors play important roles in giving the portrait of obesity in the United States a far less prosperous persona. The availability of rich high-calorie foods has played an important role by allowing access to abundant quantities of foods by lower socioeconomic individuals. Technologies to create concentrated sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup and trans fats, have reinforced this tendency. Once obesity is established, exercise may be sedentary life setting in motion a vicious circle of more sedentary style and increased weight. Similarly, once obesity is established, the large quantities of food required daily often necessitate the purchase of cheap high
**Title: Addressing the Challenge of Obesity in the United States**

The answers to the weighty question of obesity in the United States remain a great challenge. What do you think we should do about it?

*[This statement highlights the ongoing struggle to find effective solutions for the high rates of obesity in the U.S. It invites readers to consider their own ideas and strategies for addressing this significant public health issue.]*
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Addressing the Challenge of Obesity in the United States** The answers to the weighty question of obesity in the United States remain a great challenge. What do you think we should do about it? *[This statement highlights the ongoing struggle to find effective solutions for the high rates of obesity in the U.S. It invites readers to consider their own ideas and strategies for addressing this significant public health issue.]*
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