Who is Affected By Obesity?
Most health professionals say that obesity is an epidemic. In the United States, 26% of the population are obese, and 61% are overweight or obese. Obesity in the adult population has doubled since 1980.1 Certain groups are affected more than others: • Among women, overweight and obesity are more prevalent in racial and ethnic minorities than in non-Hispanic white women. • Among men, overweight and obesity are more prevalent in Mexican-Americans than in non-Hispanic whites or blacks. • More non-Hispanic black women are overweight or obese than non-Hispanic black men. • More non-Hispanic white men are overweight or obese than non-Hispanic white women. • Women of lower socioeconomic status are approximately 50% more likely to be obese than those of higher socioeconomic status. When to Call a Doctor Call911 immediately if you are obese and experience: • Chest pain. • Signs of a stroke. If you are obese and want to try losing weight or controlling your weight, call your doctor to discuss: •
Adolescents who are obese often experience significant social pressure, stress, and difficulties accomplishing developmental tasks. Psychologic disturbances are also very common. The symptoms of obesity may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your adolescent’s physician for a diagnosis.
The following are the most common symptoms that indicate an adolescent is obese. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: • facial features often appear disproportionate • adiposity (fat cells) in the breast region in boys • large abdomen (white or purple marks are sometimes present) • in males, external genitals may appear disproportionately small • puberty may occur early • increased adiposity in the upper arms and thighs • genu valgum (knock kneed) is common Adolescents who are obese often experience significant social pressure, stress, and difficulties accomplishing developmental tasks. Psychologic disturbances are also very common. The symptoms of obesity may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your adolescent’s physician for a diagnosis.
So is anyone more susceptible to obesity than others? Let’s take a look at some obesity statistics. Obesity affects more and more people each year. It is now thought that over the world, about 300 million people are now obese, that’s about 7% of the population. 7% may not seem a lot, but that’s because of the uneven distribution throughout the world. The USA has the highest rate of obesity, where over one third of adults suffer from this condition. The UK, although having a slightly lower rate of one in 5 adults being obese, is still growing as rapidly as the USA. So is it a coincidence that 2 of the most powerful nations in the world are setting an obesity trend? Not really, but it’s incredible to look back at the history of obesity in these countries. There was a time when obesity was restricted to the aristocracy. Those who could afford to eat did so, and did so very well, while the rest of us mere mortals worked all hours on the land or scampered about up chimneys! In fact in many
