With nearly 35% of Americans having obesity, this chronic disease is quickly becoming a serious health problem. While there is no definite answer as to where exactly the problem is, research by the World Health Organization has found that the increased sale in fast foods contributes to the rise in Body mass index (BMI). Americans are known for their high consumption of fast foods. In fact, fast foods make about 11% of the American diet on average.
How obesity has affected Tennessee
Obesity in Tennessee has affected adults and also children from as low as less than ten years. In 2017, the state was ranked 5 for most obese teenagers between the ages of 10 and 17. Many people tend to eat and skip exercising, allowing the accumulation of fats in the body, which leads to overweight. Children are the most affected as they take most of the fast foods and remain inactive. They choose activities that reduce their mobility, such as video games and watching television. Adults are less active, especially during the day, and therefore burn fewer calories than they take.
What is the government of Tennessee doing to fix the problem?
The Tennesse health department has taken various initiatives to decrease the risk of being obese or developing diabetes. It has encouraged citizens to cut down high sugar intake and avoid a lot of sweetened drinks such as sodas and start incorporating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Another initiation Eat well, Play More Tennesse, focuses on finding ways to create a supportive environment for both physical activities and healthy eating.
- https://www.tn.gov/health
- https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/reports/343047_doh_nutrition_phys_activity_plan.pdf
- https://www.williamsonhomepage.com/style-home-page/tennessee-has-high-obesity-rate-among-adults-and-high-school-students/article_f36f2c60-dda7-5395-8388-0404b78b2c5c.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db114.htm
- https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/92/2/13-120287/en/
- https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/measure/Obesity/state/TN
- https://www.publichealth.org/public-awareness/obesity/