Along with genetics, environmental factors have been found to contribute to obesity. In particular, increased food consumption and an inactive (sedentary) lifestyle are environmental factors that very closely correlate with an increased risk of obesity. Americans have an ever-increasing number of energydense foods, packaged in enormous portions, conveniently available at low cost. Energy-dense foods contain large numbers of calories in very small portions. These foods promote the overconsumption of calories. Americans also consume 40% of their calories from fats, which is well above the level recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). Fats are an extremely energy-dense form of nutrition. The AHA recommends that adults obtain less than 30% of their daily calories from fat. In the United States and in other developed countries, modern technology allows people to be less active in their daily tasks, since many things today are automated and do not require manual labor. For example, years ago people walked to most places. Today, people have access to cars and public transportation to take them to these same places, thus limiting the need for physical activity.
Decreases in physical activity can lead to weight gain. Ultimately, all the calories you eat are not utilized, or burned off. Calories that are not utilized are stored as fat tissue, which can lead to weight gain. Sedentary behavior is on the rise now that technology and automation are so widely available. All of the modern conveniences we now have accessible to us have eliminated the need for individuals to perform much of the physical activity that was once required for daily tasks at work and home (Table 2.1). Computers, cable and satellite television, movies on demand, and high-tech toys like video game systems have led to a decrease in physical activity in people of all ages. Reduced physical education requirements in schools across the nation have also caused physical activity to decline among adolescents. The CDC estimates that 70% of adults in the United States fail to meet minimal recommendations for physical activity. It also estimates that
about one-third of people over the age of 18 get no leisuretime physical activity at all.
Other environmental factors that have been linked to obesity are lower economic class, lower education level, and cessation (quitting) of smoking. The link between economic level, educational background, and obesity is not clear. One theory is that a person who is illiterate may not be able to read labels on food and may not be aware he or she is consuming high-fat, high-calorie foods that can lead to obesity.High-fat, high-calorie foods, such as the food served at most fast-food restaurants, are formulated to be cheap and great tasting. This food is readily available and affordable for people with lower incomes and it is speculated that these people may consume more of this type of food, which can lead to obesity.
People who quit smoking are also likely to gain weight and potentially become obese. It is believed that the nicotine withdrawal a person experiences when he or she quits smoking causes an increase in appetite that leads to an increased intake of calories and, thus, weight gain. This trade-off is not an easy one to handle. The harmful effects of smoking are many and include lung cancer, bronchitis (an infection of the tube that brings air to the lungs), and emphysema (a condition that results in labored breathing and increased risk of infections). Many people who quit smoking trade one health risk (smoking) for another (obesity) because they gain weight.
Decreases in physical activity can lead to weight gain. Ultimately, all the calories you eat are not utilized, or burned off. Calories that are not utilized are stored as fat tissue, which can lead to weight gain. Sedentary behavior is on the rise now that technology and automation are so widely available. All of the modern conveniences we now have accessible to us have eliminated the need for individuals to perform much of the physical activity that was once required for daily tasks at work and home (Table 2.1). Computers, cable and satellite television, movies on demand, and high-tech toys like video game systems have led to a decrease in physical activity in people of all ages. Reduced physical education requirements in schools across the nation have also caused physical activity to decline among adolescents. The CDC estimates that 70% of adults in the United States fail to meet minimal recommendations for physical activity. It also estimates that
about one-third of people over the age of 18 get no leisuretime physical activity at all.
Other environmental factors that have been linked to obesity are lower economic class, lower education level, and cessation (quitting) of smoking. The link between economic level, educational background, and obesity is not clear. One theory is that a person who is illiterate may not be able to read labels on food and may not be aware he or she is consuming high-fat, high-calorie foods that can lead to obesity.High-fat, high-calorie foods, such as the food served at most fast-food restaurants, are formulated to be cheap and great tasting. This food is readily available and affordable for people with lower incomes and it is speculated that these people may consume more of this type of food, which can lead to obesity.
People who quit smoking are also likely to gain weight and potentially become obese. It is believed that the nicotine withdrawal a person experiences when he or she quits smoking causes an increase in appetite that leads to an increased intake of calories and, thus, weight gain. This trade-off is not an easy one to handle. The harmful effects of smoking are many and include lung cancer, bronchitis (an infection of the tube that brings air to the lungs), and emphysema (a condition that results in labored breathing and increased risk of infections). Many people who quit smoking trade one health risk (smoking) for another (obesity) because they gain weight.
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