Yes, the risks are high, but so are the psychological effects. People who are overweight are less likely to find love or land a job and are commonly ridiculed and shunned from groups and friendships, which is causing a whole other host of emotional problems, on top of the medical problems.
What can we do, you ask? If you are obese or most likely know someone who is, here are some solutions that can help.
Boycott fast food:
Most people are aware of the dangers of fast food on health, weight and the environment. Anyone who isn't educated in the horrors of fast food on obesity, as well as many other health risks, should pick up a copy of Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, or The Fast Food Craze, by Tina Volpe -- and learn a thing or two about this industry, it's advertising tactics, and its contribution to the obesity epidemic as well as its blatant lack of concern for human wellbeing.
Skip the soda:
Soda pop is one of the biggest culprits of the obesity crisis. It is estimated that Americans get about 9 to 13 percent of their daily calories from soda. A single can a day can add a pound a month of weight. For each drink that is consumed, the risk of obesity increases by 1.6 times.
Most American kids drink soda every day and one health study said that each soda that a child drinks adds an increase to their BMI (body-mass index) by .24 kg, and puts them at greater risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, along with tooth decay.
The average American drinks an astonishing 50 gallons of sugary drinks per year and the soda companies are raking in the cash.
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