Americans Obesity U.S Food Problem Health Diet Part

Obesity is a big problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "approximately" (about) 66% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. The agency also "states" (says) that approximately 17% of U.S. children and teenagers are overweight.

Why are so many Americans overweight? Part of the answer is "genetic," or related to the "genes," or biological code, that is received from one's parents. These genes can affect how much energy our bodies use and how we store fat. But a bigger reason for America's obesity problems is "behavioral," or related to the things that people do and don't do.

Americans are eating more food than they used to. "Portion sizes" (the amount of food that is served at one meal) are growing. And the food that Americans eat today has more "calories" (energy) than it used to. "Fast food restaurants" and "pre-packaged food" are very popular because they require little or no cooking, but they aren't as healthy as traditional foods are.

Another behavioral "factor" in (reason for) America's obesity problem is that Americans aren't getting as much exercise as they used to. Most Americans like to drive instead of walk. They often sit at their desks at work all day, and then sit on their couches watching TV in the evening, with little exercise.

People who are overweight or obese have a higher "probability" (chance) of having health problems like heart attacks, cancer, and diabetes. "Consequently" (for this reason), the U.S. government believes that obesity is a national problem and it has many programs to try to help Americans lose weight. Unfortunately, the programs haven't succeeded yet and Americans continue to get heavier.