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Media Credit: cbsnews.com Can this alone be the cause for this health risk?

More people, now more than ever, are either overweight or obese. Obesity has become an important issue as the number of people affected continues to rise. It is such a large problem that some researchers have gone as far as to say that this issue has become a pandemic across America.

Nearly five years ago, a study involving 6,212 children was performed that showed childhood obesity is linked to an increase in fast food consumption. At least one third of children between the ages of four and 19 eat fast food everyday, resulting in a six pound annual weight gain in a third of the children.

The study also revealed that eating fast food leads to the consumption of an average of 187 more daily calories compared to those who did not eat fast food. In addition, more carbohydrates, fats, and sugars were eaten, whereas those who ate at home incorporated fruits and vegetable into meals.

The number of children consuming fast foods rose tremendously, primarily because fast food restaurants spend billions of dollars annually in advertisement. Furthermore, more and more high-calorie foods are hitting the dollar menu, making it even more affordable.

Even with this information, one student, who wishes to remain anonymous, does not believe that fast food alone is responsible for the rise in obesity. The student went on to say that even though there may be more fast food restaurants, it is individuals' choice to 'eat out' constantly. While it is easiest to eat fast food, such as McDonald's, Wendy's, or Burger King, than to cook, the root of the issue is truly from overeating and poor exercise, according to the anonymous student.

Furthermore, junior student Nadia Lee voiced her opinion by stating that fast food cannot be blamed. According to Lee, fast food restaurants do not only offer junk food. Salads are also available and can be purchased just as easily as a burger. She also believes it is an individuals' choice to eat the unhealthiest foods on the menu, not the restaurants'.

On the other hand, student Jennifer Lewis does believe that the consumption of fast food is partially to blame. Lewis said that the "media and advertising" contributes to the ease of customers believing more food for the dollar is best.

Whether or not people believe fast food contributes to obesity, it is a contributing factor. However, fast food alone is not the only cause of this new pandemic. According to WebMD, there is no single cause for obesity.

Together, these factors put individuals at risk for obesity: "family history, the type of work you do, race, and environment."

If one or both parents are obese, children are three times as likely to become obese, compared to those whose parents are not. Scientists have suspected that this could be due to genetic makeup. However, others have speculated that this is due to social environment.

For example, family gatherings are usually filled with foods. People gather around and have a good time while indulging in their favorite foods. Without realizing it, the individual has overeaten.

Similarly, people tend to eat when others eat. If family or friends eat a lot, whether it is high-calorie foods or fruits, by nature, people have a tendency to follow.

In addition to influence from peers, eating out at fancy restaurants does not help with overindulgence of food. Meals from restaurants are not proportioned well and include about or more than one full day's worth of calories. Unless eating only one meal from a restaurant per day, it is possible that a day and half to two day's worth of calories are eaten.

Compared to the past, people are not as active. It is easier now to use a remote control than get up to change the channel; it is also faster to take the elevator than stairs; cars are number one source of transportation even in walking distance, and so forth. In addition, people appear to have more going on in their lives, and therefore have little time for exercise, and it is not prioritized.

People also tend to eat when dealing with certain emotions. For instance, people are less active when depressed and may eat more when stressed. In addition, some medications cause overeating and weight gain.

If unsure of your health status, calculating the body mass index (BMI) helps place individuals in the correct category. The BMI specifically is a reliable measurement to check body fatness. To calculate, find accurate height and weight measurements. Next, this formula is used: weight (pounds) height (inches), and then squared times 705.

Compare the number received with the following:

Underweight = <18.5

Normal weight = 18.5-24.9

Overweight = 25-29.9

Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Wherever the calculated number falls, indicates where an individual lies.

The goal is to aim for a healthy weight. While some people have been overweight and obese their entire lives, there is always room for a change to the healthy side.

A few health risks that accompany obesity include increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol, heart problems, and much more. Reducing the risk of acquiring these conditions will lead to a healthier life.

Starting this process does not only begin with the elimination of fast food eating, it also starts with reducing social eating and increasing exercise.

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