Gina Terriciano
June 23,2017
Final Project Submission
Principles of Epidemiology
Obesity
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For my topic, I chose obesity. There are a lot of issues that arise when it comes to obesity
and it effects people of all different background, both genders and all ages. There are many rea-
sons why people become obese, whether it is genetics or overeating but it
takes a toll on your body and can even cause death. A higher body weight is associated with an
increased incidence of a number of conditions, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular
disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and with an increased risk of disability
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17498505)
All of these conditions are co-morbid with obesity and it is an epidemic in our country
that needs to be stopped.When it comes to geographic areas that are affected more from obesity
than the other, it would have to be the southern part of our country. The southern part of our
country is known for obesity because of the food and their culture. Comfort food is a big thing in
the South and they eat lots of fried food. The top five states with the highest obesity rate are Lou-
isiana, Alabama, West Virginia, Mississippi,and Kentucky.(http://stateofobesity.org/lists/highest-
rates-adult-obesity The culture in these states are very different then the culture in other parts of
the country. Poverty can be a cause of obesity as well. Poor food choices are made when a family
has little money because fast connivence food is much less expensive. Living an active lifestyle
will help you maintain a health weight when paired with a balanced diet. Depending on your age
and activity level, a balanced diet will consist of a certain caloric allowance that will make your
consume to burn ratio. Depending on your lifestyle, this can be tough to achieve. Most Ameri-
cans are busy from the time their alarm clock goes off in the morning, until they time they go to
bed. It is very important to bring a healthy workout routine into this active lifestyle. Living a
sedentary lifestyle is extremely bad for your health. People who are physically inactive have an
increased risk of
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colon and breast cancer. One study showed a 40% decrease in cancer mortality in persons who
were physically active compared to those who were inactive.
(http://www.nchpad.org/403/2216/Sedentary~Lifestyle~is~Dangerous~to~Your~Health)_Many
diseases can come along with being obese and this can be avoided. Not only exercise, but the
food that you consume is very important to monitor. When you pair exercise, with healthy eating
habits, this is a recipe for weight loss and for maintaining healthy cholesterol.
There are many behavioral and psychological issues that come along with being obese.
These disorders include depression, anxiety, and eating issues/disorders.Not only are these disor-
ders tough to deal with, but it just an added issue when someone is already unhealthy and obese
Food can be used as a stress diffuser for people with these disorders and this becomes an issue
when a person starts over eating. It can be ver