The United States faces an alarming obesity epidemic, with nearly 42% of adults classified as obese—an issue more pronounced than in most other developed nations. While rising obesity rates are a global challenge, the U.S. stands out as a leader in this trend. Exploring the root causes of this disparity reveals a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and systemic factors unique to American society.
- More Sedentary Lifestyle: Generally, technological advancements all over the world have caused a more sedentary lifestyle for most people. In America, however, this lifestyle is more fixated and prevalent. Americans on average spend way more time seated than the rest of the world as a direct result of office work, long commutes, and car-dependability in most cities. As opposed to most city designs in Europe and Asia where there’s a lot of focus on walking and the use of public transportation, most cities and towns in the United States are car-centered and leave very little room for walking culture and public transportation. Studies show that sedentary behavior such as this, along with the increased use of screen time is strongly associated with weight gain.
- Fast Food Culture: Fast food has become accustomed to the American culture and lifestyle. The high prevalence and availability of these joints across the countries and their affordability, have made them the primary meal target for many Americans and contributing negatively to their overall health. Marketing of these restaurants, specially in lower income neighborhoods that typically house more African-American communities, endangers them in the risk of obesity higher than the white Americans, highlighting the issue of social injustice in the healthy food industry. Generally Americans also consume more fast food than other developed countries which contributes to a higher calorie intake and poor diet.
- Surplus of Added Sugars: On Average, Americans consume way more sugars on a daily basis that is necessary. The high use of sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, and sweetened teas are the leading sources of sugar intake among Americans, especially the young adults. According to the WHO, excessive sugar intake is directly linked to obesity, and Americans consumption rates are among the highest in the world.
- Hidden Chemicals in Processed Foods: Processed foods in The United States contain a high number of additives, preservatives, artificial ingredients, and harmful chemicals. A lot of these additive chemicals that are FDA approved and widely used, are banned in other developed countries in Europe and Asia. high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and flavor enhancers are some examples of these additives that are highly prevalent in the American diet and they cause higher calorie intake and alter hunger hormones, leading to overeating.
- Portion Size: Larger portions in the United States is one of the leading causes of weight gain among Americans. These portions, especially in certain parts of the country, are larger than in most countries. Large portions encourage overeating and contribute to a higher calorie consumption and weight gain. However, larger portion sizes are becoming a global problem as restaurants in different countries are offering more high-calorie, large portion meals that could be committing to global obesity.
- Food Deserts & Economic Inequality: Social determinants and the Social Economic status has a major effect on the obesity rates in the United States. Lower income neighborhoods are often located in food deserts, areas where access to fresh and healthy food and ingredients are very scarce, which makes the residents unable to have constant access to fresh and healthy food options. These communities, which are often resided by black and hispanic households, have to rely on cheap, available, calorie-dense food which are very prevalent in these neighborhoods, contributing to the higher obesity rates.
- Food Marketing: American food companies invest heavily in marketing and advertising, targeting both adult and children audiences, and these campaigns often involve unhealthy foods and snacks. These advertisements often promote high-calorie, high-sugar, and low-nutrient foods across different media such as television, radio, and social media. Children that are more exposed to these marketings are also more likely to use these foods, eventually increasing chances of obesity
- Cultural Factors: Cultural norms around food and dietary habits and practices in the United States differ significantly from other countries. Unlike European eating habits, the meals in the States are often rushed and eaten on the go, which reduces food choices to fast foods and unhealthy snacks. More balanced and nutritious meals that are consumed in controlled portions could have a positive effect on the obesity prevalence in America.
- Subsidized Crop Production: Government subsidies for crops like corn and soy have made calorie-dense and processed foods way cheaper than fresh produce. high-fructose corn syrup which is derived from subsidized corn, is used in sweetened beverages and processed foods and contributes to a higher obesity rate in the United States.
Health Insurance: Health insurance, or lack thereof, is one of the major contributors to American obesity. Unlike many developed countries, The United States lacks a universal healthcare system. Obesity prevention methods such as nutritional counseling and subsidized gym memberships are less accessible. The high cost of health insurance and weight loss treatment such as appropriate surgeries, weight-loss equipment, and nutrition specialists also prevents the lower-income community, who are more susceptible to obesity, from gaining appropriate healthcare.
