Are Americans overweight?

Started by girliehhhhhh September 21st, 2010 3:49 AM
  • 2107 views
  • 44 replies
Female
trapped in my own hell now.
Seen October 17th, 2010
Posted October 5th, 2010
80 posts
12.7 Years
I've seen this issue around so why not talk about it?

I think that some people are obese or overweight but there are many americans that are average weight or under weight that are "skinny." Also, there are a lot of fast food places that are pretty much every where that are fatty foods that are cheep which pulls americans in because of the gas prices going up and all. But your weight sometimes is higher than other peoples because of their metabolism which is how fast you burn off calories. SO when we eat 1000 calories and our metabolism only burns 200 calories you gain more calories than you lose. But some people lose more calories than they gain. See how that works?
Too often we... enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.
Seen January 4th, 2013
Posted October 21st, 2011
1,804 posts
13.8 Years
i actually see more people around here (texas) that are "healthily sized," if that means anything. i guess it should be noted that i live in upper-middle class suburbs, and i tend to notice more overweight people from the lower class portion of america, which is something i find curious. does anyone suppose the obesity rate could be synonymous with socioeconomic status?

Exothermic

Keeper of the Hammer

Male
Mariana Trench
Seen May 3rd, 2021
Posted March 12th, 2018
236 posts
14.6 Years
Each person's metabolism will determine how much calories they burn. The number of calories burned also include exercise.

And no, not all Americans are fat. xD I am not American but I have lived there before; and I NEVER eat at those fast food restaurants. The food is just...eww. ^^

PlatinumDude

Nyeh?

Age 29
Male
Canada
Seen July 31st, 2020
Posted May 30th, 2020
12,958 posts
12.7 Years
It's true that there are Americans who are overweight, but not all of them are overweight (around 60-70% percent of Americans are overweight). I think the reason why there are a lot of overweight people these days is because they're not willing to exercise, and/or they don't follow a healthy diet.

Slinky
Seen September 21st, 2010
Posted September 21st, 2010
48 posts
13 Years
I actually had to write an article for this once back in high school. But, yeah... a lot of the stereotypes are that americans are fat and stupid. That might be a pretty high amount, but it's largely individual. Biology, choices and economic position dictate most of that. The trick is not to get sucked into advertising no matter how tasty it looks. I've been about the same size and weight for about six years, maybe I've only put on ten pounds but I attribute that largely to an active lifestyle of work and farming alongside healthier choices in food. But you shouldn't go crazy on health food, you got to spoil yourself every once in a while. I'll have a Whopper maybe twice a month, but not every two or three days like a lot of people I know.
♪I come across the border with a Pichu on my knee,
We're going east to Kanto so to make a victory,
Oh no, Silver, I think it's plain to see,
Your father might have drowned himself,
It's still a mystery♪

------------------------------------------------
I DO calculate stat values, but not because my pokemon are drones or that I meta-game. It's because it's stupid to not emphasize where your pokemon is best, or embellish where it's lacking.
I have no idea anymore
Seen December 12th, 2016
Posted December 12th, 2016
1,007 posts
12.7 Years
i actually see more people around here (texas) that are "healthily sized," if that means anything. i guess it should be noted that i live in upper-middle class suburbs, and i tend to notice more overweight people from the lower class portion of america, which is something i find curious. does anyone suppose the obesity rate could be synonymous with socioeconomic status?
In many aspects yes. Middle/Upper class can afford the more expensive healther foods that still taste decent, while the lower classes are more limited on their food options.

The health/whole food stores are more expensive than your average grocery store. Also Middle/Upperclass can more easily afford things like gym memberships and exercise equiptment.
Male
At home
Seen December 21st, 2018
Posted December 3rd, 2013
2,006 posts
19.6 Years
In many aspects yes. Middle/Upper class can afford the more expensive healther foods that still taste decent, while the lower classes are more limited on their food options.

The health/whole food stores are more expensive than your average grocery store. Also Middle/Upperclass can more easily afford things like gym memberships and exercise equiptment.
Probably true. I also suspect that people who are middle or upper class have more fulfilling things to do with their time.
Seen January 4th, 2013
Posted October 21st, 2011
1,804 posts
13.8 Years
In many aspects yes. Middle/Upper class can afford the more expensive healther foods that still taste decent, while the lower classes are more limited on their food options.

The health/whole food stores are more expensive than your average grocery store. Also Middle/Upperclass can more easily afford things like gym memberships and exercise equiptment.
i tend to think otherwise, in the US a lot of states tax junk food, and while healthy foods can be expensive both can add up if the consumer isn't careful. all it takes is motivation to exercise, no one needs a gym membership or equipment, natural aerobics get the job done just as efficiently if not more so. honestly, i think the issue is primarily laziness and gluttony, and those happen to be traits more common among people in the lower class sector.

Aquacorde

⟡ not everything is sink or swim ⟡

Age 29
she/her/he/him
Ankh-Morpork
Seen 23 Hours Ago
Posted 3 Days Ago
12,277 posts
18.9 Years
Overall, Americans are overweight. However, I see very little evidence of that in Minnesota. Somehow we are the most active state, despite being buried in snow for six out of twelve months.[/exaggeration]
marie & casey & rosey
groc x aquacorde x juno 4ever | rp is just collaborative writing
join rp: ultra sinnoh

Livewire

Male
Sunnyshore City
Seen December 3rd, 2022
Posted August 2nd, 2019
14,091 posts
13.8 Years
Obesity in America is a real problem. As a whole, we aren't too healthy. If you saw what kids eat these days for lunch (partially the schools fault) and paired with the fact physical education is being cut at most schools, you'd be able to see it easily.
Japan
Seen January 25th, 2016
Posted January 7th, 2015
222 posts
14 Years
Well yes, there are many overweight Americans. I myself am not overweight (... I think that I'm underweight, actually... >< ) I know many overweight people and sometimes it is just disgusting.

But many many people often go out for fast-food because it's fast and cheap. And often at grocery stores, the healthier food is more expensive than the junk. =/ My family usually never buys the healthy healthy food.... -_-;
But yes, this is a large problem in America. Also with PE in school, in my state, PE is required to graduate but since I go to a Math/Science magnet school , the PE is VERY VERY laid back compared to my old school. =/

PE and food needs to be stepped up in this country.

Honest

Hi!

Age 27
Male
New York City
Seen March 19th, 2023
Posted November 7th, 2022
11,676 posts
14.7 Years
America has developed a reputation for having the most obese people, that's for sure. Kids I think actually. And it's true, as well. Here in New York, a good population of the people good do with a workout. I mean, they aren't obese obese, but they to have a bit extra poundage.
he did it, not me.

Yuoaman

I don't know who I am either.

Age 30
Male
Ontario, Canada
Seen January 28th, 2023
Posted December 12th, 2018
4,582 posts
17.8 Years
It's because for some reason in the States healthy foods are obscenely priced when compared with sugary and fatty foods. At least when compared with the prices in Canada.
"pps new screenie" - No, really shut up yuoaman.

Haaave you read my LP?
Pokémon Quartz - The only one of mine really worth reading.

What about my [Un]Abridged series?
Aquaman the Unabridged Parody Series - Language warning.

Esper

California
Seen June 30th, 2018
Posted June 30th, 2018
America doesn't have good public transportation so everyone drives. Since everyone has a car no one feels inclined to walk/bicycle/etc. anywhere when they can get places faster by car. And yet somehow with all this time we're saving we can't find space to cook for ourselves and we eat junk food and pre-packaged food. There's certainly genetic and socioeconomic factors, but laziness might really be the biggest one.

donavannj

Age 32
Male
'cause it get cold like Minnesota
Seen 4 Days Ago
Posted 1 Week Ago
22,513 posts
18.2 Years
i actually see more people around here (texas) that are "healthily sized," if that means anything. i guess it should be noted that i live in upper-middle class suburbs, and i tend to notice more overweight people from the lower class portion of america, which is something i find curious. does anyone suppose the obesity rate could be synonymous with socioeconomic status?
Well, that's because junk food and foods high in salt content or otherwise have a long shelf life are the cheapest foods available, and many Americans buy these because that's all they can afford.
whoops

Mario The World Champion

Tepig!

Age 41
Male
Western Massachusetts
Seen April 17th, 2017
Posted March 15th, 2017
3,299 posts
18.4 Years
You know how many yo Mama is so fat jokes I can make when it comes to Americans? A lot of us are fat. We're so fat that we could fall in the grand canyon and get stuck! However, there are a lot of Americans who are slim, so we aren't that bad. Being fat is a major problem in this country. Working long hours with no chance for exercise is also bad, but what can you do when all the good jobs are being shipped overseas because of greed? The last thing anybody wants after working a low paying job is to do some exercise and just eat fast food or whatever stuff people make to eat.

More PE in schools is a must, but you got states cutting school budgets and moron people running school districts that are hurting it. Plus, some parents ENCOURAGE their kids to eat all kinds of unhealthy crap when they are young. I've seen mothers on Maury who are proud that their kid can outeat a normal person. It makes me want to slap them!

There are efforts to reduce childhood obesity these days, but there's also the problem of healthy foods too damn expensive whereas fast food is cheap and plentiful. If you're on a small budget, you're stuck with the junk food. It doesn't matter of you're lower, middle or upper class. It's a problem that might be here to stay for many decades.
3DS Friend Code: 0232-8258-5085
Friend Safari: - Meditite, Pancham, Riolu
Age 26
Male
East Coast
Seen June 6th, 2011
Posted June 6th, 2011
134 posts
13 Years
Well, America has more money -> people can buy more food -> people eat more food. Other countries don't have our luck.

Please help Riolu with a few clicks!

Platinum:3309-4550-4468
Diamond:3825-2962-4856
Sky:4040-0425-6654
Darkness:1634-8629-3212
HeartGold:2107-1072-5662

Anime List
Youtube
Age 29
Seen November 5th, 2017
Posted November 5th, 2017
3,499 posts
14.9 Years
I don't think obesity is more common in the United States than any other place in the developed west. I know it is fairly common over here in the UK aswell. When I visisted Germany, I noticed they had their fair share aswell.

Any country in the world where the average joe can get easy access to junk food + can sit around doing nothing all the time = increased obesity rates.

Time to bring back rationing imo.

txteclipse

The Last

Age 32
Riverside
Seen March 23rd, 2023
Posted November 2nd, 2016
2,322 posts
15.7 Years
I support the laziness hypothesis that Scarf forwarded. Another thing is probably a lack of self-control: fast food tastes good, so people buy a lot of it.

I myself am actually underweight, but I love fast food, because I get two meals out of it and I don't have to cook. XD

BHwolfgang

kamikorosu

Age 28
Male
Virginia
Seen February 24th, 2014
Posted May 9th, 2013
3,905 posts
14.2 Years
It's mostly our problem for being in this state in the first place. Don't forget about genetics and metabalism, but working out and maintaining a healthy diet should do the trick. Most of us are way too lazy, however. We would rather just stay on the internet all day, or watch television till it's past midnight.

What really disappoints me most about America nowadays is that we are lucky to be living in one of the most modern countries out there, with all these technologies and equipments here to help us, and we don't even bother using it much. Heck, one doesn't even need fancy equipments to stay fit and healthy. Even without physical education classes, one can still try out for a sport.

Go bicycling or jog for at least half an hour. Use the other half for aerobic excercise. This would keep one flexible for the next exercise, which would be less tiresome once he or she gets used to this.
Male
Désordre, Empire of Canada
Seen November 8th, 2021
Posted May 12th, 2020
2,955 posts
17.9 Years
What really disappoints me most about America nowadays is that we are lucky to be living in one of the most modern countries out there, with all these technologies and equipments here to help us, and we don't even bother using it much. Heck, one doesn't even need fancy equipments to stay fit and healthy. Even without physical education classes, one can still try out for a sport.
Actually, it's partly because all these technology exists (especially in health care) that people get too complacent to take care of themselves in the first place in America. Apparently, the least obese state in the US today (either Vermont or Colorado at about 22%) is fatter than the fattest American state in 1994 (none of which had an obesity rate of more than 20%).

In my personal conjecture, it's because people don't really care in the first place about being obese or thin, to exercise or to not exercise, thinking of it more as a personal choice than a health matter. Add that to the bunch of comments above about the accessibility of unhealthy foodstuffs and you have an increasingly unhealthy nation.
MyAnimeList
Spring Breeze
Age 31
Female
The Wired
Seen April 27th, 2016
Posted February 1st, 2016
7,540 posts
13 Years
I think the US is classed as an obese antion...beacuse 60-70% of the nation is above a healthy weight.

Although it's not all fast food. A lot of poorer people can't aford a healthy diet.

TO balance it off you also have a hell of a lot of underweight people.

If i recall the UK is catching up to you though.