Obesity

Obesity is one of the most serious chronic diseases in the Unites States of America. Around thirty three percent of the American population is overweight, mainly among women. Obesity occurs due to an imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure. Genetic, environmental conditions and behavioral factors all contribute to energy input and output. The main difference between being obese and being overweight is that being obese is due to excess body fat whereas being overweight …

…In 1960-1962 27.3% of the white female adult population was overweight. This compares to 27.5% in 1976-1980. Although a .2% increase may not appear high, other racial groups are also experiencing an increase in prevalence. For the adult black female population during the same period, the prevalence of overweight individuals has increased from 47.3% to 49.5%. Presently, almost one half of the adult female black population are overweight. This same trend has been observed in both black and white males.