Obesity is a global health concern. In the United States, approximately one-third of all adults are either obese or overweight, and this is a trend that is starting to become prevalent across the globe. In China, obesity is a growing problem among those under the age of 18, and by 2030 it is anticipated that one in every four children will be obese. But in the United States, obesity isn’t so much of an issue anywhere as it is in the Deep South.
The American South has a lot going for it: warm weather throughout most of the year, the perfect temperate climate for growing lots of fresh produce, and miles of beaches and beautiful preserved lands to keep you entertained as you exercise. Yet, despite all of these advantages, the south is home to some of the highest obesity rates in the world, let alone in the United States.
Fixing the Southern Obesity Problem
Becoming healthy is possible no-matter where you live. Even if you are in the heart of an obesity epidemic, you can make changes in your own life that will help you lose weight and improve your health. Fixing the obesity epidemic in the Southern United States has to happen one person at a time.
You can start improving your health by making small changes in your life, such as:
- Making an effort to exercise every day, regardless of how tired you are after work or whatever other events pop up on your schedule.
- Improving your eating habits so that you avoid foods that are rich in sugar and fat.
- Drinking plenty of water so that you are staying hydrated, which is especially important in this warm climate.
Just because obesity is a cultural issue, that doesn’t mean that it needs to be a personal issue for you. Obesity is something that you can overcome, whether you have been struggling with excess weight for a few years or nearly an entire lifetime. However, losing weight on your own isn’t easy to do—especially when factors contributing to obesity are all around you. Rather than attempt to make changes on your own, talk to a medical weight loss doctor about the benefits of weight loss surgery, and the different options in weight loss programs that can help you lose weight and improve your health once and for all.