Why are Americans so unhealthy?

[OldWiseGuy]

In your opinion.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Our entire culture is self indulgent and then we believe what we want to believe.
What is a healthy lifestyle? There is plenty of info out there for those who are open to changing their patterns. Most of us are not and no one is going to tell us what to eat.

 

[durangodawood]

People dont have the knowledge, strength of will, and support network that we'd like to think they do.

So they are vulnerable to habit and marketing. There's a lotta money to be made in addicting people to garbagey food.

Also, if you cant drive a car to it, its not worth doing.

 

[DamianWarS]

In your opinion.

Because they value consumption and indulgence as the pinicle and fruit of success.

 

[trophy33]

Obesity in the United States is a major health issue resulting in numerous diseases, specifically increased risk of certain types of cancer, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, as well as significant increases in early mortality and economic costs.
...
42.4% of U.S. adults were obese as of 2017-2018 (43% for men and 41.9% for women)

Obesity in the United States - Wikipedia

 

[ss51]

We have squandered our blessing and abundance on indulgence rather that using it to further His gospel, but we have an opportunity to repent and return that He might restore us.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Oral health is very concerning as well.

Oral Health In America: Surgeon General Summary | Publications | Division of Oral Health | CDC

Chew on This: The Art of Proper Eating ~ Queen of Dental Hygiene

 

[GospelS]

That's a big question to answer. I've been in the US before and most of the food contains unhealthy fats, processed/instant/inorganic/flavoured/preserved/synthetic foods, alcoholic beverages, inadequate spices......

 

[Pop D.]

Another large factor in the obesity problem is the antiquated tradition of teaching our children to always "finish their plates", basically training them to be gluttons from an early age. Much better to teach them to stop eating once they've had their fill.

 

[durangodawood]

Another large factor in the obesity problem is the antiquated tradition of teaching our children to always "finish their plates", basically training them to be gluttons from an early age. Much better to teach them to stop eating once they've had their fill.

I can imagine that. But I dont think I ever heard those words growing up. I was always scanning everyone elses plates hoping to scavenge even more for myself.

 

[Basil the Great]

Lack of exercise and too many are overweight are probably the top two reasons.

 

[durangodawood]

I wish it was easier for everyone to ride bikes.

I mean it is easy.... but there's a modest cost and knowledge hump to get over which can seem daunting.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Lack of exercise and too many are overweight are probably the top two reasons.

Many are in a constant state of fatigue as well from eating too much. The body is trying to process 3 to 4 meals at any one time. Too much food overburdens the digestive system causing all sorts of problems.

 

[sunshineforJesus]

because we lack self control and discipline to be healthy.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

One additional factor is likely urban sprawl. Most people need to drive a ways to get to almost everything. Whereas in many other countries it is common to walk to most places as a lot of what you need is nearby.

 

[renniks]

In your opinion.

Sugar and starch.

 

[IntriKate]

Processed foods and sugars as well as dinner plates nearly tripling in size

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Sugar and starch.

Sounds like a rock band (soft rock).

 

[OldWiseGuy]

One additional factor is likely urban sprawl. Most people need to drive a ways to get to almost everything. Whereas in many other countries it is common to walk to most places as a lot of what you need is nearby.

Definitely a food desert, also an indicator of serious overpopulation, not to mention poor city planning. Traditional grid patterns give a sense of order and promotes better neighborhoods.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

because we lack self control and discipline to be healthy.

Worse yet health doesn't seem to be important to most people. This is not news however. There have been many 'health culture movements' in America over the years in a effort to get people to pay more attention to their health.

 

[angelsaroundme]

High amounts of stress
American food portions
Deals that require buying a lot of food or multiple of the same item
Prevalence of fried foods, snack foods, deserts