Major Nutrition Issues
Poor diet with low physical activity is said to account for 300,000 deaths each year. Some of the major issues related to diet follow.
Obesity: It is estimated that 33% of Americans are obese and that 55% are overweight. Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is related to stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. Too much food intake, high fat diets, larger portion sizes, and lack of exercise are all contributors to the obesity epidemic. Of concern is the increasing level of obesity among children and teens in this country. Families where parents role model healthy eating behaviors are less likely to have children who are obese. Groups that we know are particularly at risk for obesity are Native Americans, African American women, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders.
High Fat Diets: Too much saturated fat in the diet contributes to elevated cholesterol and is a precursor to heart attack. Fat can come in the form of too much concentration on animal products, frying food products with saturated fats, and portions that are too large. “Super sizing” in the fast food industry is a good example of how portion sizes can subtly be increased.
High Sugar Intake: While fat intake has slightly decreased in the US, overall calorie consumption has increased. It is likely that individuals “make up” the calories they reduce from fat by substituting high sugar items.