U.S. Obesity Jackie Pendleton English 2010 Professor Lara Asplund

Statistics of Obesity Among Adults This graph is referring to BMI or Body Mass Index. For adults, obesity and overweight ranges are determined by the weight and height of an individual to calculate this number. BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat. An adult who has a BMI between 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. 30 or higher is considered obese.

Body Mass Index (BMI) There are many ways to test an individuals BMI, and some ways are more accurate than others. Some of the BMI testing options are: measurement of skin fold thickness/waist circumference calculation of waist to hip circumference ratios ultrasound techniques, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) This information is important to all because it is there to follow as a guideline, and to help people understand what is best for their body type. HeightWeight RangeBMIConsidered 5' 9"124 lbs or lessBelow 18.5Underweight 125 lbs to 168 lbs18.5 to 24.9Healthy weight 169 lbs to 202 lbs25.0 to 29.9Overweight 203 lbs or more30 or higherObese

Exercise: Just Do It! It is important to get plenty of exercise during the week. Less than half (48%) of all adults meet the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines which are listed below: 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week and muscle-strengthening activates on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms)

Eating Right The vegetables you eat may be fresh, frozen, canned or dried and may be eaten whole, cut-up, or mashed. You should eat a variety of dark green, red and orange vegetables, as well as beans and peas (which are also considered part of the protein group). Examples include broccoli, carrots, collard greens, split peas, green beans, black-eyed peas, kale, lima beans, potatoes, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and kidney beans. Any vegetable or 100% vegetable juice counts in this group. The fruits you eat may be fresh, canned, frozen or dried and may be eaten whole, cut-up, or pureed. Examples include apples, apricots, bananas, dates, grapes, oranges, grapefruit, mangoes, melons, peaches, pineapples, raisins, strawberries, tangerines, and 100% fruit juice. There are two types of grains – whole grains and refined grains. At least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, whole-grain cereals and crackers, oatmeal, bulgur, and brown rice. Refined grains include white bread, white rice, enriched pasta, flour tortillas, and most noodles. Most of your choices should be fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, but all milks and calcium-containing milk products count in this category. Examples include milk, cheeses, and yogurt as well as lactose-free and lactose-reduced products and soy beverages. Foods that are made from milk but have little or no calcium are not included, such as butter, cream, sour cream, and cream cheese. Choose a variety of lean meats and poultry, seafood, beans and peas, eggs, processed soy products, unsalted nuts, and seeds. Make sure to eat at least 8 ounces of seafood each week.

Why It`s Important This information is important to everyone because it is there to follow as a guideline, and to help people understand what is best for their body type, and how to eat and exercise in order to stay healthy. There are many resources and helpful tips out there to get onto the right track of being a healthy and happy individual.

Works Cited "Health Guide." Morbid Obesity. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct obesity/overview.html "Overweight and Obesity." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 May Web. 15 Oct