How American Family's Penchant to Eat Out Leads To Obesity?

Over the past few decades, Americans are now more than ever spending a lot more money on dining out. With that development came a surge in obesity rates in the country. According to a 2013 Pew Research Center report, the annual fast food revenue is now at $110 billion, with the number of fast food restaurants in the United States totaling 160,000. The report added that 50 million Americans are served by these fast food restaurants on a daily basis.

Also, a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed that a third of the calories that Americans are taking come from restaurants, including fast food chains, which is double than what it was 30 years ago. Add to that the fact that more than half of adults eat out three or more times each week, while another 12% eat out more than 7 times per week.

The reason for the huge trend in eating out is tied to less time for cooking, longer commutes, the growing number of households where both parents work, and the increasingly affordable options for meals out. Even in a poor economy, the eating out rates continues to soar as consumers look for quick but less expensive options, which are often fast-food and takeout restaurants.

How eating out contributes to weight problems

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Experts state that eating out is inclined to add to the pounds more than dining. The reason is that portion sizes are larger, and therefore, have higher calorie content. For many restaurants, super-sizing appeals to Americans because of the concept that they are getting more for their money. Twenty years ago, a bagel had 140 calories and averaged 3 inches in diameter. Today, it is now 6 inches and contains 350 calories.

As shown, fast food options and restaurant foods are often high in calories. These calories are usually the type that promotes obesity. These include sugar, trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, and processed grains. The common denominator of these foods is that they all contribute to changes in blood sugar that result to food energy being stored rather than burned.

Together with the increase in the occurrence of eating out and bigger portion sizes, a surge in obesity was also noted. An article from the Journal of American Dietetic Association showed that larger portions and eating a lot of fast food gave rise to the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. According to the research, women who ate more fast food meals had higher calorie and fat consumption and more body fat. In addition, a Temple University study noted that people who consumed more fast food meals weighed heavier and had higher BMIs (body mass index).

Due to the increase in portion size and calorie intake, the obesity rate in the US has more than doubled since the 1980s. And, over the past 30 years, the childhood obesity rate has increased as well. Obesity figures have more than doubled for preschool kids aged 2 to 5 years and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, and more than tripled for children aged 6 to 11 years old. Approximately 9 million kids over 6 years old are diagnosed as obese, with 15% of them considered in danger of becoming overweight.

Managing weight problems

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As diet plays a vital role in the prevalence of obesity, it has become clearer more than ever that Americans need to change their eating habits and engage more in physical activities. The simplest approach would be to minimize eating out and reduce reliance on fast food meals. In addition to a better diet, it is also critical that people exert more physical effort in order to reduce the chances of storing fat in their bodies, which contribute a lot to obesity.

Apart from making healthier food choices and participating in energetic activities, it may also be important to take in a supplement like Green Coffee Bean Extract. It does not only help the body lose weight with the aid of natural components. It is also beneficial to the health because it helps the body suppress hunger and sweet cravings, usually resulting to lesser intake of calories. Through proper management of appetite and weight, the obesity epidemic can be controlled gradually and people can help themselves avoid the repercussions of the disease.