Obesity has become a public health crisis in the United States, with nearly 42% of adults classified as obese in 2020 — up from 30.5% in 2000. This dramatic increase is linked to serious health issues like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. But why is obesity so rampant in the U.S.? What does science have to say about its causes? Let’s explore the key factors driving this epidemic.
1. The Diet Crisis: A Nation of Empty Calories
The American diet is loaded with empty calories from processed foods, sugary snacks, and fast food. These calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods are easy to overeat, and portion sizes have ballooned over the years. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that restaurant portions have increased by as much as 50%, contributing to higher calorie consumption. Sugary drinks, like sodas and energy drinks, are especially problematic. A 2019 study in The Lancet found a strong link between sugary beverage consumption and obesity. These drinks add extra calories without filling us up, making it easy to consume excess calories throughout the day.
