The Real Pandemic: 73% of Americans Are Sick, Officials Do Nothing

America faces a silent yet deadly epidemic that is rarely given the attention it deserves—73% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This shocking statistic reveals a national health crisis affecting nearly three out of every four adults. Being overweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9, while obesity refers to a BMI of 30 or higher. Together, these conditions are driving a surge in chronic illnesses, straining healthcare systems, and diminishing quality of life.

The Growing Problem

Overweight and obesity have reached pandemic proportions. According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. increased from 30.5% in 1999-2000 to 41.9% in 2017-2020. When combined with the overweight population, this number climbs to an alarming 73% of adults. The implications are dire: higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and even premature death. Children are not immune, either—19.7% of children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese, marking a dangerous trajectory for the future.

Why This Crisis Exists

The problem stems from systemic issues, including the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods, misleading marketing practices, and a lack of education about nutrition. Processed foods are often calorie-dense but nutrient-poor, packed with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives that contribute to weight gain and inflammation. Combine this with sedentary lifestyles, stress, and inadequate public health policies, and the result is a nation where being overweight is increasingly the norm.

Despite these grim realities, officials have largely failed to address the root causes. Public health campaigns have focused on general messaging like “eat less, move more,” which oversimplifies the complex factors driving this epidemic. The lack of actionable guidance leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed and powerless to make meaningful changes.

A Solution That Works

While waiting for systemic change is frustrating, the good news is that you don’t have to wait to take control of your health. My book, Eat to Heal, offers a practical, evidence-based solution to help individuals break free from the cycle of unhealthy eating and achieve long-lasting health. This isn’t a fad diet—it’s a lifestyle transformation built on four key principles:

1. Anti-inflammatory eating: Reduce foods that trigger chronic inflammation, a key driver of obesity and disease.
2. Nutrient density: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals.
3. Sustainability: Adopt habits that are realistic and sustainable for long-term success.
4. Restoration: Support your body’s natural healing mechanisms to reverse damage caused by years of poor diet.

The Bigger Picture

Addressing overweight and obesity isn’t just about personal health; it’s about changing the future for families and communities. As more people adopt healthy, informed eating habits, we can collectively reduce the burden of chronic disease and inspire the next generation to lead healthier lives. The statistics are daunting, but change starts with small, deliberate steps—and Eat to Heal provides the roadmap.

참고문헌

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult Obesity Facts. Updated September 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
2. Hales CM, Carroll MD, Fryar CD, Ogden CL. Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity Among Adults: United States, 2017–2018. NCHS Data Brief. 2020;360:1-8.
3. Hu FB. Resolved: There is sufficient scientific evidence that decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption will reduce the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related diseases. Obes Rev. 2013;14(8):606-619. doi:10.1111/obr.12040
4. Mozaffarian D, Rosenberg I, Uauy R. History of modern nutrition science—implications for current research, dietary guidelines, and food policy. BMJ. 2018;361:k2392. doi:10.1136/bmj.k2392
5. Eat to Heal: 7 Natural Secrets to Heal Chronic Pain, Inflammation, and Transform Your Health. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Heal-Naturally-Inflammation-Transform-ebook/dp/B0DTXMZFQ1

With the right knowledge and tools, you can reclaim your health and be part of the solution to the real pandemic. Start your journey with Eat to Heal today.