There are a handful of factors that go into putting Americans near the bottom of the bunch, particularly early in life: surprisingly high infant mortality rates, sexually transmitted infections, and problems with drugs and violence — to name just a few.
But one important factor is the amount of extra weight we carry around. Obesity is what's driving a large chunk of the difference between American lifespans and those in other countries; between 42 and 67% of the years lost after age 50 in the US as compared to other countries can be attributed to Americans' extra weight.
Americans consume more than 3,500 calories per day each, among the highest rates worldwide, and those calories have to go somewhere.
Part of the reason obesity is problematic is that it can lead to or increase the risk of a range of health issues: diabetes, injuries, heart disease, some types of cancer, and depression.
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In general we don't move a lot either. So in addition to the problems brought on by obesity we can add lack of strength and the increased likelihood of a debilitating fall as we get older.
ReplyDeleteAmericans don't move like their bodies are designed to do. It is not normal to sit in a cubicle or office for 8 to 10 hours a day. The important thing is to design your life so that you have to squat, stretch and walk on a daily basis.
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