World Obesity Day

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. This condition puts people at a higher risk for serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.World Obesity Day, observed annually on March 4, highlights the environmental and medical factors that contribute to high obesity rates. The day also focuses on what we can all do end the stigma.

4 WAYS TO PREVENT OBESITY​

1. Fruits and veggies

   Eat five or six servings of fruits and vegetables a day.​

2. Go natural​

   Cut processed foods out of your diet​ and eat whole grained products.

3. ​Hit the treadmill

   Exercise for 30 minutes a day.​

4. Keep track​

   Keep track of the calories you burn vs. your calorie intake. Balance it out.​

   WHY WORLD OBESITY DAY IS IMPORTANT

   1. Terrible consequences

      Obesity can cause serious illness. Women with obesity have a higher chance of getting breast cancer — and research shows obesity causes nearly 300,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

   2. It's widespread

      Obesity rates are steadily rising. Nearly 40 percent of Americans over the age of 20 are considered to be obese. Health care costs total $300 billion.

   3. It's stigmatizing

      Lots of us still believe that obesity stems from laziness. Potential employers often discriminate against overweight people. Obese children face bullying.