Final answer:
Extreme obesity can decrease life expectancy by up to 14 years due to increased risk of various health conditions. Nearly three-quarters of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, which has become a public health concern with significant societal costs, including healthcare expenses and reduced lifespan.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to various research findings, extreme obesity can significantly reduce life expectancy, often cited as reducing it by 14 years. While average obesity might decrease life expectancy by around six or seven years, being extremely overweight, or exhibiting super obesity, can reduce life span by up to ten years. These reductions are due to obesity being a risk factor for a multitude of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Obesity in the United States is considered an epidemic, with a consistent rise observed since the 1980s. Factors contributing to this include deviations from the natural diet and overconsumption of foods high in fats, leading to a higher body mass index (BMI), where a BMI over 30 kg/m² is considered obese. Nearly three out of every four adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Being aware of the dangers of obesity and its preventability is essential for public health.
It is also important to recognize the societal costs of obesity, which go beyond individual health. These include increased healthcare costs and a potential decrease in life expectancy for a significant portion of the population. Efforts to combat obesity often focus on lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and addressing socioeconomic factors that lead to poor nutrition and obesity.