The Obesity Health Crisis Obesity has been designated as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization since 1998. It is one of the most common chronic illnesses in North America and its frequency is steadily rising. The American Obesity Association (AOA) defines obesity as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30, while a BMI of 25 is defined as overweight in adults. The United States has become widely notorious for its high obesity rates. The AOA states …showed first 75 words of 869 total…

…showed last 75 words of 869 total…Children look up to their parents as role models, so if one or both parents are overweight because of their personal lifestyle choices, the child's likelihood of developing obesity later in life is increased. Children often choose to watch television or play computer and video games over physical activities. Inactivity among adults and children combined with constant snacking and consuming foods that are high in sugar, carbohydrates, and fat has caused North American's obesity epidemic.