Over the past few decades, obesity rates in the United States have surged, affecting both adults and children. According to the CDC, nearly 42 percent of U.S. adults are classified as obese or overweight, with nearly 20 percent of children and adolescents impacted as well.
As the condition becomes more prevalent, the health consequences grow, affecting not only physical well-being but also increasing the risk for long-term conditions. Addressing this epidemic requires a multifaceted approach, including greater awareness about healthy eating, particularly as fast food has become an increasingly central part of the American diet.
INSIDE THE RISING OBESITY EPIDEMIC
The CDC’s 2021 study highlights the adverse dietary factors linking to fast food consumption, including higher intakes of calories, fat, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
State-level data tell an even clearer story. A 2020 study in The Journal of Nutrition found that people who frequently indulge in fast food have significantly higher body mass index (BMI) levels, contributing to overweight and obesity. In states where fast food is more accessible, obesity rates tend to rise, revealing just how crucial our eating habits are to our health.
But it gets worse. A 2022 analysis in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that adults eating fast food more than twice a week face a 56 percent higher risk of obesity compared to those who eat it less often.
Recent data from America’s Health Rankings reveals that over 33 percent of Maryland adults are classified as obese or overweight. These trends cut across various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive health resources and the
serious public health challenges linked to fast food consumption.
It poses an interesting question for me on the wellness category – will people be willing to buy in, or does eating something change your “sniff” test on the believe-ability of the claims?
The color is very long lasting and they have an interesting texture that’s like a powder and a cream but neither really. They’re made with pure pigments and oils and will never melt with the warmth of your skin because they don’t contain any waxes. You can literally use them for anything – obviously as eye shadow and liner, but the light shade is a great highlighter, and the red can be used for lip or blush with a little balm.
There’s also a little pouch to store the rollerballs, and a card with different inspirations as to how to blend them on your skin – but it’s foolproof. You can’t make a mess if you mix them all up.
Badger Beard Balm is perfect for the bearded gents in your life (is this everyone? beards are so trending). It is filled with good things such as vitamins A, D, E & F to keep his beard healthy, thicker and cleaner, as well as helping to relieve itchiness as it soothes the skin under the hair.
THE WEIGHTY TOLL OF OUR ‘NO WAIT’ CULTURE
For many of us, fast food has become a go-to choice, thanks to its convenience, affordability, and cultural impact. Convenience is a huge reason why fast food is so popular. It’s designed for speed and efficiency, giving you a quick meal solution when life gets hectic. You can grab ready-to-eat meals in minutes, making it an appealing option for busy families and individuals alike.
Let’s talk about cost. Fast food is often cheaper than preparing meals at home, which makes it a tempting choice for those on tight budgets. Value meals and combo deals create the illusion of getting “more for less,” making fast food even more attractive.
And we can’t ignore taste. Fast food is engineered to be delicious, often loaded with high levels of salt, fat, and sugar. These ingredients make the food satisfying — and sometimes addictive —encouraging you to come back for more. Plus, the larger portion sizes and variety of options maximize your enjoyment.
The fast-food business model thrives on profit, focusing on keeping production costs low and driving high-volume sales. This usually means using cheap, calorie-dense ingredients that lack nutritional value. And with heavy marketing aimed at younger crowds, fast food has woven itself into the fabric of daily life.
THE HIDDEN COST OF CONVENIENCE
The obesity epidemic has a hefty price tag. In fact, obesity-related healthcare costs in the U.S. reach about $190.2 billion each year, impacting not just individual health but also the broader economy due to overweight issues.
These healthcare expenses cover a range of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, all of which require ongoing medical care. This places a significant strain on healthcare systems, insurance companies, and government programs. As obesity rates climb, so do the costs associated with medical care, leading to higher premiums and taxes for everyone.
So, what can we do about it? Addressing the dietary habits tied to fast food is critical to easing these economic burdens. Proactive public health measures, like educational campaigns promoting healthier eating habits and initiatives aimed at reducing fast food consumption, can significantly help curb obesity rates of being overweight and obesity. By encouraging better food choices and providing resources for meal prep and nutrition education, we can shift dietary patterns away from high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSITIONING TOWARD HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES
While the fast-food industry may not change anytime soon, making smarter food choices on your own can have a huge impact on your health and longevity. It all starts with understanding what’s really in your fast food and how it affects your long-term health.
Staying active is a great way to balance out eating habits, helping manage weight, boost heart health, and relieve stress— making it easier to counter the effects of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and avoid becoming overweight.
Findings from the 2019 Maryland Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System indicate that only 52 percent of adults in Maryland meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. By 2020, 66.5 percent of Maryland residents over the age of 18 were classified as either overweight or obese, underscoring a growing public health concern in the state.
To empower better choices, we need to make nutrition education widely available. Schools, community centers, and healthcare providers can offer workshops and resources that promote
balanced diets, helping you make informed decisions about your food.
Let’s not forget about portion control. Recognizing appropriate serving sizes is vital for managing caloric intake and preventing overeating. Simple tricks, like using smaller plates and measuring out servings, can make a big difference in your eating habits and avoid you becoming overweight.
Consider incorporating more plant-based foods — like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes — into your meals. Cooking at home lets you control the ingredients and portion sizes, helping you foster healthier eating patterns and avoid becoming overweight.
By focusing on your well-being, you can navigate the fast-food culture and make choices that truly benefit your long-term health.
