What are the main factors contributing to the percentage of obese Americans?

To understand obesity and the percentage of obese Americans, first we need to know BMI or the body mass index. BMI is calculated by using your height and body weight. The normal BMI should be less than 25. More than 25 BMI is considered overweight and obese depending upon the BMI.

For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the "body mass index" (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.

• An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
   
• An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. 

 The important causes of the obesity are:

1. Excess calories
    
2. Sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise

At the same time, our behavior is also to be blamed. Behavior and environment play a large role causing people to be overweight and obese. These are the greatest areas for prevention and treatment actions.

The southern states in US are more obese that other states.

The other factors contributing to the percentage of obese Americans which cannot be ignored are: 

1. Genetics
    
2. Environment or community 
    
3. Certain diseases
    
4. Drugs 

Obesity is a leading preventable cause of death in USA and many other European countries. 

The following provides some examples of the steps to prevent Obesity:

Location Steps to Help Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity

Home:

• Reduce time spent watching television and in other sedentary behaviors
• Build physical activity into regular routines

Schools:

• Ensure that the school breakfast and lunch programs meet nutrition standards
• Provide food options that are low in fat, calories, and added sugars
• Provide all children, from prekindergarten through grade 12, with quality daily physical education

Work:

• Create more opportunities for physical activity at work sites

Community:

• Promote healthier choices including at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and reasonable portion sizes
• Encourage the food industry to provide reasonable food and beverage portion sizes 
• Encourage food outlets to increase the availability of low-calorie, nutritious food items
• Create opportunities for physical activity in communities