A Problem of Obesity in America Essay Example

raises the likelihood of experiencing physical and mental complications that can be directly caused by obesity or indirectly connected through shared mechanisms like a poor diet or sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, there are economic and societal consequences linked to obesity and its associated health problems that significantly affect the U.S.

The health care system is confronted with a range of medical expenses related to overweight and obesity, both in direct and indirect ways. Inadequate coverage under health insurance can lead to compromised health and delays in obtaining necessary medical treatment. In the United States, approximately 32 million people do not have health insurance, while about 23% of Americans aged 19 to 64 have insufficient coverage due to high deductibles. Uninsured individuals in America typically do not have a primary care doctor and face restricted access to prescribed medications, which increases their chances of being hospitalized for preventable illnesses.

Due to inadequate healthcare coverage, a growing number of patients delay seeking medical treatment until their condition worsens. In the United States, which operates primarily as a capitalist society, healthcare services are offered in exchange for payment. Consequently, patients directly pay their healthcare providers for the services rendered. Despite attempts to implement more health insurance systems, many individuals cannot afford the expense of advanced medical technologies.

Some argue that the United States is a nation with diverse ethnicities. This assertion holds true because there are significant disparities in health status among different geographic areas, races and ethnic groups, and socioeconomic classes within the country. The absence of comprehensive medical insurance has various impacts on the uninsured population in America.

The lack of ability for uninsured individuals to negotiate discounted rates in hospitals

and doctor fees, compared to insurance companies, leads to high medical costs. Consequently, if they cannot afford these expenses, they accumulate debt. Additionally, they are less likely to have a consistent healthcare provider for regular check-ups and rely on the emergency room instead. This increases the risk of early deaths caused by undiagnosed illnesses. They also encounter barriers in accessing screenings and preventive care and often postpone or completely neglect necessary medical attention.

Despite laws, regulations, and lawsuits at state and community levels resulting in smoke-free public areas and higher cigarette taxes, it is crucial not to disregard the fact that there are still 44.5 million smokers in the United States. Every year, tobacco usage claims the lives of 435,000 Americans who die up to 15 years earlier than nonsmokers while enduring agonizing final years. Smoking has detrimental effects on nearly every organ in the body and contributes to approximately one-fifth of all annual deaths in the United States.

Individuals who smoke for an extended period of time face an elevated risk of developing numerous life-threatening illnesses. These ailments comprise various types of cancer that impact the lungs, mouth, nose, throat, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, liver, cervix, bone marrow, and stomach. Moreover,smokers are also prone to lung conditions like chronic bronchitis as well as heart disease such as heart attack and stroke. Additionally,they may encounter inadequate blood flow in their hands and feet which can result in pain or even gangrene necessitating amputation.

Smoking and obesity share many similarities. They often start in childhood or adolescence and contribute to chronic diseases. Both also rely on intense marketing tactics for product promotion. Moreover, they are more common among

individuals with lower socioeconomic status. Additionally, both smoking and obesity face societal disapproval and are difficult to address compared to other medical risk factors. Thus, having comprehensive medical insurance is crucial in reducing the risk of mortality.