International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

Obesity, the lifestyle disease

3^rd International Conference and Exhibition on Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

May 18-20, 2015 San Antonio, USA

Erika Deike

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Int J Phys Med Rehabil

Abstract :

Obesity is overtaking America at increasing rates in adults and now also in children. It is being viewed as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. The causes of this increase are obvious as we look at lifestyle factors such as lack of proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Americans are often choosing to sit in front of their computer or television, instead of being active, and preferring the convenience of fast food and processed food, rather than a home cooked meal. In addition, people are allowing stress to overtake them, which often leads to a lack of sleep and a vicious cycle of eating more. Therefore, we see an increase in obesity, with consequences such as, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression, to list a few. Obesity has been shown to be one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, but are we focusing more on treatment, rather than prevention? How can we stop this increase of obesity before it goes completely out of control, or has it already? Strategies for prevention, such as education and motivation, will be discussed.