Obesity may be a preventable problem, but instead, it has taken a bad turn in America. Researchers have found that more than 2 billion people worldwide are now overweight or obese. Obesity has become one of the many health problems that have affected today's society. When it comes to deciding what to eat, fast food is hard for some people to resist. Most people have a McDonald's ten or twenty minutes from home, which is convenient for those who don't want to cook on the way home. The number of overweight people continues to increase. Exercising and eating healthily are two ways to avoid the problem of obesity. Ignoring the problem only makes the situation worse over time. Although the number of overweight individuals may be a personal concern, it nevertheless reflects a major problem for society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The reasons for the increase in obesity over time are unknown, but they are now evident. When we eat unhealthy foods, our brain is helpless. Although weight is, of course, partly a matter of personal responsibility, the obesity epidemic in the United States is driven primarily by upstream influences from industry, federal policies, and social norms. Our country is in a bind over proposed higher excise taxes on nutritionally good refreshments. People should know the differences between fast food and sugary drinks because everything is labeled. Exercise plays a major role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise and physical activity are important factors in determining obesity trends. Lack of exercise increases the risk of obesity. The effects of a sedentary lifestyle promote weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Being moderately active for at least thirty minutes a day can help reduce the risk of weight gain. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight will require at least one hour per day of physical activity for most people. You need to burn more calories than you consume. Overweight people should strive to achieve a goal. You must be consistent with physical activity in order to maintain a certain weight. Lack of exercise can increase the risk of developing other health problems. A change in diet is also necessary to see a reduction in obesity. For those who can't afford much, eating healthy just isn't feasible given their finances. A healthy, balanced diet is much more expensive than junk food. According to a study from the Harvard University School of Public Health, "the daily cost of the healthiest diet is about $1.50 more per person per day than that of the least healthy diet." Fast food restaurants such as McDonald's offer a dollar menu that appeals to those on a budget. People don't realize how much calories they consume when they eat fast food. Most fast foods contain higher amounts of sugar, fats and carbohydrates. This means you are consuming a greater amount of unhealthy calories, leading to weight gain. Add to that larger portions called “supersizing” and you have a recipe for obesity. When most people come home, they don't feel like cooking. Preparing healthy meals takes time.