Americans are getting fatter
Obesity in the United States has more than doubled over the past 15 years. Now is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States after smoking and experts say it will soon exceed the health risks caused by smoking. Experts say that obesity leads to an increased risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, sleep apnea, cancer and other health risks. Obesity kills 300,000 people a year, so its an epidemic is a serious problem, said Dr. Richard Atkinson, president of the American Association of obesity.Medical experts have long said is being overweight caused by a combination of genetics and overeating. It s still another theory, gaining momentum in the scientific community - that some viruses may be responsible. Scientists say that in animals, but
not tested in humans. The theory of the virus is controversial and the debate over whether obesity is classified as a disease and how much taxpayers must pay for treatment. The National Institutes of Health (Research) says it should be considered a disease that canS. Surgeon General said it should not, arguing that obesity is a condition.That is not a disease that is something that is under nobodys control. And we say now ... responsibility of society is a real day of sorrow for this country, said Rick Berman, Center for Consumer Freedom (search). Obesity is a body mass index (BMI), a mathematical calculation by weight in kilograms by the people of their body size in meters squared.