Rise of obesity in America: How fast food and sleep habits fuel the crisis
Only 13% of Americans were obese in the 1960s, and today, that number is as high as 43%. Nutritionist Autumn Bates explains to the Daily Mail what is behind this increase.
Modern society struggles with obesity, which was much less common in the 1960s. Autumn Bates, a nutritionist from California, points to several key factors that have contributed to this phenomenon.
The first factor is the decline in the number of home-cooked meals. In the past, they were the norm rather than the exception. Bates notes that traditional meals comprised high-quality protein, fruits, vegetables, and milk.
This is an honest question because, according to Bates, in the 1960s, America's obesity rate was about 13%. Today, fast and ultra-processed foods dominate the diet, leading to excessive calorie intake.
Ultra-processed products, such as ready-made meals or ice cream, are now standard. Bates explains that these products reduce feelings of fullness and make us less satisfied with food, leading to more calories. It is estimated that 70% of Americans' diet comprises such products.
In the 1960s, people were more physically active, even if they did not participate in sports. Bates notes that many people had more physically demanding jobs, and children spent more time outdoors.
Kids back in the 60s really didn't have anything inside that would entertain them as much, so they had to go outside and be active and play, adds Bates.
Lack of adequate sleep
Sleep is one of the fundamental pillars of a healthy lifestyle, alongside a balanced diet and physical activity. Unfortunately, in the modern world, more and more people are sleep-deprived—we work late, use electronic devices before bed, and the fast pace of life causes chronic fatigue.
Meanwhile, inadequate sleep has a direct impact on our body weight and can lead to overweight or even obesity.
When we sleep too little or restlessly, the secretion of hormones that regulate hunger and fullness is disrupted. The level of leptin—the hormone responsible for the feeling of fullness—decreases, while the level of ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, increases.
In practice, this means that a sleep-deprived person feels hungry more often and finds it harder to stop eating, even if the body does not need more energy. Moreover, low-quality sleep can increase the craving for high-calorie, sweet, or fatty foods, making it even more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
