Obesity in AmericaIntroductionThe dynamics of obesityPreviously, the problem of malnutrition hit many countries around the world, today obesity has become the new epidemic. Traditionally, the word epidemic "refers to an acute outbreak caused by a specific microorganism that spreads through a significant portion of a population and requires serious responses such as quarantines, travel restrictions and medical treatment" (Bellisari, 2013, p. 4). . Dealing with an epidemic often leads to social disruption. When you consider the number of millions of people affected by obesity and the health problems that result from it, the use of the word epidemic seems entirely appropriate. When discussing the dynamics of obesity, one must consider the growing number of people affected by this disease, the causes of obesity, and the costs of obesity. Rising numbers The United States has the highest obesity rate among developed countries. We have seen a steady increase in the number of obese people since the 1920s. This trend caught the attention of public health officials who began tracking this increase in 1985. In 1991, 12 percent of Americans were obese. In 1998, 20 percent of Americans were considered obese. “Today, approximately 60 percent of Americans are overweight and 26 percent are obese. Another six million are “super-obese,” meaning they weigh at least 100 pounds more than they should” (Kornblum and Julian, 2012, p. 39). This number of obese Americans is astronomical and affects both men and women. ethnic groups. To break down the numbers, we find that 33 percent of men across all ethnic groups are obese. Among women, the percentages vary slightly by ethnic group. Among African American and Mexican American women, we find that almost 50...... middle of paper ....... 20).ReferencesBellisari, A. (2013). The obesity epidemic in North America: connecting biology and culture. Long Grove, IL. Waveland Press, Inc. Kornblum, W. and Julian, J. (2012). Social problems. 14th edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Pearson Education, Inc. Walsh, T. and Cameron, V., (2005). If your teen has an eating disorder: An essential resource for parents. Oxford, New York. Oxford University Press. Wang, L. (June 2008). Weight discrimination: a single cure? Yale Law Journal, 117(8), 1900+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.bakerezproxy.palnet.info/ps/retReve pe = BassicSechForm¤TOSITION = 2&contentSet=GALE|A187961756&&docId=GALE|A187961756&docType=GALE&role=