Melissa Huynh
Dr. Serena Blount
The Traditional Way is Not Always the Right Way
In 2008, the estimated yearly medical cost of obesity was $147 billion in the United
States (“Obesity”). This tremendous amount equates to one-tenth of America’s current national
debt. America has been recently reported to be the most obese country. Furthermore, over two-
thirds of the population is overweight or obese. However, the prominence of obesity prevails in
the South. Ten southern states account for the top eleven most obese states in the country. High
on this list is the state of Alabama. Obesity is a condition in which an individual has excess body
fat. For most, this is equivalent to a BMI greater than 30. Why is obesity prominent in southern
states such as Alabama? Alabama’s high rate of obesity is heavily influenced by southern
tradition and sedentary lifestyle.
No matter what the explanation for Alabama’s high rate of obesity is, no one can deny the
nationwide problem of obesity. Obesity rates have soared in America in the past few decades.
Moreover, obesity is chronic and can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and
many other illnesses. In addition, obesity also increases the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer,
kidney cancer, and many others. Likewise, obesity is difficult to treat. Even after successful
treatment, obesity has a high relapse rate that causes many individuals to gain back the weight
they have lost. Statistically, the South has a higher rate of obesity than other parts of the country
(“Obesity”). Above all, it is undeniable that obesity is problematic and needs a solution. It is
negatively affecting the population’s health, and if not resolved, it will continue to lead to many
annual deaths.
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Obesity is a serious issue, and opponents may argue that southern tradition and lifestyle is
not the cause of obesity. They may attribute the cause to fast food. As individuals are surrounded
by busy and hectic schedules, there is limited time to cook. For instance, grabbing a quick meal
from McDonalds before work or school is more convenient for some people. Consequently, fast
food is a plethora of saturated fats and sugars. However, the opponents do not consider the fact
that fast food is available nationwide and worldwide. If the whole country has equal access to
fast food, why are southerners more obese? Fast food may be a leading contributor to the
national obesity, but it cannot explain the prevalence of southern obesity. On the other hand,
others may argue that the South has many programs implemented to increase a healthy lifestyle.
This includes Michelle Obama’s nationwide impact on school lunchrooms. As a result, public
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