Why do Americans care so little about their health?

Question

In a such a wealthy and powerful country, where almost everyone has access to clean healthy food, I do not understand why so many people choose to neglect their health. America is obviously overrun with obesity, diabetes, cancer, etc. and yet American's knowingly choose to lead inactive and unhealthy lifestyles void of proper nutrition and regular exercise.

My apologies, I should have put "most Americans" (over 50% are obese).

Answer 1

There are many reasons American's are fat!

1. A lot of American's think they eat healthy and they don't. They bury their heads in the sand.

2. Here in the states there is allot of conflicting nutritional advice. For example, the food pyramid is complete hogwash. Follow it and you are sure to be unhealthy. Much of what is preached to the public about health is largely regulated by big business.

3. Many people procrastinate taking care of themselves. (ex. "I'll start Monday")

4. Life in the US is set up for driving and sitting on our butts. We are fed the idea that we need to go to the gym to get exercise or do a video. Then we have to be "motivated" to do it.

5. Some people believe that you need money to be thin. To afford a personal trainer and a nutritionist.

6. Doctors don't tell you you are fat and insurance companies often do not cover obesity treatments adequately.

7. It is a taboo topic. No one wants to admit the obesity is why they are unhealthy. They blame it on other things like genes, or their bad knees.

There are plenty of reasons why. I do think that some serious things need to change here if the obesity rate doesn't start to go down.

1. Build housing and stores for WALKING to.

2. Have an independent watch dog type group come out with really good nutritional info (the FDA is too corrupt)

3. Have the health care industry and insurance companies take more of an interest in preventative medicine.

4. Have government programs like food stamps and WIC provide cooking and nutrition classes.

Answer 2

The main thing is that everyone is trying to get ahead... my brother spends $100 a month on food, and on the other hand I spend over $100 a week to get my food. My brother as most Americans do not have a clear understanding of either nutrition or economics. They are brainwashed into thinking that food is food (as there is almost no traditional foods in America) and that cheaper food is better. So in otherwords they are to concerned with lining their pockets with cash then taking care of their bodies.

Answer 3

A lot of americans care about their health. The SDA's are some of them. That stands for Seventh Day Adventists. We are a christian church whose main focus is on the health and welfare of all americans. We have Health seminars every so often and cooking classes that teach others how to eat healthfully without chemicals and meat and sugar and things that destroy our health. We live longer and have more energy. At least those of us who really care about ourselves to get enough exercise and not indulge in too much of a good thing also. We are vegetarian. Even the guys in the church are. They seem to have more energy than the guys who are not. Check us out. Maybe you can help us help others also.

Answer 4

only 15% of Americans get regular exercise, I think that pretty much explains it all. everyone knows that you should exercise daily and eat healthy but hardly anyone does. it take a conscious effort to eat healthy and aparently the majority of people don't think it's worth it.

Answer 5

I think a lot of us are just lazy because we can be. It is so easy to drive to a fast food place and get dinner. As for the exercising i know i don't do as much as i want because i'm juggling work and having afamily so when i do have time to myself i just want to relax.

Answer 6

We are all stupid people.

But I'm finally realizing how dangerous our food is, and am trying to eat better and learn about the true way to eat and take care of our body.

It's amazing how much of our food is full of junk.

Answer 7

yeh thats stereotyping but i know what u mean, the majority of the US does not care about their health. they are surrounded with fast food as much as they are healthy food. fastfood just tastes better :P

Answer 8

may be because we live in the 'MODERN' WORLD where the world shapes us than we shape the world-so that nature finally wins in the race-in the race sometime nature wins and someother time humans win-it a game /gambling and role play.

Answer 9

How would you know that? there are lots of people in america that care about there health