Being overweight is a growing problem that is [?] (cause) many health problems in today’s society. According to statistics, over 50% of American adults [?] overweight or obese, but even worse more than 30% of kids in this country are overweight. However, these [?] (shock) numbers can be changed by learning about some of the reasons why people become overweight. [?] there are many reasons for obesity, there are two significant reasons for this epidemic and they are directly linked to the American lifestyle. To change their current condition, overweight Americans must focus on their sedentary lifestyle and stress.

One of the most obvious reasons why people are overweight is their [?]. Many Americans do not perform physical activity or exercise. They spend several hours sitting or doing things that require [?] physical effort. For example, adults and children return home from work or school and stay in their house, [?] TV or [?] video games, instead of [?] (walk) outdoors or [?] sports. In addition, the American suburbs have been developed in a way to encourage driving, [?] many Americans cannot walk.

Another reason why Americans are becoming overweight is [?] the increased amount of stress [?] (cause ) by frantic lifestyles. Many people experience stress in their lives without even realizing it. In an effort to be successful, Americans work too [?] and spend too [?] time with their families and friends. These frantic lifestyles cause stress and interfere [?] eating habits. For example, people with financial problems are more concerned [?] their finances rather than their physical problems, so they desperately think about how to get out [?] their monetary problems and they do not think about what or how much they eat.

In conclusion, the lack of physical activities and the stress are some of the reasons why more and more people are becoming overweight. The only way to prevent diseases caused by being overweight or obese is for Americans to change their lifestyles and pursue active hobbies and learn how to identify and handle with stress in their lives.