Why are rates of obesity increasing among young adults in Western countries when this is still a relatively healthy part of the lifespan? In addition, discuss two of the following variables that have been linked with obesity: gender, ethnicity, and SES

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: During young adulthood, the basal metabolism rate declines. Females tend to exercise less than their male counterparts, perhaps because they are more burdened with multiple responsibilities of childcare, working, and housework, and their jobs may be more sedentary. Latino and African Americans have higher rates of obesity than European Americans. African American females have the highest rate of all. This could be due, in part, to different standards ofacceptable weight among African American women as well as SES. Lower SES is correlated with obesity because high fat, sugary foods are cheaper and less access to health facilities.