Cultural factors contribute to the cause of the obesity epidemic in America as it continues to be a recurring topic of conversation due to the high prevalence of overweight individuals. The culture, learned values, beliefs, attitudes and practices that are well accepted by society are considered a fast-paced lifestyle in the United States compared to other cultures. This fast-paced lifestyle, where convenience, ease, and quick fixes seem to fit any situation, supports America's obese society, leading to more health problems in the future. Furthermore, social and physical norms are also components of culture that tend to put pressure on individuals, constituting a somewhat stereotyped reflection of themselves. Due to the makeup of America's fast-paced lifestyle and unrealistic expectations for physical appearance, the culture has become a compelling force in the growing obesity community. In Food & Nutrition: Customs & Culture written by Paul Fieldhouse1, Fieldhouse summarizes many of the issues that coincide with increasing rates of obesity. After careful evaluation of the psychological aspects of food choice, Fieldhouse recognizes the influence that the social norms of American culture have on imperfect food practices. It appears that physicality is used to make judgments about one's eating habits rather than general health. He believes the nation's mission in reducing obesity is primarily to decrease future health problems, but it also highlights the cultural norm of thinness in the United States. “Although the considerable effort devoted to the treatment and prevention of obesity is based largely on the desirability of preventing physical health problems, it is at least part...... half of the paper...... they simply must not be the main focus. In conclusion, cultural factors largely contribute to the obesity epidemic in America as busy lifestyles are heavily influenced by values, beliefs, attitudes, and learned practices. These external factors do not meet the nation's image ideals, so it is necessary to rely on internal factors to defeat the obesity epidemic and reduce future health problems. References1. Fieldhouse, P. Weight disorders. Food and nutrition: customs and culture. London: Chapman and Hall; 1986: 202-204.2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about obesity in adults: August 2013. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html. Accessed February 10, 2014.3. United States today. Summary Statement on Obesity in America: 2006. Available at http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/educate/challenge/2006winners/winner2-page1.htm. Accessed February 10, 2014.