Obesity in America

The U.S. government has released a study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which shows unquestionably America shows no signs of slimming down. This is in spite of news last week when a major researcher said the epidemic of obesity in America is being overblown, that it's just the fattest people who are getting fatter, throwing off the whole curve. But it is now clear is that America is overweight as a whole, and it's not getting any thinner.

The research, which was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reveals some startling statistics of obesity in America, such as the fact that 2 out of every 3 U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. A third is frankly obese, and 5% are considered extremely obese. Robert Yanagisawa, the Director of Weight Management at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York, says, "Obesity in America continues to be a grave problem, both for the adults and the pediatric population."

Among children, the group most expected to be physically active, 15% are overweight. "The longer people are obese the higher their risk of diabetes and heart disease, so the childhood obesity will basically become adult obesity." states Dr. Yanagisawa. The numbers, which medical experts hoped would improve, did not budge significantly between 1999 and 2002.

The reasons, according to Dr. Yanagisawa, are simple. He says, "We live in a calorie toxic environment and we have extremely sedentary lifestyles. The combination of the two factors has resulted in a surge in obesity in America." There is disconcerting evidence of a higher risk among African American women. The study found 13.5% of black women were considered extremely obese, compared to 5.5% of white women.

Overall, all estimates of obesity in this CDC study are much higher than what was previously seen in other major surveys, which showed an obesity rate among adults of only one in five. The prevalence of obesity among adults is twice the target of 15% set by the Healthy People 2010 goals. And the number of people considered to be at a normal weight was only half that of the target number of 60%.

It's believed this is a more accurate reflection of America's weight problem and an even stronger call for Americans to take on what is a very difficult task overcoming the battle of the bulge. "Lifestyle changes are not easy. We say that it's like learning a new sport or learning how to play a new instrument. You need a good coach you need a good program and lots of practice." remarks Dr. Yanagisawa.

But until such sweeping changes are undertaken, obesity in America will remain a serious health concern.

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