Despite increased media attention and warnings by health authorities, the US obesity rate continues to increase. According to USnews.com, a report sponsored by Trust for America’s Health released this week indicates that adult obesity is on the rise in 37 states.
For the second year in a row, obesity rates climbed to record levels in 24 American states, and the new report suggests that a full 25% of adults are considered obese in 28 states. This statistic itself is rather shocking, as last year’s figures showed that only 19 states had an obesity rate of 25%.
The news is even more shocking if you compare it to the obesity statistics from just a few decades ago. For example, studies from 1991 show that no state had obesity rates higher than 20% at that time. There is no denying that America has become a much fatter country since then.
The study mapped out obesity rates on a state by state level, and some of the findings are very interesting indeed. 11 of the 15 “fattest” states are located in the South. In fact, the South as a geographic region had the greatest percentage of adult obesity. The northeastern United States, on the other hand, tended to have the lowest obesity rates, with Western US states following closely behind.
Even though the federal government and local and state health authorities have spent hundreds of millions on health education and obesity awareness programs, it would appear that these policies are having little impact on the day to day eating habits of most Americans.
While experts seem to agree that America is experiencing an obesity epidemic, there is much disagreement about the exact cause of the problem. Some health officials point to the increasingly sedentary lifestyle of average Americans, and the rise in popularity of video games and computer use, which keep many people stationary for long periods of time.
For example, where in decades past many Americans in their 20s, 30s and 40s would join softball or flag football league’s, today they are more likely to “play” sports games on an Xbox or PlayStation. The rising popularity of online multiplayer games is also said to be diverting attention away from physical activity.
But other experts see the real problem to be the increased availability of high calorie fast food and “junk foods.” Research shows that the most popular fast food chains tend to be those offering the highest caloric intake.
In all likelihood, the growing epidemic of obesity in the U. S. can be attributed to all of these causes — and more. Health experts point out that a change in mindset must take place before Americans will change their physical girth.
Priorities and habits influence our eating decisions and the amount of physical exercise we get on a daily basis. It is clear that the collective American culture and attitude toward fitness and proper diet will need to change in order to return to a healthier (and slimmer) America.
It is kind of interesting…all this health information and obesity still reigns…It is so easy to just do a little exercise and eat a little healthier…Easy..well maybe not…carol stanley author of For Kids 59.99 and Over.
Comment by carol stanley — September 1, 2008 @ 12:16 pm