How Obesity Threatens America’s Future
Over two-thirds, or 68%, of the U.S. adults (over age 20) are overweight or obese. And from 1960 to 2005, the prevalence of obesity increased from 13.4% to 35.1 percent in U.S. adults between ages 20 to 74. And data from the NHANES survey between 2003 and 2006 indicated that approximately 12.4% of children between ages 2 to 5 and 17% of children age 6 to 11 were overweight and about 17.6% of adolescents ages 12 to 19 were overweight in 2003-2006 ( Weight-Control Information Network).
Government policymakers are taking note of a report called “F as in Fat, 2011” to help introduce policies that will improve the prevalence of obesity in America. Some of the priorities will include school meals, increasing the time allowed for physical activity, and pricing strategies to promote the purchase of healthier foods. Here are some of the major (and very interesting) findings of this report:
- Adult obesity rates rose in 16 states over the past year
- Mississippi has the highest obesity rates
- Colorado has the least obesity rate
- Except for Michigan, the top 10 obese states are in the south
- Education level affects the rate of obesity:
- Those who did not graduate from high school have the highest obesity rate
- High school graduates that do not go on to college have the 2nd highest obesity rate
- Those that go on to college or tech school have the lowest rate
- Income level also affects the rate of obesity:
- Households earning less than $15,000 have the highest obesity rate
- Between $15,000 and $50,000 have the second-highest rate
- Households with incomes above $50,000 have the lowest obesity rate
This report includes recommendations for policies to quickly provide families with the resources and opportunities to make healthier choices in their daily lives.
To view the entire report, click on the following link: F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2011
If you’d like to learn more about obesity statistics in America and how they are affecting our country, read Overweight and Obesity Statistics.
photo courtesy of Issues.cc