Unfortunately, the problem of expanding waistlines does not just belong to the U.S. anymore. While an estimated 63.1 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, half the population of Europe falls into the same categories. The physical and economical consequences of the obesity epidemic are huge and span both continents.
Obesity
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index, or BMI, greater than 30 for an adult and one at or above the 95th percentile compared to others of the same gender and age for children. Other variables are taken in to consideration when predicting obesity-related diseases including waist circumference, hypertension and inactivity.
America
Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States over the past 20 years. As of 2009, only Washington, D.C. and Colorado had an obesity prevalence less than 20 percent. Thirty-three states had an obesity prevalence of 25 percent or higher, and nine states had an obesity prevalence of 30 percent or higher, meaning 1 in 4 people is obese in most parts of the country. The country was challenged with a program called "Healthy People 2010," the objective of which was to reduce prevalence of obesity to less than 15 percent. According to the CDC, every single state failed to meet this goal, and the overall prevalence of obesity in the country increased by 1.1 percent from 2007.
Europe
Europe is competing with the U.S. for first place in the obesity crisis. According to a report issued by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development out of Paris, more than half of European adults are overweight or obese. Obesity rates have doubled in the past 20 years for the 27 member states of the European Union. It is estimated that 1 in 7 children in these states is obese. The disparity among countries is significant, however. The prevalence of obesity is less than 10 percent in Romania and Italy, but greater than 20 percent in the UK, Ireland and Malta.
Consequences
Obesity is a very serious risk factor for health problems including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, stroke and liver disease. Additionally, the obesity epidemic has significant economic implications. In 1998, the U.S. government spent $78.5 billion on overweight- and obesity-related health care. Twelve years ago, overweight and obesity expenses accounted for 9.1 percent of the total cost of health care in the country. With the rapidly rising prevalence of obesity, the country can expect to spend far more in the years to come.
Member Comments