The epidemic of obesity continues to grow in America at an alarming rate. Obesity is linked to the development of hypertension, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and a host of other physical and psychological issues. According to a 2010 report by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future," there are disturbing discrepancies in obesity levels among certain racial, regional and income groups. Child obesity appears to have stabilized, but is still at crisis levels.
Statistics
Adult obesity more than doubled between 1970 and 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the 2010 "F as in Fat" report, Latinos, Blacks, those living in the rural South, and adults earning less than $15,000 per year were found to have a greater risk of obesity. In 1991, no states reported obesity rates over 20 percent. In 2010, 38 states had an adult obesity rate over 25 percent. In 2009, four states had more than 30 percent of adults considered obese. In 2010, this number doubled to eight states, all located in the South.
Causes
The high costs of healthy foods as well as a lack of availability of health care and safe exercise areas are thought to be partially responsible for increased obesity in poor populations. In 2010, researchers at Princeton University discovered a link between the increased, widespread use of high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener and the obesity crisis. High fructose corn syrup is commonly used in cereals, sodas, juices, ketchup, mayonnaise and breads. The average American consumes approximately 60 lbs. of the corn-based sweetener every year. In experiments, rats that consumed high-fructose corn syrup gained much more weight than rats consuming table sugar. Rats that ingested high-fructose corn syrup over an extended period had abnormal increases of body fat; they became obese.
Childhood Obesity
Although stabilizing, child obesity remains a national crisis. According to a 2010 U.S. Government report under the Let's Move! initiative concerning the epidemic of childhood obesity in America, 1 in 3 children is overweight or obese. According to the research, although all states require physical education in schools, these requirements are frequently inadequate or not enforced. Since 2005, schools across the nation have instituted stricter nutritional food standards. Additionally, 20 states have legislated nutritional standards for meals and snacks above the government's requirements and also require weight and fitness screenings for children. In 2005, only four states met the same requirements.
Definitions
Adults are considered obese if their body mass index is 30 or higher. BMI is calculated using formula that gives a ratio based on weight and height. You can calculate your BMI using a BMI calculator widely available on the Internet. The formula to calculate BMI is simplest using the metric system. To calculate BMI using pounds and inches, divide your weight by your height in inches, squared, and then multiply that number by 703. For a 5-foot, 9-inch adult, a BMI of 30 or higher would be a weight over 203 lbs.
Member Comments