Behavior Change and Health News
Obesity Rates Continue to Climb
A recent report released by Trust for America’s Health, a research group focusing on disease prevention, shows obesity rates climbed in 31 states last year, and no state showed a decline. Over 30% of adult Mississippians are considered obese, the highest rate in the nation. On the other hand, Colorado, the leanest state, had an obesity rate of only 17.6%. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. The body mass index is a ratio based on a person’s height and weight. Overweight people have a BMI between 25 to 29.9, while those at a healthy body weight have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
Twice as many American adults are considered obese compared to their European counterparts. As a result, Americans tend to have higher rates of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases. These alarmingly high rates of chronic diseases tax the American health care system. The United States spends anywhere between $100 billion and $150 billion each year to cover chronic diseases.
Some believe the government should take a larger role in preventing obesity, but others think that maintaining a healthy weight should be a personal choice and responsibility. Jeffrey Levi, executive director of Trust for America’s Health, agrees but believes the society and environment should help people make healthier choices. Levi believes city and state governments should encourage the use of public transportation, develop safe parks and recreational facilities, and build sidewalks to encourage people to become physically active.
A large part of the obesity epidemic is blamed on Americans’ lack of physical activity. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report discovered over 22% of Americans did not participate in any form of physical activity within the last month. Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee had physical inactivity rates greater than 30%. Only 15.4% of Minnesotans, on the other hand, did not engage in any form of physical activity in the last month.
Poverty is another factor in obesity rates. The top 5 poorest U.S. states were also in the top 10 in obesity rates. With poverty comes unsafe physical activity environments, limited access to fruits and vegetables, and a heavy reliance on unhealthy, sugar-laden foods.
The Active Living Every Day and Healthy Eating Every Day programs help adults make small yet powerful lifestyle and behavior changes that will help them move more and eat healthier. For more information these programs, please visit the Active Living Web site at www.ActiveLiving.info. If you have further questions, please contact Bhibha Das at 800-747-4457 or bhibhad@hkusa.com.
Sources:
Associated Press. August 27, 2007. Obesity rates climbed in 31 states in U.S. www.ap.org. Accessed October 8, 2007.
Reuters. October 2, 2007. U.S. health costs may be highest due to weight. www.reuters.com. Accessed October 8, 2007.
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