America is getting fatter, unhealthier, and spending more money on health care costs than ever before. The 2008 obesity statistics have just been released. Adult obesity increased in 23 states compared to the previous year. These are alarming numbers; and the United States needs to take immediate action!
American obesity rates are not only affecting adults, but unfortunately children as well. Childhood obesity rates have tripled since 1980. Mississippi has a child obesity, and overweight rate, for kids ages 10-17, of a whopping 44.4%. These alarming numbers equals future trouble! Troubling obesity statistics like these translates into hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even premature death. Along this these horrible medical conditions, it sure looks like health care spending is only going to get worse if something isn’t done real soon.
It has become so bad that 31 states are now reporting obesity rates over 25%. Just to compare, in 1991, not one single state topped 20%. In 1980 obesity statistics showed an average of 15%.
In the study conducted by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Mississippi had the greatest adult obesity rate at 32.5%. Colorado was the leanest at 18.9%.
Check your states obesity statistics.
What is even more alarming is not one state showed a decrease in obesity from the previous year. Childhood obesity is of great concern. Overweight, and obese children turn into unhealthy, at risk adults riddled with bad eating, and physical activity habits formed in their younger years.
What is causing these alarming statistics?