State Of The Union On Obesity

As you begin to think about your 2010 fitness and nutrition goals, consider this -

Obesity is growing faster than any previous public health issue the United States has faced. If current trends continue, 103 million American adults will be considered obese by 2018.

This is from a very interesting report that came out last month entitled, The Future Costs of Obesity, a collaborative report from United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention and based on research by Kenneth Thorpe, Ph.D. of Emory University.

The report describes the current situation as Amercian society has become 'obesogenic,' characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, non-healthful foods, and physical inactivity."


Not surprisingly the majority of states with the lowest obesity rates are those which benefit from outdoor winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

70% of the states that suffer from the highest obesity rates are located in the South, which is interesting since many of these states benefit from warmer climate and thus an extended outdoor season.

If health issues don't motivate you to make changes in 2010, perhaps monetary pitfalls will. According to the report, at the national level, in 10 years, the US is expected to spend over $343 billion on health care costs that are attributable to obesity if rates continue to increase at their current levels.

In 2018 the cost of obesity at a national level is projected to be $1,425 per person, rising from $361 per adult today.

Something to think about before you take another dip in to that eggnog.

Train hard; stay strong; Merry Christmas to those celebrating!

Peace.

Susan