Shocking Facts & Statistics About Obesity

obesityOur goal with this article is to help people understand how the problem of obesity is one we should not take lightly. Obesity is a serious problem in America as well in some other countries. Realizing the seriousness of these troubling statistics is important. The most shocking part of all is that obesity is preventable. Being educated on your health, staying active and eating properly are all ways to fight the obesity epidemic. If more people where educated on obesity and realized that the foods they eat are not appropriate for their bodies, than much for these problems could be solved.
(These numbers may fluctuate in time)

The Facts and Statistics

• The U.S has the highest obesity rate in the world.

• In the U.S. 1 in 3 adults are considered obese and 1 out of every 6 children are obese.

• 72.5 million adults are considered obese.

• Obese children are more likely to become obese adults

• Since the mid 70′s obesity among children has more than tripled.

• Children who grow up in low-income neighborhoods are less likely to have access to healthy food and are more likely to develop obesity related illnesses later in life.

• Well over 100,000 deaths are caused by obesity related factors every year.

• Mississippi has the highest rate of obesity in the U.S. and Colorado has the lowest

• Obesity increases the risk of sleep apnea, gout, heart attack, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers.

• Almost 90% of type 2 diabetes cases are individuals who are considered obese.

• More than 50% of all hypertension cases (high blood pressure) are related to obesity.

• Hospitalization costs for obesity related conditions in children are about $130 million and on the rise.

• Women who are obese are at an increased risk of infertility

• Women who breast feed help prevent their children from becoming obese.

• Women with higher incomes are less likely to be obese than lower income

How To Determine Obesity

The standard practice to determine obesity is body mass index (BMI). This is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is an easy way to determine by basic standards, if you are considered obese.

The idea behind this article is not to scare anyone. It’s purpose is to educate and grow awareness of the obesity epidemic. The reasons obesity are on the rise are because of changes in our culture. Unhealthy foods are more readily available now than ever before. Most of these foods like fast food include additives and preservatives our bodies really are not designed to eat. Our daily activities do not rely on us being as active as we once were. The majority of people sit in an office most of the day only to sit again in the evenings while watching television or browsing the internet. So what can we do to change this cycle? This is an obvious one, eat healthier foods and skip the fast food. Plan a time each day for fitness activity and exercise.

Categories: Diet & Fitness

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