Obesity Epidemic: The CDC reports increasing global obesity rates.
In 2022, around 35% of people in 22 states were overweight, a significant increase from last year’s 19 states. Health is declining.
Before 2010, the CDC stated no state had an adult obesity rate of 35%+. This move reveals the severity of the situation.
According to recent stats, LA, OK, and WV have over 40% overweight people.
The Midwest and South had the highest overweight rates at around 36%. In 2022 about 30% of people in the Northeast and West were overweight.
On the BRFSS project, CDC and state health offices collaborate. The source is this. BMI determines if you are overweight based on height and weight, with a cutoff 30.
This data reveals varying rates of overweight by race and group. In 38 states, around 35% of Black, American Indian, or Hispanic individuals were overweight. In 33 states, the same was true for Native Americans. In all states, 35% of Asian adults were obese, with a higher rate for White adults in 14 states.
The data indicated that young adults had the lowest obesity rates, with approximately 1 in 5 individuals aged 18-24 overweight. Around 40% of 45-54 year olds were injured, twice as many as the previous age group. As schooling increased, obesity rates decreased.
Dr. Karen Hacker emphasized the urgency of addressing obesity. She mentioned that various factors, such as diet, physical activity, genetics, and more, can contribute to obesity. She said fighting obesity requires strategies addressing social determinants of health, such as accessible healthcare, affordable healthy food, and safe exercise spaces.
The U.S. needs to improve public health and address obesity.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why is obesity an epidemic?
Obesity is the result of consuming more energy (food) than we burn through physical activity. The root cause of the obesity epidemic can be attributed to either an increase in energy intake or a decrease in physical activity, or both.
What are the solutions to the obesity epidemic?
Opting for nutritious foods like whole grains, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats and proteins is a great way to boost your health. On the other hand, it’s best to limit your intake of unhealthy foods like refined grains, sweets, red meat, and processed meat, as well as sugary drinks. Additionally, increasing your physical activity and reducing your time spent sitting in front of screens can help you stay fit and healthy. So, make sure to prioritize healthy choices and stay active to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What is the cause of obesity?
Excess calories are stored as fat in the body, which leads to weight gain. Consuming high amounts of energy, especially from foods high in fat and sugar, without burning it off through physical activity, results in the accumulation of extra energy as fat.
How morbidly obese people can lose weight?
For those who are severely overweight, it’s a tough road to shed the pounds and keep them off without surgery. In fact, less than 5 percent of people in this category are able to achieve significant weight loss through non-surgical methods, which typically involve a mix of dieting, behavior therapy, and physical activity. It’s a challenging journey, but with the right support and resources, it is possible to achieve lasting results.