Obesity rates have risen to 30% or more of the population in 9 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia). This is up from only 3 states in 2007. This is an increase of 2.4 million people now being obese than in 2007. Also, a little more than 25% of Americans are now obese. It is even possible that these rates are underestimates, since only 400,000 people were asked to report their own weight and height. People tend to overestimate their height and underestimate their weight. Because of this, it is possible that the rate of obesity in the U.S. is higher than what has been reported from 2009 statistics. Obesity rates have doubled in adults in the past few decades. Even more unfortunately, obesity rates in children have tripled in the same amount of time. The recent rise of obesity can be attributed to overeating, eating the wrong kinds of foods, and not exercising enough. American portions sizes have increased substantially since the 1970’s and the American lifestyle has become increasingly sedentary. Obesity is an epidemic that continues to grow in the United States. Measures need to be taken to ensure that the obesity rates to not continue to climb. An emphasis on eating healthy foods (like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) instead of convenience foods, fast foods, or packaged foods is essential to lowering the rate of obesity. Along with this, increasing physical activity is going to help slow the rates of obesity in the United States.
Written by Camp Shane Nutritionist, Jessica Bouchard
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/04/health/nutrition/04fat.html?_r=1&ref=nutrition
Tags: healthy foods, obese Americans, obesity, obesity rates, rate of obesity
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