Over the past year, obesity rates in the U.S. have risen in 23 states and decreased in none, according to a new report from Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The report, titled “F as in FAT: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America 2009,” shows that Mississippi continues to have the highest percentage of overweight or obese at 32.5 percent, making it the fifth year in a row the state topped the list. Colorado continues with the lowest percentage of obese adults, at 18.9 percent. Mississippi also holds the top spot for obese children, at 44.4 percent. What’s more, the percentage of overweight or obese children in the U.S. is at or above 30 percent in 30 states
According to the report, adult obesity rates now exceed 25 percent in 31 states and 20 percent in 49 states. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate over 20 percent. The findings are also in stark contrast to the US Department of Health and Human Services health goal of reducing the rate of adult obesity in all states to under 15 percent by the year 2010.
The F as in Fat report highlights the impact obesity and related comorbidities has on healthcare costs, and suggests that preventing the current generation of young people from developing serious and costly conditions related to obesity would improve health and quality of life, as well as save billions of dollars in the long run.
The report also reviews federal and state government policies aimed at reducing or preventing obesity, and includes contains key recommendations for addressing obesity within health reform. The report also calls for a National Strategy to Combat Obesity that would define roles and responsibilities for federal, state, and local governments and promote collaboration between business, school, communities, and families.
Cleveland Clinic Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation offers a variety of programs that can help combat overweight or obesity. We offer face-to-face nutrition counseling (to make an appointment, call 216-444-9353), and group weight loss classes (please call 216.444.9353 for more information). Or, get a nutrition consultation online with our private and secure MyConsult Nutrition Consultation.
Written by Melissa Ohlson, MS, RD, LD, Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation.
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Reviewed: 7/09