A study funded by the NGO Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reveals that 49 of the 50 states in the United States have seen their obesity rate decline. Only Arkansas, has seen its increase and now has 34.5% obese people among its population.
” While the stagnant rate of overweight adults may appear to be the first fruit of prevention campaigns, the rates remain extremely high“commented Jeffrey Levi, director of Trust for America’s Health.
In fact, thirteen states still have more than 30% obese among their adult populations today, led by Louisiana (34.7%) and Mississippi (34.6%). In total, 41 states are at least 25% obese. The minimum obesity rate recorded in 2012 was observed in Colorado, at 20.5%. In 1980, no state was above 15 percent.
“Even though the nation maintains its current pace, baby boomers (45 to 64) are aging. Their obesity rate has reached 40%. They will suffer from diseases linked to being overweight. And the high rates of obese Americans will continue to weigh on the health and medicare system.“”In order to decrease obesity and the associated costs, we must ensure that policies at all levels choose appropriate solutions and focus on investments in prevention.added Jeffrey Levi, director of Trust for America’s Health.
In addition, rates of “extreme” obesity have increased dramatically. The rate of adult Americans with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more rose from 1.4 percent to 6.3%, an increase of 350%. Among children and adolescents (2 to 19 years), more than 5.1 percent of men and 4.7 percent of women are now severely obese.
A new report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found the decline in obesity among children aged 2 to 4 from low-income families in 19 states in the United States between 2008 and 2011.
Despite these encouraging figures, the researchers are categorical. Everything remains to be done in the United States to fight obesity.
To promote a balanced diet for those most in need, the CDC report makes several suggestions. That of making it easier for families with children to buy healthy and affordable food and drinks in their neighborhood. But also, to provide access to free safe and potable water in places such as community parks, recreation areas, child care centers and schools. Without forgetting ” that helping local schools to open gymnasiums, playgrounds and sports fields outside of school hours so that more children can play safely would improve the health of the poorest children Recalls the director of the CDC, Dr. Tom Frieden.
