Obesity Continues To Go North In American States
In the United States, the adult obese population continues its increasing trend in 23 states and do not show any tendency to abate in the others either. This is not surprising, though disheartening to the health officials, fitness experts and nutritionists, who worked overtime to spread the message and warn the public about its aftereffects.
Trust for America’s Health is a not-for-profit organization, working in coalition with Robert Wood Foundation, a philanthropic group, for improving the health scenario in the US. Their annual survey regarding obesity among all age groups has revealed this startling truth. The most disappointing fact is that in not even one state among the 50, is obesity showing a tendency to slack off.
The situation is downright scary, as the trend seems to be the same in the young population as well. From the data compiled for the top 12 states, it can be seen that all of them are located in the southern and southeastern parts of the country. Here, food portions are large and healthy ingredients lesser.
The state of Colorado comes in with the best figures, literally. The other states occupying the bottom five spots, with the least growth in obesity percentage are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont and Hawaii. All of them are located in the eastern coast.
The reason pointed out by the survey for this trend is the economic crisis devastating the country. Due to the recession, the healthy foods have become too expensive for the ordinary citizens. It has also brought in depression, leading to stress and overeating – two main causes for obesity.
The report recommends preventive medical coverage for all US citizens including nutritional assistance. It urges the government to make healthy food available at cheaper rates and to promote nutrition and physical activity among the citizens. Also on agenda is the creation of the National Strategy to Combat Obesity at federal, state and local levels, to work towards a healthier America together with governmental programs.
For more information, please visit source article.
[...] post: Healthscape Health, Medical And Fitness Blog » Obesity Continues … [...]
I can only agree with the perspective – here in the UK we have seen a market trend towards obesity and poverty. If you don’t have the money it is easier to choose to fill up with low cost high carbohydrate processed food than it is to eat healthy home cooked food.
The dilemma I have is what to do about it? Government education has little effect, regulation will have even less. The simple truth is that we have to begin in home, continue at school, model to our new young families what to do and how to do it. That doesn’t address the ghettos that exist where poverty is rampant and parents seem to only care about big TVs, the latest games consoles, and getting handouts from the state. Quite what to do in these areas is beyond me at the moment but we have to help them somehow.
Leave a comment!