Here’s a look at obesity in the United States. Obesity is achieved when a person reaches a particular body mass index (BMI).
Adults with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while adults with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese.
Obesity can increase the risk of several types of medical issues including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and other diseases.
Statistics:
Over a third of all adults and 17% of teenagers and children are obese.
The prevalence of obesity has risen significantly since 1990. In 1990, obesity was 15% or lower on the state level. In 2000, it rose as high as 25% in some states.
As of 2013, at least 20% of adults in every state is obese, and in 20 states the obesity rate is above 30%.
According to CDC 2011-2013 surveys, the states with the highest rate of obesity are West Virginia and Mississippi with 35.17% of their residents being obese. The state with the lowest rate of obesity is Colorado with 21.3%.
The groups with the highest rate of obesity are non-Hispanic blacks (47.8%), Hispanics (42.5%) and non-Hispanic whites (32.6%).
It is estimated that annual medical care costs of obesity are as high as $147 billion.
The CDC estimates that “about 112,000 deaths are associated with obesity each year.”
Timeline:
2005-2011 – The USAD introduces the dietary system: MyPyramid Food Guidance System. A more simplified version of the 1992 Food Guide Pyramid, it recommends portion control and physical exercise as part of a healthy life style to combat obesity.
June 2, 2011 – MyPlate replaces USDA food pyramid as the national effort to combat obesity continues. The dietary guidelines are displayed as portions of food on a plate instead of a three-dimensional pyramid.
December 2011 – The Fifth Circuit Court rules that “severe obesity qualifies as a disability” under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
June 26, 2012 – U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of private-sector experts, recommends all adults be screened for obesity.
October 2013 – The results of the 2011-2012 CDC survey reveal no significant change in the obesity level, which remains above 30% for adults in the United States. However, there is a decrease in obesity among those 60 years of age and older.