American Obesity Rate Escalating

Everyone is aware of the many health risks of being obese, not to mention the struggle to carry out everyday tasks, and the subtle, yet entrenched, social discrimination those carrying extra weight deal with every day. And yet, despite all this, an annual report finds the obesity rate in the United States is rising in 28 states (decreasing only in the District of Columbia) in the past year. Yet again the state of Mississippi weighs in with the highest obesity rate (for the sixth year in a row) at 33.8% of the adult population. Some of the other sobering findings in the report are: - 38 states have adult obesity rates over 25% though no state had an obesity rate over 20% in 1991. - 10 of the 11 states with the highest rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension are in the southern part of the country. - 8 states (up from 4 last year) have obesity rates over 30%. - Colorado continues to hold onto the title of state with the lowest number of obese adults, 19.1%. - Numbers of those who don't exercise rose in 12 states over the last 12 months. - Less education continues to make it more likely a person will be obese, 33.6% of those who didn't graduate from high school fell into this weight category, compare with 22% of college educated adults. - Rates of obesity of both African American and Latinos are higher than those for whites in at least 40 states and the District of Columbia. And when it comes to our children, things aren't much better... - 12 million plus children and adolescents are obese. - 12% of high school students are obese; another 15.8% are overweight. - The number of kids engaging in vigorous physical activity each day ranges from a low of 17.6% (in Utah) to a high of 38.5% (in North Carolina). - 50% of those surveyed believe more money should immediately be put into preventing childhood obesity. Naturally doctors consider obesity as one of the biggest public health challenges of our time, and while the country has taken steps to address the problem, the response has been lukewarm at best. Millions of Americans are faced with barriers to living that healthy lifestyle that everyone knows is so important... the high cost of healthy foods, lack of access to safe places to exercise, and lack of encouragement and support are all factors that keep people carrying more weight than is good for them. Race, ethnicity, region and income all appear to impact obesity rates in this country, and this is troubling to many experts. What to do if you or someone you love is obese (or even just overweight)? Start today to make (or encourage) small changes to what, and how much you eat. Get more active, and talk with your own doctor about other things you might do to support your weight loss efforts. Being overweight didn't happen overnight, and the weight won't disappear that way either... but you can do it. To avoid becoming one of the obesity rate statistics slow, steady weight loss is what you're after... before long that one or two pounds a week will add up to smaller sizes... feeling better... looking great! FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from Daily Health Bulletin and click the link now to discover simple steps you can take to minimize your chance of becoming part of America's growing obesity rate.