Obesity in the United States

According to a recent report released by the British Medical Journal, the Lancet, half of all Americans are expected to be obese by the year 2030. This projection is based upon current trends, and puts the health of our society at severe risk. Currently, over 30% of all men and women in the United States are obese, with the percentage of women being slightly higher than that of men. While participating in a medical weight loss program or pursuing bariatric surgery will help you to lose weight, constant pressure from the food industry makes that weight loss difficult to sustain. This leaves many researchers with the belief that in addition to personal endeavor and will power, successful weight loss on a national scale will require a national shift in our relationship with food.

Half of all Americans being obese means a lot more than extra weight on our society, it means excess health issues and health costs. Projected along with the increase in obesity is an increase in obesity related illnesses. If the obesity numbers increase as expected there will be an additional 6.8 million cases of heart disease and stroke, and 7.8 million more cases of diabetes, all connected to weight control issues.

Overcoming obesity takes a great deal of commitment to lifestyle changes in diet and exercise habits. These changes are far from impossible, however. Taking the initiative to eat healthier and be more physically active can help to turn this health projection around.