Over the past two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the rates of obesity. The United States fared the worst across the world and statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) painted a bleak picture. Since it is a known fact that obesity leads to a variety of health conditions, many of which are fatal, it is important that something is done, and that it is done today.
The Latest CDC Statistics
The CDC found that:
- All states had an obesity prevalence rate of at least 20%. In 2008, Colorado was the only state that did not exceed this rate yet.
- Obesity rates of between 20% and 25% exist in just five states and the District of Columbia.
- Obesity rates of between 25% and 30% exist solely in Puerto Rico and Guam.
- In 19 states, rates of obesity are between 30% and 35%.
- Obesity of over 35% is found in West Virginia, Mississippi and Arkansas.
Solving the Obesity Crisis
Obesity affects everything. It determines how you look, how healthy you are and how you feel inside. Various health conditions are associated with obesity, many of which are fatal.
Obesity is defined by having too much body fat, which is more than when someone is overweight. A woman with more than 30% body fat and a man with more than 25% body fat are classed as obese. The more obese you are, the more likely you are to develop health problems.
A lot of people are obese, but don’t even realize it. This is due to the fact that it is now so common that we don’t stand out anymore. This is why it is important to measure skin fat percentage in an appropriate way. While the BMI is the most commonly used method, other methods do also exist and are equally successful.
Unfortunately, in today’s world, it isn’t solely about not being obese anymore. It is just as much about not becoming obese as well. You must always bear in mind how easy it is to put weight on. And if you are obese – or even overweight – you must take action straight away. Even the smallest bit of weight loss can have very positive consequences for your overall health.
Some people find it easy to control their weight, others find it very difficult. It is a known fact that it becomes harder to maintain weight when we reach middle age. That is why, if you don’t want to end up having to look for weight loss Westchester NY professionals, you need to make sure you lead a healthy lifestyle today. It is about getting into the habit of eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise, so you don’t have to break through bad habits at a later age.
You can make changes straight away. Simple little things like parking a little further away from the office, taking your dog for a nice walk or taking the stairs instead of the escalator can have a huge positive effect.
