Statistics on Obesity

Sixty-eight percent of all Americans are overweight, and the percentage of adults who are obese has been rising for a decade. Approximately 2-3% of Americans suffer from extreme or "morbid" obesity, for which surgical treatment is recommended. In 1998, the American Heart Association added obesity to its list of major risk factors for heart attack. Americans are obsessed with dieting, yet few are successful in attaining permanent weight loss. It is estimated that the ranks of diet-conscious adults will increase by 50% this year according to the National Center for Health Statistics in Washington. More important is the fact that weight loss, or at least weight management, plays a significant role in our overall health. Scientific study shows that being over the ideal body weight places us at a higher risk of disease. Those with existing disease, such as diabetics, already have a 2 to 3 times normal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Add a little body fat and those risks increase dramatically. If you are suffering with a chronic disease, weight control is of utmost importance to your health and longevity. To attain optimal health and longevity, a person must be at or below their ideal body weight. Today's lifestyle and access to fast food makes that a hard goal to reach. According to the World Heart Federation, 11% of children, 50% of women aged 20 to 74, and 33.4% of men aged 65-74 are overweight or obese in the United States. For more information on obesity statistics visit www.americansportsdata.com/obesityresearch.asp