According to the New York Times, the obesity rates in America have been rising dangerously this past year. The rates have increased 30 percent or more in nine states as opposed to the 3 states in 2007. These numbers mean that 2.4 million people have recently became obese within 2007-2009. In total, 72.5 million Americans are currently obese. Although these numbers may not be correct due to the survey being telephone-based in which the participants were asked for their height and weight instead of being properly measured. No one has ever expected that these rates would be so alarming this soon. The numbers were crunched using BMI. (Body Mass Index) Those with a BMI over 30 are considered obese, but who is to blame? Scientists blame the usual lack of excercise, junk food, and lack of proper nutrition. These people are more likely to suffer from the sad complications of obesity such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and cancer.
http://http//www.nytimes.com/2010/08/04/health/nutrition/04fat.html?no_interstitial&emc=Google-Earth
1 comment:
I think that America should focus on eating healthier foods to avoid the major health problems that come along with obesity. The fact that obesity is one of the fastest growing health risks in America is troubling because it could be easily avoided. Many people consume foods that they know are bad for them, but it is leading them down a point of no return. America should decide to limit the amount of unhealthy fast food to a minimum so we can get skinnier as a country. Together, we can overcome the problem that is obesity.
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