According to the CDC, 35.7% (more than 73 million adults) of the US population is considered obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30). In 2000, there weren't any states that had an obesity prevalence (percentage of the population) of 30%. Today, twelve states have an obesity prevalence of greater than 30%, twenty- five states have an obesity prevalence between 25 and 29%. No state in the nation was able to meet the Healthy People 2010 goal of 15%.
The statistics are even more grim for children. Approximately 17% (12.5 million) children age 2-19 are obese. This number has tripled since 1980.
Obesity is a contributing factor in many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some forms of cancer. Obesity can also cause sleep apnea, breathing problems and can cause problems during pregnancy. Many women find it difficult, if not impossible to get pregnant if they are obese.
The US Department of Labor reports that $1.5 trillion dollars of medical care is preventable and reversible without medical intervention. That's a lot of sickness and suffering - $1.5 trillion of it - which we have the tools to solve!
What are these tools?
Very simply, the tools are education- about nutrition and physical activity- and then sharing and motivating others to take charge and change their lives.
Need ideas on where to start? How about switching out your daily soda for water? Or getting up 30 minutes earlier to get out for a 20 minute walk? It doesn't have to be huge. Little steps add up to big gains!
Need even more ideas or motivation? That's why I'm here. I want to help you achieve your goals and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life. It's easier than you think. All you have to do is take that first step.
What are you going to do to END THE TREND?
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