Obesity Statistics

It's very common to hear about our current obesity epidemic, but it may be unclear how these facts are actually gathered. Obesity statistics are based upon what is known as the body mass index, or BMI. The BMI is determined by taking a person's weight in comparison to their height. For most, the BMI is a decent indicator of body fat. However, those with a high amount of muscle will also have a larger BMI even though they are not obese. Because of this, medical research also uses other tests to determine obesity including skinfold measurements, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip circumference ratios.

According to the Center for Disease control, obesity statistics had shown yet another increase in 2008. Research shows that American obesity rates have been increasing steadily for the last 20 years. The 2008 survey of American adults continues this trend. Only one state, Colorado, had less than 20% of its population falling within the obesity category. Thirty-two states, including Texas, Washington, and Nevada, reported that 25%-29% of their population was obese. Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia all reported an obesity rate of 30% or higher.

The medical world hopes to use these obesity statistics to demonstrate the urgency of this health concern. They hope to educate citizens about the main causes of obesity in America, as well as the benefits of healthy eating. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many more debilitating, as well as fatal, conditions. It is also known to encourage many psychological conditions, especially decreased self-esteem. Hopefully, Americans can turn this trend around in time. To discuss this and other topics further, become a member of the TodaysHealthViews community.