I can haz nother cheezburger: Part I

A new study released this last Tuesday by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that adult obesity rates continue growing in 37 states. So unlike other jokes that target nationalities, the one the rest of the world tells about the US being a bunch of fatties is no longer a joke, it’s true.

According to the F as in Fat 2008 report “more than 25 percent of adults are obese in 28 states” and nationwide over 16 percent of children are considered obese. Think about that for a second…that’s a lot of people, literally and figuratively! (Booyah! Of course, I kid.)

Now, I’m not an obese person hater. I can’t be because I have friends and family who are more than likely considered obese and I love them….well, most of them. However, this trend still alarms me because it’s costing me money and contributing to the economic decline of our country. More importantly, in 99.9 percent of cases, with a little sweat and personal responsibility, it’s preventable.

Here’s how it all comes together:

- Obesity and being overweight are contributing factors to 20 chronic diseases
- By definition chronic diseases last for a long time. Hence, they require numerous visits with a doctor
- Because of that, more than a quarter of the nations’ health care costs are related to obesity and physical inactivity
- Health insurance and government assistance cover much of the nations’ health care costs
- When insurance companies pay more, they charge their customers more (my premiums and co-pay charges rise) and when more tax dollars head to health care it’s less money for education, technology, aid, etc.
- Obesity can be “cured” with physical activity (which is free) and by eating better (this is complicated and is tied in with government but one thing is for sure, eating less is free)

Although the problem is growing (pun intended) and almost seems insurmountable when you look at the current numbers, I don’t think it’s hopeless. Check back for the next blog update where I’ll suggest some possible solutions.

Now go take a walk.

Linkity: http://www.nicecritic.com/

Send a helpful message to a friend or co-worker.