The report is called F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2013 and is from the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
13 states now have adult obesity rates above 30%, 41 states have rates of at least 25%, and every state is above 20%, according to the report.
In 1980, no state was above 15%; in 1991, no state was above 20%; in 2000, no state was above 25%; and, in 2007, only Mississippi was above 30%.
Since 2005, there has been some evidence that the rate of increase has been slowing. In 2005, every state but one experienced an increase in obesity rates; in 2008, rates increased in 37 states; in 2010, rates increased in 28 states; and in 2011, rates increased in 16 states.
“While stable rates of adult obesity may signal prevention efforts are starting to yield some results, the rates remain extremely high,” said Jeffrey Levi, executive director of TFAH. “Even if the nation holds steady at the current rates, Baby Boomers – who are ageing into obesity-related illnesses – and the rapidly rising numbers of extremely obese Americans are already translating into a cost crisis for the healthcare system and Medicare.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024