How is it possible, with everything that has been written and broadcast about the problem of obesity, that the situation has actually gotten worse instead of better?
A new report released last week by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that both adults and children continue to get heavier, with increases in obesity rates in 16 states for the second year in a row. In not one single state did the obesity rate go down. Adult obesity went up in 23 states, with Missippi leading the pack for the fifth year in a row. Their adult obesity rate is 32.5 percent. Colorado ranks lowest at 18.9 percent. Southern states actually account for eight out of the top 10 states ranked highest for adult obesity.
In 30 states, the percentage of overweight or obese children is at or above 30 percent. Mississippi takes the prize here as well, with 44.4 percent of children ages 10 to 17 either overweight or obese! Utah and Minnesota tied for the bottom spot, with 23.1 percent.
The report is titled "F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009." Key report recommendations for addressing obesity within health reform include:
- Ensuring every adult and child has access to coverage for preventive medical services, including nutrition and obesity counseling and screening for obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes;
- Increasing the number of programs available in communities, schools, and childcare settings that help make nutritious foods more affordable and accessible and provide safe and healthy places for people to engage in physical activity; and
- Reducing Medicare expenditures by promoting proven programs that improve nutrition and increase physical activity among adults ages 55 to 64.
The report also calls for a National Strategy to Combat Obesity that would define roles and responsibilities for federal, state and local governments and promote collaboration among businesses, communities, schools and families. It would seek to advance policies that
- Provide healthy foods and beverages to students at schools;
- Increase the availability of affordable healthy foods in all communities;
- Increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity at school;
- Improve access to safe and healthy places to live, work, learn, and play;
- Limit screen time; and
- Encourage employers to provide workplace wellness programs.
To read more about the report, click here.
Comments