Obesity Statistics
Obesity statistics in the United States show obesity growing at an
alarming rate. Adult
obesity, teenage obesity, and childhood obesity are all on the rise.
About 1 in 4 Americans is obese. Almost 1 in 2 are overweight.
Obesity is now the second leading
cause of early death in America.
It is second only to smoking. If you are obese and you smoke, you stand
a very low chance of seeing your golden years.
Obesity Maps
The slide show below shows the trend of obesity from 1985 to 2008. Click on the play button to see the slide show. You can also navigate manually with the previous and next buttons.
Tennessee
Let's look at the state of Tennessee as an example since they have
participated in the program from the beginning.
Obesity statistics in 1985, show less than 10% of Tennessee's population was obese. In 2008,
more than 30% of Tennessee's population was obese. That is an increase
of about 1% per year.
Almost 1 in 3 people in Tennessee are obese. Many more are
overweight.
Obesity By Ethnicity
The maps below show obesity rates in America by race/ethnicity.
Blacks have the highest rate of obesity. Hispanics have the second
highest rates of obesity, and whites have the lowest rates of obesity.
Black -
Non Hispanic
Hispanic
Some speculate that the ethnic obesity statistics above are casued by income level. I think this is plausible. It costs more money to buy healthy, whole foods.
Processed heat-and-eat food is the cheapest thing to eat. I gained a lot of weight when I went back to college. We simply couldn't afford whole foods on our income at the time. We lived on 2 for 1 specials on processed foods and the 99 cent value menus at fast food restaurants.
Childhood Obesity Statistics
Obesity statistics also show that childhood obesity rates are
increasing as well. Child obesity has increased about 12% since 1980.
It is speculated that this is due to lower levels of physical activity.
Some blame video games.
It is my opinion that it is simply due to our food.
Obesity by State
The most obese state in the US is Mississippi. Click
here to see a breakdown of obesity rates by state.
Cause and Effect of Obesity
The cause of obesity in America is extremely simple. There have been many theories about a lack of exercise and overeating. These theories are promoted by those who gain from providing misinformation, the food and drug industries.
The truth is that processed food is to blame for American obesity.
The additives in processed food cause hypothyroidism and
hyperinsulinemia. Read
more about the cause and effect of obesity here.
Obesity Statistics - Conclusion
America is the most obese country in the world. Our love of fast food, junk food, and sweets is taking a toll. The less fat we eat, the fatter we get because we turn to low fat junk food instead of healthy whole foods.
Americans grab takeout food on the way home or eat out most of the time. Our busy schedules are killing us. It is time to slow down and start cooking at home.
Before 1980, most people ate home prepared meals. We have shifted our diets to fast food, restaurant food, and processed food. We have gotten fat as a result.
The cure for obesity is simple. Eat whole foods prepared at home
without MSG. Read
the causes of obesity for more information.
