CDC Reports Obesity Rates Increasing Among U.S. Adults

According to a recent article in JAMA (JAMA 2018:320(16)1632. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.15094),  7 states now have Obesity rates topping 35%.  According to data from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Virginia all had obesity rates of more than 35% in 2017.

Researchers also uncovered disparities in rates of obesity by education, race and ethnicity. Individuals with higher levels of education had lower rates of obesity, with a rate of 22.7% among college graduates compared with 35.6% among those with a high school degree or the equivalent.

 According to the CDCthere is no single or simple solution to the obesity epidemic. It’s a complex problem and there has to be a multifaceted approach. Policy makers, state and local organizations, business and community leaders, school, childcare and health care professionals, and individuals must work together to create an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle.

I wholeheartedly support the CDC’s conclusion.