While it is seemingly easier than ever to lose weight and get in shape– thanks to easier access to fitness tools and information on healthy food and practices- unhealthy food is also more abundant than ever. And according to the CDC’s most recent National Health Interview Survey, we’ve never been more obese.
The number of Americans who lead sedentary or other unhealthy lifestyles, is growing at an alarming rate- all this despite a constant barrage of information on the dangers of constant sitting, eating unhealthy foods, smoking, etc. But sadly, not all Americans have found the motivation or desire to shed excess weight and improve their health. Check out the stats below:
The graph above is simply terrifying. The CDC’s survey polls American adults on a wide range of health questions and compiles the results to paint us an accurate picture of our current state of health. And as you can see- it’s NOT GOOD.
After polling 100,000 adult Americans in 2015, the CDC used the data they collected to determine that about 30.4% of adults aged 20 and older are obese; this means they have a BMI (or Body Mass Index) of 30 or greater. That means that roughly 97 million adult Americans are grossly overweight. This is a national epidemic.
And while that figure has only risen slightly since 2014, it marks the continuation of an ongoing trend. In fact, since 1997 the number of obese Americans has only dropped one time, between 2002 and 2003, before promptly climbing again the following year.
You’ll likely guess then that the CDC also found among Americans 18 and older, 9.5% had diabetes in 2015 compared to 9.1% in the prior year’s study. It’s safe to assume that number will continue to rise as well.
I know it can be difficult to radically change your diet and lifestyle, but it’s not impossible and if you are overweight or obese, the time is now. You cannot wait another minute. But please don’t think you are alone. This community loves health and will rally around you. Click here for more info.
Source: BGR
