Obesity in America Rises in 2010

According to a new analysis of government statistics and MSN Health and Fitness, adult obesity within the United States continues to rise at alarming rates. The number of overweight adults, those with a BMI index of 25 or higher, and obese adults, those adults with a BMI index of 30 or higher, continues to rise in 28 states and is becoming somewhat of an epidemic.

The new report issued by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Trust for America’s Health is called “F is for Fat,” and it provides recommendations and calls for a response by the government to combat the rise in overweight and obese adults. The report outlines how obesity affects America’s future. In 1991, no state had above a 20 percent obesity rate for the population. Now, 38 states have obesity rates over 35%. Americans are simply becoming fat!

What ever happened to exercising to feel good and lose weight? Do Americans not realize that they are fat, and that it is unhealthy? It’s disgusting that some people simply can not take care of themselves. The problem is that many people are becoming lazy: they do not feel like working out, and combined with the stress of the work environment, Americans easily gain weight to become fat. Many Americans sit in an office for 8 hours or more per workday, which can easily cause them to become overweight or obese if they choose not to do physical activities at home.

A BMI index is an easy to calculate to determine if you are on the cusp of being overweight, obese, or underweight. A BMI of over 25 if you are not an athlete or working out indicates that you are overweight, aka: fat. A BMI of over 30 translates to obesity. Both overweight and obese Americans are at risk for potential heart disease due to fatty tissue developing around the heart and clogged arteries.

The easiest way to combat fat is to workout each week. A cardio workout 3 to 5 times per week for 30 minutes will help to metabolize weight and prevent fat buildup leading to becoming overweight or obese.

After calculating your BMI, did you find yourself to be within the normal range, or are you in the categories of overweight, obese, or underweight? If so, what daily activities do you participate in to prevent obesity such as walking, jogging, or working out? Are there any activities that you could add into your daily routine to help you stay in shape and combat fat? I suggest adding a few easy physical activities into your daily life, in addition to your regular workout routine. These physical activities may include not parking the car in the nearest parking space, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, vacuuming the house, doing dishes by hand, doing pushups/sit ups between commercials, taking the dog for a walk around the neighborhood, or even swimming at the pool rather than simply laying out.