I suppose this is one of the main reasons that despite our greater expenditures for healthcare, we lag some other countries when it comes to various health categories – and life expectancy.
Obese Americans now outweigh the merely overweight | U.S. | Reuters
Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. It said just under 6 percent are "extremely" obese.
"More than one-third of adults, or over 72 million people, were obese in 2005-2006, the NCHS said in its report.
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The figures come from the 2005-2006 survey and are the most current available.
"During the physical examination, conducted in mobile examination centers, height and weight were measured as part of a more comprehensive set of body measurements," the NCHS report said.
"Although the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled since 1980, the prevalence of overweight has remained stable over the same time period," it said.
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In the 1988-1994 surveys, 33 percent of Americans were overweight, 22.9 percent were obese and 2.9 percent were morbidly obese. The numbers have edged up steadily since.
Being overweight or obese raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, arthritis and other conditions.
In May, the CDC reported that 32 percent of U.S. children fit the definition of being overweight, 16 percent were obese and 11 percent were extremely obese.
Here's where you can go to calculate your own body mass index (BMI) and quickly find out where you fit in –
Calculate your BMI – Standard BMI Calculator
FULL DISCLOSURE – I need to lose 17 pounds to get out of the overweight category. Or gain 14 pounds to "advance" to the obese category.
Tim fits the definition of being overweight – his BMI is 28.3 – and is within a few pounds of being obese (BMI of 30). Not good.
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