In U.S., Waistlines Keep Expanding

[n2doc]

It’s well known that the U.S. has grappled with growing obesity levels, and a new Gallup poll confirms that Americans just keep getting larger. The report finds 27 percent of Americans had a body mass index (BMI) that classified them as obese in 2013, compared with 25.5 percent in 2008.

Only 2 percent of Americans are considered underweight, with a BMI of under 18.5. That percentage has remained steady in the last five years.

Hawaiians currently have the lowest rate of obesity, but that’s still a whopping 19 percent of the state’s population. Mississippi has the highest number of residents who are obese: 35.2 percent.


The report also looked at population trends and found obesity increased most among people over 65 years old, from 23.4 percent in 2008 to 27.4 percent in 2013. Middle-age adults (ages 45 to 64), Midwesterners, women and whites were the next fastest growing populations when it comes to unhealthy weight gain. The report also reflects the trend that people who are obese tend to have lower incomes.

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http://www.newsweek.com/us-waistlines-keep-expanding-336874

[Jester Messiah]

1. It doesn't help that some groups are trying to mainstream obesity.

Yes, positive body image is a good thing, but delusion is not. A clear-eyed view of the health concerns that obesity brings is sadly lacking in many who have the most need of it, and they will fight and argue against such if it is presented to them.

[Warpy]

2. Overweight is mainstream and always has been

It's only the young and temporarily thin who look down their long blue noses at their elders who have put on a few pounds, especially their female elders.

Fat shaming doesn't work, it only makes the targets depressed and that makes them put on more weight. So knock it off.

There is a huge difference between overweight and exogenous obesity--or morbid obesity for that matter. Data suggest older people who are overweight live longer than those who conform to insurance company "norms," possibly because energy reserves help them cope with illness or injury.

In any case, worthwhile humans come in all body types. Shutting people down because they don't conform to yours is a loser's game.

[SheilaT]

3. Overweight has not always been mainstream.

If you go back to the 60's and earlier, you'll almost never see an obese person, let alone a morbidly obese person. And the fat kids in school would hardly be considered fat these days.

I don't think JesterMessiah is advocating fat shaming, but there's a difference between that and recognizing that obesity really isn't a very good thing.

[Warpy]

4. Uh, overweight people were common in the 1950s

and again, you're conflating it with morbid obesity, which it is not.

We are not all the same body type. Get used to it.

[SheilaT]

5. Yes, overweight people have been around forever.

But the percentage of overweight people has skyrocketed. Just look at group photos from the 50's, and what stands out is you almost never see an obese person, and not very many overweight. We have gotten to the point where overweight looks normal, and it shouldn't. I am not confusing mere overweight with obesity.

I was one of those who was very skinny as a child and into my 20's. So it's not as though I'm effortlessly slender and don't get it about other body types.

[wordpix]

6. big problem is sugar and fats + salt = addictive foods

I'm a cancer patient and have learned that cancer loves sugar so I've cut out most of it. However, I still make cakes and cookies for special occasions, cutting down the sugar in the recipe usually by 1/2. Still, that stuff is addictive! It takes all my willpower not to eat another cookie or piece of cake, even knowing how bad it is for me. Another addictive food is anything fried or roasted in oil with salt added (chips, nuts, etc). I eat 100% organic now and it's very difficult eating only a few chips at a time.

If you can stay away from these foods and substitute a salad, veggie sticks or raw fruit for snacks, you'll lose weight.

I am wondering if/when some obese people will sue food corporations, like smokers sued cigarette makers. I am sure these food cos. deliberately use extra sugar and salt to make the foods addictive.