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Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

Fat Future: 42% of Americans May Be Obese by 2030

Author:     DANIEL J. DENOON
Source:     WebMD
Publication Date:     7-May-12
 Link: Fat Future: 42% of Americans May Be Obese by 2030
Stephan:   Part of this obesity problem, I believe, arises from personal life styles. However, a large part also is the result of lifelong ingestion of foods that are processed and compromised by a wide range of hormones, antibiotics, toxins, and pollutants. It is very hard to eat a healthy diet in the United States without specialized knowledge and access to organic locally grown food -- something that is virtually impossible in large parts of the country both rural and urban. The result is massive increases in a wide range of diseases. The one thing that is accomplished by this system is that it is incredibly profitable for the few. Industrial agriculture wins, Big Pharma wins, the illness profit system in general wins. The only real loser is you, your family, and your children.

By 2030, 42% of Americans will be obese and 11% of Americans will be severely obese, Duke University and CDC researchers predict.

These shocking numbers actually are conservative, note study researchers Eric A. Finkelstein, PhD, and colleagues.

Finkelstein’s team based its calculations on self-reported weight and height from people participating in the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Obesity is defined by body mass index (BMI). People tend to underestimate their weight and overestimate their height. The researchers corrected for this. They also factored in state-by-state trends in factors affecting obesity, such as the number of fast-food restaurants per person and the cost of unhealthy, calorie-dense foods vs. healthy foods.

There’s some good news. The study suggests that adult obesity in the U.S. is leveling off, albeit at an unacceptably high level. Previous estimates suggested that 51% of Americans would be obese in 2030. But that figure may be too full, the new study finds.

Slimming Slideshow: 24 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting
Severe Obesity a Severe Problem

Whatever comfort that good news may bring is more than made up for by the finding that severe obesity — BMI of 40 or more — is skyrocketing. Severely obese people are at the highest risk […]

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