Obesity: A Global Concern

FACTS

• Between 1980 and 2000, obesity rates doubled among adults. About 60 million adults, or 30% of the adult population, are now obese.
• Similarly since 1980, overweight rates have doubled among children and tripled among adolescents – increasing the number of years they are exposed to the health risks of obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes – once believed to affect only adults – is now being diagnosed among young people.
• More than 50% of American adults do not get the recommended amount of physical activity to provide health benefits.

Among children and adolescents, annual hospital costs related to overweight and obesity more than tripled over the past two decades – rising to $127 million during 1997–1999 (in 2001 constant U.S. dollars), up from $35 million during 1979–1981.

Among adults in 1996, one study found that $31 billion of the treatment costs (in year 2000 dollars) for cardiovascular disease – 17% of direct medical costs – were related to overweight and obesity.

Health Related Conditions Linked to Obesity... Type 2 Diabetes. High blood pressure/Heart disease. Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints. Sleep apnea/Respiratory problems. Gastro esophageal reflux/Heartburn. Depression. Infertility. Urinary stress incontinence. Menstrual irregularities.