This is a study published in the scientific journal The Lancet which draws this alarming observation: nearly three-quarters of adults and more than a third of children are now overweight or obese in the United States. The obesity rate has doubled since 1990 among American adults, and in just over 20 years, nearly 260 million people are expected to be overweight or obese in America (out of a population of 330 million today). .
The Lancet don’t hesitate to speak “epidemic” of obesity, and highlights all the health complications that are linked to a high BMI (Body Mass Index): diabetes, cancer, heart and respiratory problems and mental health disorders. Without forgetting the considerable costs. The latest range available dates from 2016 for the United States: health costs linked to obesity are estimated at between 261 and 481 billion dollars.
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**The southern states are and will remain the most affected, according to the study: Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, Kentucky and Texas. In the latter state, more than half of adolescent boys aged 15 to 24 are overweight or overweight. In Mississippi, it’s 80% of adult women.
To fight obesity, only one solution: prevention
This goes through healthier school mealswith more fruits and vegetables, and by a fight against sugary drinks, major causes of obesity. Cities like Philadelphia, Seattle or Oakland have imposed taxes on these drinks, and we are seeing a drop in calorie consumption. The next Trump administration should move in this direction. During his first mandate, for example, he reintroduced chocolate milk into children’s school meals.
Another line of action: neighborhoods more conducive to walking than driving.
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