Obesity continues to rise in US, says a new report

Washington, Aug 28 (UNI) Obesity rates are continue to rise across the United States with its capital, Washington, DC, having the highest rate (22.8 per cent) of overweight children ages 10 to 17, said a new report The report, released here yesterday by a research group, 'Trust for America's Health', said two-third of American adults are either overweight or obese. Adult obesity rates have grown from 15 per cent in 1978-80 to 32 per cent in 2003-04 based on a national survey.

In the past year, obesity rates continued to rise in 31 of the 50 US states. Twenty-two of these states experienced an increase for the second year in a row.

The document makes it a point to note that obesity rates have not dropped in a single state. Nearly one in 3 adults -- 30.6 per cent are now reported to be obese in Mississippi, representing the first time adult obesity rates have exceeded 30 per cent in a single state.

Mississippi also has the highest adult hypertension rate, the highest rate of physical inactivity, the second highest rate of adult diabetes, and the highest rate of poverty.

Adult obesity rates currently exceed 25 per cent in 19 states, an increase from 14 states last year. Adult obesity rates exceed 20 per cent in 47 states and Washington D C, an increase from 43 states and the capital last year.

According to the report, anyone with a body mass index, a measurement that takes into account height and weight, greater than 30 is considered obese.

Overweight people face an increased risk for diabetes,heart problems and other chronic diseases.

Officials at the Trust for America's Health are calling on the government to play a larger role in preventing obesity. They suggest policies advocating healthier eating choices, increasing regulation of the restaurant industry and making it easier for Americans to get physical exercise.

UNI