Obesity Rate Still High

The number of states with an obesity prevalence of 30 percent or more has tripled in two years to nine states, according to a CDC Vital Signs report. In 2000, no state had an obesity prevalence of 30 percent or more.
No state has met the nation’s Healthy People 2010 goal to lower obesity prevalence to 15 percent. A 1.1 percentage point increase—an additional 2.4 million people—self-reported prevalence of obesity between 2007 and 2009.
“Obesity continues to be a major public health problem,” says CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D. “We need intensive, comprehensive and ongoing efforts to address obesity. If we don’t more people will get sick and die from obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.”
Obesity data underestimates true obesity prevalence. Research has found that both men and women often say they are taller than they actually are and women often say they weigh less than they do in telephone surveys. As a result, according to William Dietz, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, the overall prevalence estimate of 26.7 percent is lower than the actual U.S. population obesity rate.
“Obesity is a complex problem that requires both personal and community action,” says Dietz. “People in all communities should be able to make healthy choices, but in order to make those choices there must be healthy choices to make. We need to change our communities into places where healthy eating and active living are the easiest path.”
Tips to lose weight:
• Reduce daily calories by 500.
• Increase physical activity.
• Set an achievable goal for weight reduction.
• Replace high-calorie foods with healthy alternatives.
Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for weight loss and eating disorders, as well as a wide range of other health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.