A new study shows America is getting fatter, with Mississippi leading the pack. Obesity is happening all across America in both adults and children. 30 states have 30% or more of their children obese. This is a staggering number. Not surprising is that the Southern states have the highest obesity rates.
Two-thirds of all Americans are now obese or overweight. Not only do the obese individuals suffer but the nation as a whole. Obesity leads to general poor health and many associated problems such as diabetes and heart disease . The strain on the health care system is tremendous and the overall cost of health care goes up.
“Our healthcare cost have grown with our waistlines” said Jeff Levi, executive director of Trust for America’s Health. If America does not trim down then nursing homes and health care facilities, which are already stressed from the aging population, will become increasing more strained resulting in an increase in medical neglect and medical mistakes. Thousands die each year from medical mistakes usually the result of overworked or undertrained staff. Lets do our part and trim down America.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
