IT'S CRAZY!

    Browsing through Men's Fitness magazine, I ran across an article on obesity. If current projections  recently released hold, 32 million more Americans could be obese by 2030. That would add roughly $550 billion in medical expenses. Largely because obesity increases the risk of many diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and cancer. As I mentioned in an earlier posting, it also increases the risk of more severe obesity. These health and economic costs will continue to rise without serious intervention!

Though the rise of obesity has slowed down, the report predicts that over the next 18 years, the rate will increase to 42%. That's up from the 2010 level of 36%. Of that 42%, 11% of U.S. adults will be severely obese.

Previous reports had put the percentage around 50%. Additional data was used to try to produce a more accurate estimate. Factors such as age and gender were used. They also looked at prices of healthy and fast food ( which unfortunately, healthy food seems to be more expensive), access to the internet, and annual household income.

Researchers believe this trend can be slowed  with new technologies, more recreational facilities, health promotion at work and better urban design.

When you think about it, it's crazy! Almost 50% of the U.S. is estimated to be obese in the near future! That's not even counting what the numbers will be worldwide. We've gotta do better. Why not start today? No one starts at the top of the ladder but steps are taken in order to get there, even small steps. Drink one less soda and eat one healthier meal a day. Exercise for 20 mins once or twice a week. And as as time passes increase those positive changes more and more. I guarantee that if you stick to it, you'll look and definitely feel better!