The Obesity Problem

By W. Steven Pray, PhD, DPh

Ten years ago the World Health Organization estimated that 1.6 billion adults (over age 15 years) were overweight in 2005. In the U.S., the overall incidence of obesity has doubled since 1980. Certain groups have fared even worse; the incidence tripled in children and teens. An estimated one-third of adults are considered overweight and another third are obese.

Obesity exhibits distinct epidemiological trends. In women, 82% of non-Hispanic blacks are obese, compared to 75% of Mexican Americans and 58% of non-Hispanic white women. Seventy-six percent of Mexican American men are obese, compared to 71% of non-Hispanic white men and 69% of non-Hispanic black men.

Family income influences obesity. Women with lower income have a 50% higher risk of developing obesity than those with higher income. The reason is thought to be the preferential purchasing of high-fat, high-calories foods, which may be less expensive than healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.

The list of health problems related to obesity is compelling. It includes heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, the metabolic syndrome, cancer, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, reproductive problems, and gallstones.

So can we quit pretending that 'fat shaming' is a bad thing, and go back to promoting a healthy life style?