The Obesity Epidemic: A Look at the Stats (Ages 12-55)

 

I recall weighing myself quite some time ago at my doctor’s office where I had reached an unprecedented 315 pounds…it was here that I learned I was a type 2 diabetic,  suffered from severe  hyper-tension,  and knew I simply needed to make a change. 

While my posts focus on daily,  gradual changes for the most part, today,  I take you through an in depth look at obesity,  and the numbers are staggering.  

Obesity has become a major public health concern worldwide, with significant impacts on individual health and societal costs. 

This blog post will delve into the alarming statistics surrounding obesity within the age range of 12 to 55.

Prevalence:

• Adolescents (12-19 years): Obesity rates in this age group have been steadily rising. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20.6% of adolescents in the United States have obesity.

• Adults (20-55 years): Obesity prevalence increases significantly in adulthood. Data from the CDC indicates that over 42% of adults aged 20-55 in the United States have obesity.

Health Consequences:

Obesity significantly increases the risk of numerous chronic diseases, including:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body either doesn't properly use insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin.

• Heart Disease: Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• Stroke: Obesity increases the risk of stroke by various mechanisms, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

• Certain Types of Cancer: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, endometrial, and kidney cancer.

• Joint Problems: Excess weight puts significant strain on joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis.

• Sleep Apnea: Obesity can disrupt breathing patterns during sleep, leading to serious health complications.

• Mental Health Issues: Obesity can contribute to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Socioeconomic Factors:

• Income Disparities: Obesity rates tend to be higher in lower-income populations, highlighting the significant impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes.

• Access to Healthy Food: Limited access to affordable, nutritious foods, particularly in underserved communities, contributes to higher obesity rates.

• Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles, often driven by factors like long work hours and limited access to safe recreational spaces, contribute to weight gain.

Addressing the Obesity Epidemic:

Combating obesity requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Promoting Healthy Eating:

• Encourage consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Limit intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

• Increasing Physical Activity:

• Promote regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, and team sports.

• Create safe and accessible spaces for physical activity.

• Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities:

• Improve access to affordable, healthy food in underserved communities.

• Implement policies that promote physical activity in schools and workplaces

• Public Health Campaigns:

• Raise awareness about the health risks of obesity.

• Provide education and support for healthy lifestyle choices.

It is easy, very very easy to hit a drive through and pick up a quick bite for you and your family.  9 times out of 10,  we will opt for that delicious cheeseburger with the french fries and the ice cold soda pop versus say,  a grilled chicken salad.  

I know…that was me. 

The key here is a healthy balance…eat that cheeseburger meal on a Saturday where the rest of the week you are enjoying delicious,  healthy and made at home meals.  

Instead of sitting at home watching tv,  munching out on the couch,  grab the family and take a leisurely 10-15 minute brisk walk, daily.    The health benefits alone(more on that soon) will reap rewards. 

The best recommendation I can give you here is to simply listen to your physician.  On my physician's direction,  I made lifestyle changes,  adjusted my diet and exercise regimen,  and so far have dropped a little over 50 pounds… the right way. 

In addition to the loss in weight,  my a1C levels have dropped significantly and I am nearing that magical number of 5.5(although 5.7 and anything below is considered normal).  I will dive into A1C and glucose levels in a future post. 

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, and the results wreak havoc not only on our health,  but our general well being and mindset, if we fall victim to it. 

This blog post aims to provide a concise overview of the obesity epidemic within the specified age range. It is essential to continue research and implement effective interventions to combat this significant public health challenge.

I hope this blog post is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

To Your Health,

-Tommy

Disclaimer:

This blog post provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on weight management and health concerns.

Please Note: These statistics are based on available data and may vary depending on the source and specific population studied.