CDC Report on American Obesity Epidemic: How Grassroots Efforts Can Make a Difference

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released the latest statistics on obesity, and the results are tragic. The obesity epidemic has long plagued the United States, due to sedentary lifestyles, processed food, and, in some cases, a general lack of concern.

According to the report on Reuters, 72 million American adults, about 30 percent of the adult population, are obese. The statistics were taken from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and the CDC considers a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher as obese. The CDC report indicates to authorities that weight problems are not just a thing of the past. Obesity rates have been steadily climbing for decades. The question is, what is the next step?

Community Exercise Programs

Obesity leads to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. According to Reuters, "the annual medical costs of obesity are as high as $147 billion. On average, persons who are obese have medical costs that are $1,429 more than persons of normal weight."

This affects not only families, but also local communities who need healthy, active citizens. Central Connecticut has several public spaces for families to tackle weight loss and maintain fit, healthy lifestyles. The Farmington Canal bike trail is always full of walkers, joggers, runners, bikers, and roller bladers getting exercise and enjoying the beautiful Connecticut scenery.

School Lunch Programs

When I was in high school four years ago, students booed as the junk food in the vending machines were replaced with healthy alternatives like 100 percent fruit juice, pita chips, and dried fruit rolls. After a while, however, students understood why the school system made those changes. Today, school lunches are a hot topic in Connecticut public schools.

After the Senate proposed $5 billion over 10 years to improve school lunches under the Obama administration, schools across the state have been making healthy changes, according to WTNH. Healthful school lunches are important, because it is a way to encourage healthy eating and introduce children to healthy alternatives they might not get at home.

The CDC obesity report is scary. We as Americans deserve to live full, healthy lives; our future depends on it. Hopefully, we will see more grassroots efforts to curb the obesity epidemic. Communities can help the effort by providing safe public spaces for exercise and making healthy changes in public schools.

More than 70 million US adults obese, US agency says
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0318532120100803

Push for Healthy School Lunches
http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/new_haven_cty/new-haven-push-healthy-school-lunches