OBESITY AND THE OVERWEIGHT - THE STARTLING STATISTICS

The United States of America has the highest rates in the world of overweight people  (68% of the US population) and obesity (34% of the population). According to a new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 1 in 10 people are obese worldwide!

Some countries, such as the UK,  have managed to slow the growth of obesity by increasing taxes of fatty and sugary foods. 

But countries that condition populations to eat such foods (through unlimited advertisements, cheap fast food etc), have increased levels of obesity. In 2 years, the US has increased its levels by 30%, according to this report.

Causes of overweight bodies and obesity include poor diet, lack of exercise, pollution and socio-economic status. The poorest states, such as Alabama, have the highest rates of overweight people. 

See this slideshow from the Huffington Post on worldwide statistics:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/obesity-rates-rising-developed-fattest-world_n_1294212.html.

 

According to the US National Cancer Institute:

• Obesity is associated with increased risks of cancers of the esophagus, breast (postmenopausal), endometrium (the lining of the uterus), colon and rectum, kidney, pancreas, thyroid, gallbladder, and possibly other cancer types.

• Obese people are also at higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a number of other chronic diseases.