We all know that Americans tend to be a little more on the heavier side compared to the rest of the world when it comes to weight. But a new report published in JAMA Internal Medicine, has finally confirmed what we’ve been ignoring as true: more than two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese.
The study was conducted by using data from 2007 to 2012 of a nationally representative group of 15,208 people ages 25 or older, Time nagazine reports. During those five years, researchers estimated that 40% of men were overweight and 35% of men were obese, while 30% of women were overweight and 37% of women were obese. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also estimated the same findings, enforcing the legitimacy of this study even further.
The findings confirm weight gain in Americans has grown steadily (no pun intended) over the last 20 years, leaving researchers seriously concerned for the health of future generations. Lin Yang, the study’s author, told Time, “This will need a political will to support multi-level approaches through individual, health professional, community, environment and policy engagement to address this epidemic as a whole.” Suddenly Michelle Obama’s #LetsMove campaign seems all the more important.
Not that you need to be reminded, but serious issues arise in those who are overweight or obese, especially heart disease and diabetes. While it’s certainly possible to be healthy at any size, if you’re carrying extra pounds that you really can get rid of, think about making more of a priority to eat your greens and get a quick cardio work out in!
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