Source: kfoxtv.com
With the new year kicking off, Americans all over the country are making resolutions to live healthier, more balanced lifestyles. But the question is how long will those resolutions last, and will they really make a difference in America’s growing obesity rate?
A new study done by the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that half of America will be considered obese within this decade. Although difficult to pinpoint the exact reason behind the alarming increase in numbers, a big part of it can do with unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles and lack of accessibility to healthier food options.
“I think what’s even more important is quality of life. When we start looking at quality of life and realize that we can’t do many of the things we want, like spending time with family or even just walking, then it becomes something bigger,” said Dr. Benjamin Clapp of El Paso Bariatric surgery.
The findings in that study suggest that by 2030, nearly 1 in 2 adults will be obese, with at least 35% of people in each state across America being considered obese.
“The good news is that this is completely treatable. It’s something that we can do something about whether that’s a surgical or non-surgical method but the patients really needs to get help and think about getting some help,” said Clapp.
Nearly 1 in 4 adults is projected to be severely obese, which means that person will weigh 100 pounds more than what is considered to be a healthy weight. The study also mentions that severe obesity will likely be most common among women, non-Hispanic black adults, and low-income adults who earn less than 50,000 dollars a year.
“When I talk to my patients about obesity I like to point out that that’s the root underlying cause of other complex medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol,” said Clapp. He suggests making small lifestyle changes that can help in living a more balanced lifestyle.