F as in Fat How Obesity Threatens America s Future 2011
F as in Fat How Obesity Threatens America s Future – 2011 Health and Well-Being
Adult obesity rates actually increased in 16 states between July 2010 and July 2011 (page 11). Obesity is impacting America’s already weak economy, costing $150 billion in related health care costs and an addition $73 billion in lost productivity. The report includes exceptional state-by-state comparisons both on obesity and health indicators. Unfortunately, eight states had obesity rates above 30 percent - double that of just two years previously (page 14). Nine of the top ten most obese states are located in the South, indicating a geographical values and lifestyle split nationwide. Obesity and healthcare costs are intrinsically linked. Beyond the youth obesity issue, as the nation grows older, it is also growing fatter. Knowing the percentages of obesity in your locality, as well as which policy and action steps can be implemented, are crucial keys to reducing aging/obesity costs.
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F as in Fat How Obesity Threatens America s Future – 2011
Full Report
Overview
As of 2011, “two-thirds of adults and nearly one-third of children and teens are obese or overweight” (page 3). This health epidemic is the root cause of escalating diseases and skyrocketing costs. This report, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for the Trust for America’s Health (healthyamericans.org), examines the link between obesity, policies and trends. This report can help planners and local governments determine where they rank and what actions to take in fighting this preventable epidemic.Key Points
The report is a part of an ongoing call for a national strategy that began in 2006. Each year the report has been published, the “grade” has been an “F.” Though the issue of obesity has since garnered much media hype, little is actually being accomplished. If anything, it is getting worse. The report identifies six areas of policy recommendations for reversing the obesity trends in children, the emphasis of the Trust for America’s Health effort. Those recommendations range from increasing the daily physical activity of our youth to pricing strategies, both incentives and disincentives, to change food choices towards healthier options. Other report highlights include:Adult obesity rates actually increased in 16 states between July 2010 and July 2011 (page 11). Obesity is impacting America’s already weak economy, costing $150 billion in related health care costs and an addition $73 billion in lost productivity. The report includes exceptional state-by-state comparisons both on obesity and health indicators. Unfortunately, eight states had obesity rates above 30 percent - double that of just two years previously (page 14). Nine of the top ten most obese states are located in the South, indicating a geographical values and lifestyle split nationwide. Obesity and healthcare costs are intrinsically linked. Beyond the youth obesity issue, as the nation grows older, it is also growing fatter. Knowing the percentages of obesity in your locality, as well as which policy and action steps can be implemented, are crucial keys to reducing aging/obesity costs.
How to Use br
This is one of the more comprehensive reports on obesity in America. Local governments and planners should use this in evaluating how obesity impacts services such as medical response, disabilities, and socio-economic status (page 20) in building an age-friendly environment. It is also worthwhile to consider cultural values related to health that may actually be a hindrance to livability within a community. View full report:Stay Informed — For Free
The weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities e-Newsletter provides local leaders with information and inspiration for making their town, city or neighborhood more livable for older adults and people of all ages.Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures