At this rate we'll all be fat by 2048

October 1, 5:32 PMNutrition ExaminerAnnie Kay

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source We just can't say no.

Sick of hearing about the obesity epidemic? Well, hang onto your Cheeto's,because a new study from the journal Obesity suggests that by 2048, obesity will be universal.

As you probably know, overweight and obesity prevalence have increased steadily among all US population groups.  Experts have ammo to call this a public health epidemic, as overweight and obesity are a greater issue in populations challenged socioeconomically.

Here are the numbers according to the study: The increase (percentage points) in obesity and overweight in adults has been faster than in children (0.77 vs. 0.46–0.49), and in women than in men (0.91 vs. 0.65). If these trends continue, by 2030, 86.3% of US adults will be overweight or obese; and 51.1%, obese. Black women (96.9%) and Mexican-American men (91.1%) would be the most affected. By 2048, all American adults would become overweight or obese, while black women will reach that state by 2034. In children, the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥ 95th percentile, 30%) will nearly double by 2030.

These sorts of trends cost money, and health-care costs attributable to obesity/overweight are projected to double every decade to 860.7–956.9 billion US dollars by 2030, accounting for 16–18% of total US health-care costs. 

The latest NHANES data, an ongoing survey of health that happens across the country, suggested that obesity rates had slowed down in their latest estimates. Let's hope that NHANES, and not this study, are right. Either way, know that overweight is a public health issue that effects every single one of us. So, anytime that you can be an advocate - from insisting that your school no sell candy to your children, to pitching in to build community fitness areas - will matter. Wellness is everybody's business.

Need ideas on making your life leaner? Check out the NIH Weight Information Network.