Obesity Rising Among The Rich

Obesity Rising In All Income Levels, Especially Among the Rich

(WebMD)  Here are the results for 2001-2002:

• Less than $25,000: 32.5 percent obese
  
  
• $25,000-$40,000: 31.3 percent obese
  
  
• $40,000-$60,000: 30.3 percent obese
  
  
• More than $60,000: 26.8 percent obese

Here's how much obesity increased in each category:

• Less than $25,000: increase of 144 percent
  
  
• $25,000-$40,000: increase of 194 percent
  
  
• $40,000-$60,000: increase of 209 percent
  
  
• More than $60,000: increase of 276 percent

Numbers are based on national surveys of adults who were at least 20 years old. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Income was adjusted to year 2000 U.S. dollars.

The statistics don't include people who are overweight but not obese (BMI of 25-29.9).


Pounds, Dollars, And Weight Loss

Rich or poor, obesity is widely considered a health risk. It's been shown to burden just about every part of the body.

The CDC says that being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions including:

• High blood pressure
  
  
• High blood cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides, another blood fat associated with both heart disease and diabetes
  
  
• Type 2 diabetes
  
  
• Coronary heart disease
  
  
• Stroke
  
  
• Gallbladder disease
  
  
• Osteoarthritis
  
  
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
  
  
• Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

The federal government has set a goal of reducing obesity to less than 15 percent of the adult population by 2010. The latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that 30 percent of U.S. adults are obese and 16 percent of children and teens are considered overweight, which increases their risk for obesity.

For many of us, changing what we eat, reducing calories, and becoming more active are ways to help reduce weight or maintain weight loss. See a doctor for guidance to get started.

Sources: American Heart Association's 45th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Washington, April 29-May 2, 2005. News release, American Heart Association. CDC.