Some American Obesity Facts and Statistics

A study conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between the years 2001 and 2004 determined that roughly two-thirds of the adults in the United States of America were overweight, and that of them one-third were considered to be obese. While this information comes with a lot of related details and statistics, it is important to consider the cost in terms of negative health issues rather than just dollars and cents.

While the dollar cost connected to obesity and inactivity amounts to the tens of billions in required health care, it also means that millions of Americans are going to develop at least one serious health concern as a result of obesity or morbid obesity. For example, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, and many types of cancer are all associated risks for those who maintain too much body fat and who also fail to exercise.

While diet and exercise alone cannot prevent people from developing major diseases and conditions, they can keep the total body mass index significantly lower. This is a ratio or figure that is used to determine if someone is overweight or obese. The body mass index, or BMI, is a single number that is calculated by dividing the individual’s weight by their height. Currently, the formula uses kilograms but by multiplying the weight in pounds by 704.5 and dividing the height in the form of total inches twice, the BMI is obtained. For example, a woman who stands 5’7” tall and weighs 145 pounds would have a BMI of 22 or 23.

So just how is this relevant to the obesity issue in America? If more Americans were to aim for a healthier BMI (a range of 19 to 24 is desired, or at least considered normal weight range), the likelihood of their developing major disease would drop dramatically too. This is because both body weight and body fat would decline, eliminating the issues that bring about many major health problems. In addition to diet and exercise, a viable option for good candidates is bariatric surgery. The least invasive method of proceeding with weight loss surgery is laparoscopic weight loss surgery procedures, including LAP BAND surgery. Speak with a Long Island bariatric surgeon for further information.