Healthy Research

According to recently released reports from the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is clear that America continues to shift the scales as an overweight nation:

Prevalence and Trends in Obesity Among US Adults, 1999-2000. Katherine M. Flegal; Margaret D. Carroll; Cynthia L. Ogden; Clifford L. Johnson JAMA. 2002;288:1723-1727 (pdf)

Physical Activity and Good Nutrition: Essential Elements to Prevent Chronic Diseases and Obesity At A Glance 2002, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2002 (pdf)

"At least one-third of all cancers are attributable to poor diet, physical inactivity, and being overweight. Thus, if our goal of reducing cancer incidence by 25% in the United States by 2015 is to be reached, cancer prevention efforts must include strong programs for healthy eating and physical activity. Such programs will also help to reduce the incidence of many other chronic diseases."

Dileep G. Bal, MD, MS, MPH Past President, American Cancer Society; Physical Activity and Good Nutrition: Essential Elements to Prevent Chronic Diseases and Obesity At A Glance 2002

"Overweight children are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other serious health problems. They are part of an epidemic of overweight and obesity that must be addressed so that they can lead healthier lives,"

said Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC Full Report

To portray the epidemic nature of obesity in the U.S., the CDC compiled 15 years of nationwide obesity rates into this slideshow presentation so as to visually render the rampant spread of obesity. *It is important to note during this presentation that in 1985, there existed no states within the >20% adult obesity rate. However, the most recent obesity data from 2000 depicts 22 states (including Illinois) as having a >20% adult obesity rate.

The health statistics associated with the prevalence of overweight Americans are staggering. The US Dept of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that 300,000 deaths annually are associated with behavioral choices that include inactive lifestyles and poor diets. The millions of those who battle heart disease could also increase their health or prevent further damage through an increase in regular physical activity. HHS Full Report