Blog

There has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States over the past 20 years. According to The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, only the state of Colorado has a prevalence of obesity among its residents of less than 20 percent. Thirty states had obesity prevalence equal to or greater than 25 percent; and the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30 percent. Texas reported an obesity rate of 28.9 percent for the year 2008 using the Body Mass Index of at least 30, with another 37.2 percent considered overweight based on a BMI of 25-29.9. A total of 33.8 percent of Texans are considered neither overweight nor obese with a BMI of less than 24.9.

Regional studies within the Lone Star State show that the Dallas/Fort Worth area has a much greater rate of obesity than fitter cities like Austin, where individuals are more apt to walk and bike as well as participate in a wide assortment of sports and exercise programs.

While reports also show that more people are aware of the health concerns, including a greater risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and other ailments, the numbers of obese cases is not decreasing. Worrisome trends are how obesity is beginning at a younger age, with childhood obesity now considered an ìepidemicî by many health professionals.

A bright spot to the news is that health professionals are reporting that an increasing number of obese individuals are taking steps to permanently lose the weight, through such options as weight loss surgery. While diet and exercise alone can accomplish desired weight loss goals, many individuals lose weight, only to regain it again, and create an unhealthy pattern that they seem unable to master successfully. The availability and affordability of weight loss surgery has provided many with a solution that not only immediately begins taking off the pounds, but keeps the weight off as well.