According to a recent study published in Obesity magazine and reported on the Johns Hopkins website, by 2030, 86% of American adults will be either overweight or obese. Four scientists tracked trends based on historical data over the last thirty years to come up with their findings. Certain demographic segments are projected to fare worse than others; specifically, 96% of black women and 91% of Mexican-American men are predicted to be overweight. Incidentally, blacks and Hispanics represent the two lowest-income segments of the U.S. population (Asians and whites are the highest-income segments).
So, let the finger-pointing begin. Where to start? Shall we blame the low cost of processed food, full of high fructose corn syrup and other zero-nutrition components, relative to the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables? Should we instead point the finger at companies such as McDonald's for providing highly caloric and fatty burgers for 99 cents, while charging upwards of $5 for a fresh salad? Should we blame ourselves, for not monitoring our portion sizes, failing to ensure we eat balanced diets, and eating too much and too often?
How will you ensure that you're not in the 86% category by 2030? More importantly, how can we bring that figure down as a nation?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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