Big Way Of Life

Have a look at the graphic below to see how the obesity levels have risen in the US in just 14 years.

In the grand scheme of things, 14 years is not a long time and this just goes to show how much of an issue obesity has become. In some states the percentage of obesity has more than doubled. This has subsequently led to an increase in other obesity-related problems such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes, cancers and many others.

These results are obviously only for the US and so it is unclear as to whether the UK has shown a similar growth but it is no secret that waistlines are getting bigger.

In a blog by writer Kaid Benfield, he suggests that the rise in obesity levels is less down to what people eat but rather to the surrounding environment and the way in which it is becoming less suitable to keeping fit and healthy. Benfield also bemoans society (or at least the majority of it) for being too passive to this environmental and social change and outlines his frustration at the lack of action from those in the public health sector.

To read more from Benfield, click here.