6.6% of Severely Obese Americans and Counting…

Startling research published online by the International Journal of Obesity has found the percentage of American adults that classify as severely obese has increased dramatically since the year 2000.  In 2000, approximately 6.6% of adults in the United States (15.5 million people) were severely obese, a vast increase from 3.9% in the year 2000. What is considered severe obesity?  Severe obesity is an individual with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, roughly 100 or more pounds overweight.

The research also found that severe obesity is 50% higher amongst women compared to men and twice as many African Americans are severely obese compared to Hispanics and whites.  In addition, the percentages of those severely obese who are under 40 years old are similar to those who are over 40.

These findings do not only affect the individual.  It affects the entire nation.  Moderate obesity raises health care costs by 20-30% more than those at a healthy weight, while severe obesity more than doubles health care costs.

There are many factors that contribute to these statistics.  While one needs to consider the possible genetic predisposition among the obese, we have to also consider the environment we live in today.  Everywhere you turn there are large amounts of foods available.  Did you ever wonder if the severely obese people would have become overweight versus severely obese if the environment supported healthier living?  Now, I’m not saying overweight is healthy.  Either way, having excess weight and body fat is detrimental to your health and something needs to be done!

Take a moment to think about your surroundings and past experiences.  How have they contributed to your eating behaviors?  What can we do to reverse this downward spiral?

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