posted 01/22/03
In 2001, eight percent of the U.S. population suffered
from diabetes, a condition often related to excess weight—an eight percent
increase from 2000.
The telephone survey of over 195, 000 adults, the
largest conducted to date in the United States, found a continued increase of
obesity and diabetes among men and women of all ages, races and educational
levels from 2000 to 2001.
During this time, obesity affected some 21
percent of Americans, a six percent increase from the previous year. In 2001,
eight percent of the U.S. population suffered from diabetes, a condition often
related to excess weight—an eight percent increase from 2000.
Obesity and overweight were defined by body mass
index (BMI), a calculation that factors in a person’s height and weight. A BMI
between 25 and 29.9 indicates overweight, 30 or above obesity.
Based on they survey findings, researchers
estimate that over 21 million men and 23 million women are obese in the United
States, a 74 percent increase since 1991.
Overweight and obesity are associated with
several risk factors for morbidity and mortality, and those who are extremely
obese have a several-fold higher risk of related health conditions.
The survey found that people whose BMIs were 40
or higher were more than seven times as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes,
more than six times more likely to have high blood pressure and four times as
likely to have arthritis, compared to those with normal weights.
Researchers note that the current obesity
estimates are likely substantially underestimated. Often, people underestimate
their weights and overestimate their heights, which would alter their actual
BMI. Moreover, those without telephones could not participate in the survey.
This group of people may be of lower economic status, a condition that has been
associated with obesity and diabetes. Cases of diabetes that had not been
diagnosed were also not included in the study.
Obesity and the related form of diabetes are preventable, however. The CDC recommends 30 minutes of physical activity per day for good health, and 60 minutes each day for those who want to lose weight.
Source: Diabetes In Control Dot Com: JAMA January 1, 2003;289:76-79.
January 2003 News Article Index
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