Lifestyle Choices
While the number of people that smoke has fallen to
below 20%, those classified as either overweight or
obese has risen steadily.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
over 33% of the U.S. population is considered obese, while
about half that number (16%) of the nation`s children
are obese.
Obesity increases the risk of many diseases and health
conditions, including:
- Coronary heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
- Stroke
- Liver and Gallbladder disease
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
- Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)
While the CDC doesn`t list it, a number of
studies have shown a link between obesity and mental
disorders.
U.S. Obesity
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