Some of the more shocking statistics of late regarding the US include :-

• Between 1962 and 2000 the number of obese people in the US rose from 13% to a staggering 31%, equating to millions of extra suffers.
• Over 60% of Americans have a BMI figure of over 25%, which denotes that they are clinically overweight.
• Obesity in children has risen by an alarming 300% over the last 20 years, setting a very dangerous foundation for the future.
• US doctor believe that obesity alone is responsible for in excess of 300,000 deaths a year - not to mention other conditions brought on by being overweight, e.g. falls, etc.
• More stats available at the fat belly diet  site...
  

There are significantly more males overweight than females.

While it is common knowledge that by being overweight a person will increase their chances of suffering from an array of medical conditions, but the list is perhaps longer than many would guess and includes :-

• High blood pressure, and excessive cholesterol levels.
• Heart disease.
• Stokes.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Gall stones.
• Back pain.
• Gout.
• Some forms of cancer.
• Complicated pregnancy.
• Sleep and respiratory problems.
• and many more.

However, perhaps one of the most troubling effects of being overweight is the potential impact on a person mental state.  The amount of people who suffer from depression, low self esteem, self harm and eating disorders has exploded over the last few years and is having a major impact on corporate America.  We are now seeing companies actively promote healthy eating and healthy life styles in order to increase attendance and productivity figures.

Overweight and Obesity

 We are also seeing action by the US authorities with certain food advertising restricted, and a general effort to promote a more healthy lifestyle.  The US has always been the land of the quick lunch, and life on the move seems to be getting quicker and quicker.  This has left many with little time to consider their dietary and exercise requirements.  

The fact that we are seeing obesity and overweight conditions begin to have a major impact on the working population, and productivity levels,  seems to have woken up many regulatory and corporate bodies.  We are seeing signs of a concerted effort to improve the health of the nation, however this has been engrained in US life for over 20 years and it will take some time to turn the tide.

There has been constant speculation of a “health” style tax, which would encourage both the population and corporate bodies to encourage healthier and more active lifestyles.  While this seems a fairly blunt method of obtaining the desired result, it seems that many will only begin to understand the seriousness of the situation when it begins to “hit them in the pocket”.

On a slightly different note, the recent approval of Alli (a variety of new weight loss pills based on the highly successful prescription drug Orlistat) by the FDA has been encouraging.  The fact that the new weight loss treatment is available over the counter (OTC) is seen by many as a means of handing some control back to the over weight in the population.  This has eliminated the sometimes embarrassing visit to the doctors and may well encourage many to consider their options, and their health.  The new pills are available in all major US pharmaceutical outlets, with more and more online outlets appearing.