Katie Couric on Obesity in America
Watch the video on YouTube.
Katie Couric addressed the rising numbers in the country’s obesity epidemic on her Notebook segment Sept. 20, 2007. Among the points she brought up:
2/3 of American adults are seriously overweight or obese, a 150 percent increase over the past 30 years
Obesity in children has doubled in the past two decades
The problem is contributing to more disease, such as diabetes, cancer and heart attacks
Obesity contributes to 120,000 more deaths in America each year
The Experts Say
Studies indicate that America spends more than $100 billion on health care needs related to obesity every year. Prescription drugs for controlling diabetes make up the bulk of that cost.
The Centers for Disease Control says Americans in the early 21st century consume an average of 250 more calories per day than they did 20 years ago – which is contributing to an epidemic rise in the number of diabetes cases.
- The problem: Obesity can take up to 20 years off a person’s lifespan.
- The solution: Eating right and staying active to keep the extra pounds off.
Couric points out that every taxpayer, no matter the size of their waistband, is footing the bill for these problems. She adds that obesity should be a main focal point for any discussion on health care in America.
Dr Kal’s Addendum:
This video is older, but the message is still very pertinent. If only we had started acting then.
Weight loss can be enhanced and better maintained with strength training. For more information on my favorite strength training tool, read my review of the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells.
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