# data[].attributes.body
The prevalence of obesity in America has grown significantly over the past few years. Of Americans, 81% consider obesity to be the most serious health problem in the nation, coming before diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, and HIV/AIDS. While there is increased awareness about the impacts and consequences of obesity, there is still a lack of understanding and resources for treatment. While this paper highlights the seriousness of obesity, many Americans are false in that obesity kills more than heart disease. However, obesity is linked to heart disease, certain types of cancer, and diabetes, which are some other leading causes of death in America. This source seems credible. It does not appear to be advertising any products, there are multiple authors, and the paper uses quality metrics and evidence. The list of sources used for this paper is also very long, showing a range of credible sources. There is also nothing significantly shocking about this paper, just information.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Abstract

Background

The prevalence of obesity in America continues to grow significantly. Awareness and understanding of the disease of obesity and treatment options for it appear to be lacking among the general US population.

Objective

This study aimed to identify misperceptions in diagnosis and treatment of obesity, struggles Americans face in obtaining treatment, consequences of obesity, and perceived barriers to weight loss.

Setting

University hospital, United States.

Methods

A survey of 1509 adults was completed in September 2016 using AmeriSpeak, a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the US household population. The survey included oversamples of blacks and Hispanics. The study analyzed quantitative data from structured interviews and presents descriptive statistics related to public attitudes toward obesity.

Results

Of Americans, 81% consider obesity to be the most serious health problem facing the nation, tying cancer as the top issue and landing ahead of diabetes (72%), heart disease (72%), mental illness (65%), and HIV infection and AIDS (46%). Nearly all Americans (94%) agree that obesity itself, even when no other diseases are present, increases the risk for early death. Most Americans overestimate the effectiveness of some obesity treatments, such as diet and exercise alone. Many overweight and obese Americans do not consult a doctor at all about their issues of excess weight.

Conclusions

There is increased awareness about the serious consequences of obesity, but there is still a lack of understanding about the reasons and best treatment modalities for the disease.

Recommended articles Citing articles (0)
View full text

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The prevalence of obesity in America continues to grow significantly. Awareness and understanding of the disease of obesity and treatment options for it appear to be lacking among the general US population. This study aimed to identify misperceptions in diagnosis and treatment of obesity, struggles Americans face in obtaining treatment, consequences of obesity, and perceived barriers to weight loss.

# data[].attributes.body
Many people think that obesity is caused by gluttonous or lazy behaviors, resulting in prejudiced treatment towards obese individuals. Environmental factors strongly influence obesity. Americans tend to eat foods with higher fat contents and put taste and convenience before nutrition. The CDC makes a claim that while genes do contribute to obesity, genes related to obesity cannot be fully responsible for the sudden uptick in obesity because the US gene pool did not change significantly between 1991 and 1999, when obesity rates blew up. Lack of physical activity, lack of portion control are also common among Americans and contribute to obesity. The American daily caloric intake has gone from an average of 1854 kcal to 2002 kcal in the last 20 years. Americans also tend to subscribe to the belief that the type of food they eat is more important than the portion of the food they eat, but both of those elements are equally important. This paper seems credible for a few reasons. It has a list of credible sources, the publisher (Wiley Online Library) is historically reliable, there are multiple collaborating authors (with multiple accreditations and educational degrees), and the paper does not attempt to shock, only to inform.

# data[].attributes.body
According to the NIH NIDDK, early 1/3 of all American adults are overweight. More than 2 out of 5 adults are obese (including severe obesity). About 1/11 adults are severely obese. Overweight and obesity increase risk of other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, joint problems, gallstones, some cancers, liver disease, and sleeping/breathing problems. obesity rates among adults by race and sex shows interesting rates. Non-Hispanic white, Non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic Americans show obesity at comparable rates (between 40-50 percent, with 56.9% in non-Hispanic black American women), but non-Hispanic Asian Americans show much lower obesity rates than other races in all sex categories. Asian-Americans show an average of 17.4% obesity, compared with non-Hispanic white Americans of 42.2%, non-Hispanic black Americans of 49.6%, and Hispanic Americans 44.8%. 16.1% of American youth (2-19 years old) are overweight, and 19.3% are obese. 6.1% of American youth are severely obese. This paper seems reliable as the website itself is measured as a reliable source for information. The goal of the paper is to inform, not to shock readers or sell a product. Multiple credible sources are cited, such as the National Center for Health Statistics and National Health Examination Surveys. This website is also an official website of the United States Government, which does not prove it credible, but contributes to its reliability.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Trends in overweight, obesity, and severe obesity for children, adolescents, and adults.

# data[].attributes.body
The CDC states that obesity accounted for nearly $173 billion in medical expenditures in 2019. The prevalence of obesity has increased from 30.5% in 2000 to 41.9% in 2020. The prevalence of severe obesity also increased from 4.7% to 9.2% over that time period. Obesity is defined by the CDC as having a body mass index of 30.0 or higher. Sever obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 40.0 or higher. While BMI values are indicative of obesity when at values above 40, BMI has also been claimed to be an unreliable measure of health as it does not take muscle mass into account. Obesity appears to affect non-Hispanic black adults the most (49.9%), then Hispanic (45.6%), then non-Hispanic white (41.4%) and then non-Hispanic Asian adults (16.1%). Obesity is also highest among American adults with a high school diploma/some college education (46.4%), lower among those with less than a high school diploma (40.1%), and lowest among those with a college degree or above (34.2%). Differences in obesity among age groups are not statistically significant. The reliability of this website is in question because of the site address. The CDC has long been a trusted source of health information, but levels of trust between the American public and the CDC has decreased in recent years for a few reasons. However, this website is not attempting to shock readers or sell anything, cites multiple, credible sources, and seems generally credible.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Data and statistics on the prevalence of obesity among US adults.

# data[].attributes.body
Obesity is a highly prevalent chronic disease defined by excessive fat accumulation that contributes to other health conditions and requires lifelong care. Almost every system in the body is affected by obesity. BMI (body mass index) is used to screen for obesity but BMI is not a measure of body fat, only weight. In 2022, leading US organizations with a primary focus of obesity came together to address barriers in treating obesity, in efforts to improve obesity treatment availability and reducing stigma and bias surrounding this disease. The credibility of obesity.org is questionable. On one hand, the website does a good job of providing information and publishes reliable, credible papers from external sources. However, the website is described as a "scientific membership organization." Whether or not membership costs money is in question. However, the website provides information about upcoming events hosted by credible individuals with multiple educational degrees. While this site seems relatively trustworthy, I am skeptical of any website that requires payment and a membership.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Advancing the Science of Obesity You can make a difference. The Obesity Society connects with experts, government/non-government organizations and the public to: Develop, influence and promote vital policies and public positions Create and implement guidelines and cross-discipline learning, sharing and

# data[].attributes.body
The U.S. adult obesity rate currently stands at 42.4%. This is the first time the national rate has surpassed 40%, providing evidence of the country's obesity crisis. The national adult obesity rate has increased by 26% since 2008. Obesity rates vary between states and regions of America. Mississippi has the highest adult obesity rate in the country (40.8%) and Colorado has the lowest (23.8%). Rates of childhood obesity are also increasing, showing that 19.3% of young American people (ages 2-19) are obese. Children who exhibit obesity at young ages are at a higher risk for having obesity and its related health risks as an adult. This website cites a few sources prior to information summary throughout the article. Trust for America's Health is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that "promotes optimal health for every person and community." The fact that it is non-profit increases its credibility. While this website may not be as credible as a scientific paper, it does not seem untrustworthy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The U.S. adult obesity rate tops 40 percent; highest ever recorded. COVID-19 related food insecurity puts more Americans at risk for obesity or worsening obesity.

Demographic trends and the conditions in people's lives have a large impact on their ability to maintain a healthy weight. Policy solutions include expanded access to nutrition support programs and creating more opportunities for people to be physically active.

The U.S. adult obesity rate stands at 42.4 percent, the first time the national rate has passed the 40 percent mark, and further evidence of the country's obesity crisis. The national adult obesity rate has increased by 26 percent since 2008.

Based in part on newly released 2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BFRSS) and analysis by TFAH, this report provides an annual snapshot of rates of overweight and obesity nationwide including by age, gender, race and state of residence.

Obesity rates vary considerably between states and regions of the country. Mississippi has the highest adult obesity rate in the country at 40.8 percent and Colorado has the lowest at 23.8 percent. Twelve states have adult rates above 35 percent, they are: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. As recently as 2012, no state had an adult obesity rate above 35 percent; in 2000 no state had an adult obesity rate above 25 percent.

Rates of childhood obesity are also increasing with the latest data showing that 19.3 percent of U.S. young people, ages 2 to 19, have obesity. In the mid-1970s, 5.5 percent of young people had obesity. Being overweight or having obesity as a young person puts them at higher risk for having obesity and its related health risks as an adult. Furthermore, children are exhibiting earlier onset of what used to be considered adult conditions, including hypertension and high cholesterol.

Demographic trends impact obesity rates

Demographic trends and the conditions in people's lives have a large impact on their ability to maintain a healthy weight. Generally, the data show that the more a person earns the less likely they are to have obesity. Individuals with less education were also more likely to have obesity. Rural communities have higher rates of obesity and severe obesity than do suburban and metro areas.

Socioeconomic factors such as poverty and discrimination have contributed to higher rates of obesity among certain racial and ethnic populations. Black adults have the highest level of adult obesity nationally at 49.6 percent; that rate is driven in large part by an adult obesity rate among Black women of 56.9 percent. Latinx adults have an obesity rate of 44.8 percent. The obesity rates for white adults is 42.2 percent. Asian adults have an overall 17.4 percent obesity rate.

"Solving the country's obesity crisis will require addressing the conditions in people's lives that lead to food insecurity and create obstacles to healthy food options and safe physical activity. Those conditions include poverty, unemployment, segregated housing and racial discrimination. This year's pandemic has shown that these conditions don't only increase the risk of obesity and chronic illnesses, they also increase the risk of the most serious COVID outcomes." - John Auerbach, President and CEO of Trust for America's Health.

Obesity and its impact on health including COVID-19 risks

Obesity has serious health consequences including increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and many types of cancers. Obesity is estimated to increase healthcare spending by $149 billion annually (about half of which is paid for by Medicare and Medicaid) and being overweight or having obesity is the most common reason young adults are ineligible for military service. Concerns about the impact of obesity have taken on new dimensions this year as having obesity is one of the underlying health conditions associated with the most serious consequences of COVID infection, including hospitalization and death. These new data mean that 42 percent of all Americans are at increased risk of serious, possibly fatal, health impacts from COVID-19 due to their weight and health conditions related to obesity.

Food insecurity and its relationship to obesity

Food insecurity is linked to lower quality diets and tracks with higher levels of obesity in many population groups. Food insecurity is closely linked to economic conditions. There were higher levels of food insecurity during the 2008-2009 financial crisis and early data indicate a large increase in the number of American families experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 crisis. According to U.S. Census Bureau survey data, 25 percent of all respondents and 30 percent of respondents with children, reported experiencing food insecurity between April and June of this year.

Solutions require multi-sector initiatives and policy change

The report includes recommendations on how best to address the obesity crisis grounded in two principles: 1) the need for a multi-sector, multi-disciplinary approach and 2) a focus on those population groups that are disproportionately impacted by the obesity crisis.

Recommendations include:

While the COVID-19 public health emergency continues to be in place, continue USDA nutrition policy waivers and expand no-cost school meals to all enrolled students for the entire 2020-2021 school year.

Increase funding to allow for the expansion of critical CDC obesity-prevention programs including the State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program and the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health program.

Expand benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as "food stamps") by raising maximum benefit levels, extending Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) for students and children, doubling investments in SNAP-Ed, and finding innovative, voluntary ways to improve diet quality without harming access or benefit levels.

Incentivize businesses and public land use to increase access to healthy food options and safe places to be physically active.

Disincentivize unhealthy food choices by closing tax loopholes and eliminating business-cost deductions related to the advertising of unhealthy food and beverages to children and by enacting sugary drink taxes where tax revenue is allocated to local efforts to reduce health and socioeconomic disparities.

Encourage Medicaid to cover pediatric weight-management programs for all eligible beneficiaries.

Support for the State of Obesity report series was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the view of the Foundation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The State of Obesity 2020: Better Policies for a Healthier America - tfah

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The U.S. adult obesity rate tops 40 percent; highest ever recorded. COVID-19 related food insecurity puts more Americans at risk for obesity or worsening obesity. Demographic trends and the conditions in people's lives have a large impact on their ability to maintain a healthy weight.

# data[].attributes.body
As discussed in other sections, BMI (body mass index) is not always a reliable measure of obesity. BMI is biased towards height in children. Between 1985 and 1995, mean height of 12-year-old boys and girls increased 3.9 and 3.2 cm, respectively. The prevalence of combined overweight/obese boys and girls were 13.5% and 13.0% in 1985. The prevalence of combined overweight/obese boys and girls were 24% and 24.5% in 1995, but were adjusted for increased height and were reduced to 21.6% and 22.6%. This means that obesity rates in children are moderately overestimated. This paper seems generally reliable because it is actually reducing the shock factor that comes with some statistics. Multiple credible sources are cited, the paper is not trying to sell anything, and has multiple authors with multiple educational degrees.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Background/objectives

Body mass index (BMI, body mass/height ²) is biased toward height in children. Here we investigate how change in population height affected change in BMI-based estimates of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Australian children.

Subjects/methods

Height, weight, and percent body fat (%BF) were measured at ages 8, 10, and 12 years (1855 sets of measures). Age-specific relationships between BMI and height were derived, adjusting for %BF, to estimate the degree of height bias inherent in BMI. Then, from cross-sectional measurements recorded in 1985 ( N = 2388) and 1995 ( N  = 2148) in 8, 10, and 12 year olds, changes in overweight/obesity prevalences were calculated before and after accounting for the BMI-height bias.

Results

Estimates of the effect of height on BMI following adjustment for %BF were similar across age groups and all were significant at p  < 0.001. Referring to 12 year olds, at the same %BF for a 1% increase in height there was 0.77% (95% CI 0.55, 0.99) increase in BMI in boys, and 0.74% (0.28, 1.02) increase in girls. Between 1985 and 1995, mean height of 12-year-old boys and girls increased 3.9 and 3.2 cm, respectively. In 1985 unadjusted prevalences of combined overweight/obesity in boys and girls were 13.5% and 13.0%, respectively, and in 1995 were 24% and 24.5%. The latter values were reduced to 21.6% and 22.6% after adjusting for increased height.

Conclusions

Previously reported increases in childhood overweight/obesity in Australia between 1985 and 1995 were likely to be moderately overestimated as a result of increased population height; suggesting that population height be taken into account in any pediatric investigation of changes in overweight/obesity prevalence over time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The effect of height on estimates of the change in BMI-based prevalence of childhood obesity - International Journal of Obesity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Body mass index (BMI, body mass/height2) is biased toward height in children. Here we investigate how change in population height affected change in BMI-based estimates of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Australian children. Height, weight, and percent body fat (%BF) were measured at ages 8, 10, and 12 years (1855 sets of measures).

# data[].attributes.body
This report summarizes the results of a study done to understand the roles of sweetness in the diet, see whether the exposure to sweetness affects diet quality and energy intake, and consider whether sweetness affects health. Dietary sweetness (sugar intake) has increased greatly throughout history. There is a need to understand the physiological and metabolic relevance of sweet taste receptors on the tongue, the gut, and elsewhere, as well as potential differences in the effects of long-term consumption of sweeteners. However, there is no consistent evidence for an association of sweetness consumption with obesity or type 2 diabetes. This paper has numerous, reliable cited sources, multiple credible authors, is not selling anything, and is relatively factual, not attempting to shock the reader. I would conclude it is reliable.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A workshop on ‘Dietary Sweetness—Is It an Issue?’ - International Journal of Obesity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
International Journal of Obesity - A workshop on ‘Dietary Sweetness—Is It an Issue?’

# data[].attributes.body
This Instagram post was posted from the account "venngage." The account biography says it is a design tool that transforms data into infographics. In the post description, the infographic is said to represent obesity rates across the U.S. states as of September 2023. The source for the data is not cited. The account does not appear to have any credible author behind it. The percentage values per state also appear to be slightly inaccurate. I would say this Instagram post is unreliable and not credible.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Venngage on Instagram: "📊 U.S. Obesity Rates by State: A National Health Concern

This infographic presents obesity rates across U.S. states and territories as of September 2023, with the national average standing at 34%. Southern states like West Virginia (41%) and Oklahoma (40%) have the highest rates, while states like Hawaii (26%) and California (28%) rank lower. Obesity is a significant public health challenge, contributing to various chronic diseases. Explore the map to see how your state compares.

You can share our infographics with @venngage tag. Make Infographics for Everyone. Not a designer? No problem. Make accessible and professional infographics or any other visual you can think of in just a few steps. Start now! (link in bio)

👆FOLLOW FOR MORE
🌟Don't forget to like and comments

#map #Obesity #Health #US #Disease #USA #infographic #venngage"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
9,896 likes, 803 comments - venngage on September 17, 2024: "📊 U.S. Obesity Rates by State: A National Health Concern

This infographic presents obesity rates across U.S. states and territories as of September 2023, with the national average standing at 34%. Southern states like West Virginia (41%) and Oklahoma (40%) have the highest rates, while states like Hawaii (26%) and California (28%) rank lower. Obesity is a significant public health challenge, contributing to various chronic diseases. Explore the map to see how your state compares.

You can share our infographics with @venngage tag. Make Infographics for Everyone. Not a designer? No problem. Make accessible and professional infographics or any other visual you can think of in just a few steps. Start now! (link in bio)

👆FOLLOW FOR MORE
🌟Don't forget to like and comments

#map #Obesity #Health #US #Disease #USA #infographic #venngage". 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Venngage (@venngage)

# data[].attributes.body
This Instagram post was posted by the account "drjamesdinic." His account biography reveals his full name and title is Dr. James DiNicolantonio, he is a "Doctor of Pharmacy," and a "Cardiovascular Research Scientist," though his specific degrees are not listed. A link in his biography takes you to a page that allows you to buy dietary supplements, books, and numerous other products that he either creates and sells, or is partnered with companies that he receives commission from. This specific post states "15 Cheat codes I know at 38 that I wish I knew at 28." Right off the bat, the phrase "cheat code" never means a reliable piece of information is about to follow. The rest of the post describes several tips for avoiding obesity and increasing quality of life. While the tips are actually helpful (get sunlight in the morning, hydrate in the morning, have a high protein breakfast, and walk 10K steps per day), his account does not seem very scientifically credible, as his actual accreditations are not shown anywhere and he is trying to sell a product to readers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dr. James DiNicolantonio on Instagram: "👉If you are looking for the ultimate guide to weight loss and eating healthy check out my book The Obesity Fix on Amazon. @drjamesdinic

The Obesity Fix is packed full of tips to help you lose fat, build muscle and stop food cravings. 

It includes 
✅ 21 Keys to Weight Loss
✅ 85 Meal plans - breakfast, lunch, dinner, 3 meals per day, 2 meals per day, low and higher carb options 
✅ 13 ways to combat sugar cravings 
✅ What foods to EAT and foods to AVOID 
✅ How much protein, fat and carbs you should be eating to burn fat and build muscle 
✅ Guide for workouts 
✅ What fats and oils to cook with and which to avoid 
✅ And a lot more!

You can get your copy of The Obesity Fix on Amazon."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
65K likes, 286 comments - drjamesdinic on December 2, 2024: "👉If you are looking for the ultimate guide to weight loss and eating healthy check out my book The Obesity Fix on Amazon. @drjamesdinic

The Obesity Fix is packed full of tips to help you lose fat, build muscle and stop food cravings. 

It includes 
✅ 21 Keys to Weight Loss
✅ 85 Meal plans - breakfast, lunch, dinner, 3 meals per day, 2 meals per day, low and higher carb options 
✅ 13 ways to combat sugar cravings 
✅ What foods to EAT and foods to AVOID 
✅ How much protein, fat and carbs you should be eating to burn fat and build muscle 
✅ Guide for workouts 
✅ What fats and oils to cook with and which to avoid 
✅ And a lot more!

You can get your copy of The Obesity Fix on Amazon.". 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. James DiNicolantonio (@drjamesdinic)

# data[].attributes.body
This Youtuber, Jeff Nippard, is a body builder attempting to "explain" whether or not obesity is a choice. However, countless scientific studies have been done, papers published, and there is no one specific answer to this question. This Youtuber partnered with the website SkillShare for the video, and if watchers purchase a month trial of SkillShare, Nippard receives commission. He also sells a training program, a diet app, and a "Guide to Body Recomposition." While he is not an accredited individual by any degrees, and is attempting to sell products to viewers, he also cites multiple reliable sources, and does a good job keeping the information in his video moderated, not overemphasized for the shock value. Overall, I would say this source is somewhat reliable, but significantly less so than a scientific paper.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Is Obesity A Choice? (Science Explained)

# data[].attributes.body
This video, "Top 10: How To Lose Weight Fast, Naturally and Permanently (Ultimate Guide To Burning Fat" was published by Dr. Sten Ekberg. In the description of the video, he advertises an electrolyte product that he sells. While the video itself appears to contain a lot of high quality information, there are some things that I am skeptical about. The video promotes eating extremely low carb, or keto. Whether or not eating keto or low carb will actually help someone lose weight and keep weight off is controversial. Dr. Sten Ekberg claims to be a formal olympic athlete and a holistic doctor. However, he does not say where he got his degree, or what degree he has, just that he is a "Holistic Natural Health Doctor," and he has "Education in Nutrition, Neurology, Physiology, Chiropractic & Functional Medicine." I would say this source is not very reliable because I cannot confirm the education and credibility of this Dr. Sten Ekberg. This video is possibly misinformation targeted towards obese individuals.