Some very sad statistics

[Chris]

I became curious, today, about just how much damage the refined carb and sugar laden American diet was doing. I did a bit of research, and came up with some very discouraging stats.

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight (BMI > 25, which includes those who are obese)

All adults (20+ years old): 129.6 million (64.5 percent)
Women (20+ years old): 64.5 million (61.9 percent)
Men (20+ years old): 65.1 million (67.2 percent)

Nearly one-third of U.S. adults are obese (BMI > 30)

All adults (20+ years old): 61.3 million (30.5 percent)
Women (20+ years old): 34.7 million (33.4 percent)
Men (20+ years old): 26.6 million (27.5 percent)

About one-third of U.S. adults have a healthy weight (BMI > 18.5 to < 25)

All adults (20-74 years old): 67.3 million (33.5 percent)
Women (20-74 years old): 36.7 million (35.3 percent)
Men (20-74 years old): 30.6 million (31.8 percent)

Believe it or not, the stats for children and adolescents, because of their young age, are even more discouraging! The following shows the increase in obesity (not just overweight, but OBESE) since 1971.

Children aged 6 to 11

1971 - 1974 -- 4.3% of boys, 3.6% of girls were obese

1988 - 1994 -- 11.6% of boys, 11.6% of girls were obese

1999 - 2000 -- 16% of boys, 14.5% of girls were obese

Adolescents aged 12 - 19

1971 - 1974 -- 6.1% of males, 6.2% of females were obese

1988 - 1994 -- 11.3% of males, 9.7% of males were obese

1999 - 2000 -- 15.5% of males, 15.5% of females were obese

I also learned a great deal about the tremendous increase in Type II diabetes among children and young adolescents, as well. Until recently, Type II was considered an adult disease. No longer! Even if we consider that part of the problem is the decrease in physical activity among the young, the major cause of this epidemic (for what else can we call it) is directly attributable to the typical American diet.

Fellow Atkineers, we know the cure for this epidemic, and we've all got to make every effort to get the word out.

[dreamof145]

Yes, those statistics are very disturbing. I agree we need to get the public moving. I've started a daily walking/exercise routine in the Child Development center where I work. Everyday we take turns letting someone be the 'leader' and they get to conduct the 15 minute workout. Then, we go for a walk (weather permitting). Its a start and they enjoy it. I don't make it a 'do it right' thing, the main purpose is to get them moving and to have fun while we are doing it. We also talk about eating healthy and keeping our bodies in good working order. They are young...but they comprehend a lot more than people give them credit for.

I remember when I was in grade-school, I hated to do exercises. Our gym teacher would walk around the room and belittle you if you weren't doing it right or fast enough or whatever. I was always one of the kids that was pointed out and made to feel fatter and stupid. I'll never forget those days, so I try to make our routine at my center fun and carefree. I don't want anyone to feel they are being made fun of.