The Reality and Cost of Obesity

Only about 1/4 of adults in the US eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Obesity rates have increased by more than 60% among adults in the last 10 years — 25% of the adult population is obese.
More than 60% of adults do not get enough physical activity.
In Kansas: in 1995, 15% to 19% were obese; in 2001, this number climbed to 20% to 24%.
38% of Sedgwick County adults are overweight, and 24% are obese.
Only 22% of Sedgwick County adults consume five or more fruits and vegetables daily. And, only 32% of Sedgwick County adults participate in moderate physical activity five or more times per week for at least 30 minutes per day.

Children & Young Adults:

More than 60% of young people eat too much fat, and less than 20% eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Children and young adults who are overweight are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults.
Almost 16% of our children and young adults are overweight. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have estimated that 1 in 3 children will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

Costs:

In 2000, the total cost of obesity in the US was estimated to be $117 billion (US Department of Health and Human Services).
The lifetime medical costs of heart-related diseases (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol) are approximately $10,000 higher for those moderately obese (than among people at healthy weight).
Increased physical activity reduces illnesses associated with obesity, which helps reduce long-term medical costs. Preventable illness accounts for 70% of the burden of illness and its associated costs.

Take Charge of Your Health