Sister is going to continue the discussion on obesity. Sister has always been a visual learner so when she saw this map presented at a conference, she was dumbstruck. How can this be?
These images illustrate the rate of change in obesity from 1985 through 2008 in the US. The CDC defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above. It is derived from a person’s height and weight; it is a reasonable indicator for health problems including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and other degenerative diseases.
In 1985 data indicate the percentage of the obese population in the light blue states was less than 10%. The percentage of the population of the states in medium blue fell between 10-14 percent. Simply put, less than 14% of the US population was obese in 1985. Let’s jump to 2008. Red! Sister sees nothing but RED! Six states have obesity rates of greater than 30%; 25 states fall between 25 and 29%. Colorado is the only state having obesity rate of 15-19%. What happened?
Sister realizes that life is too complicated to have one answer. She does, however, feel several factors play their small signigicant part in this shift.
1. Processed foods – sugar, salt, chemicals, convenience and affordability
2 Soft drinks – sugar and fake sugar
3. Lack of exercise
4. Video games/computer time – inside play instead of outside play.
5. Lack of grocery stores/fresh foods in certain demographic areas.
This data comes from the CDC. The colors red and blue should not be confused with political parties. Also, Sister wants to move to Colorado.