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Current Generation of Young People May Be The First To Lead Less Healthy Lives in the US

by Reshma Anand on Sep 23 2015 1:00 PM

Current Generation of Young People May Be The First To Lead Less Healthy Lives in the US
Regional and racial differences based on obesity in America was revealed by the 12th annual State of Obesity report.
Obesity rates now range from a high of nearly 36 percent in Arkansas to a low of 21.3 percent in Colorado. Twenty-three of the 25 states with the highest obesity rates are in the Midwest and South.

Alabama has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation. It's fifth on the list for adults and has the third highest rate of obese high schoolers.

Experts said, “If we fail to change the course of the nation's obesity epidemic, the current generation of young people may be the first in American history to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents.”

To prevent obesity, experts said make sure that children get some type of physical activity every day, eliminate sugary drinks for children, and make healthy foods and beverages affordable and available in all communities.

Obesity rates are at least 30 percent in 42 states for African Americans, 30 states for Latinos and 13 states for whites. Southern states also have a higher prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes. Alabama has the fourth highest diabetes rate in the country.

Source-Medindia


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