CDC Forecast: Obesity Rates Could Reach 42% in U.S. by 2030

According to a new report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 32 million Americans will become obese by the year 2030. That's in addition to the 34% of American adults that are currently considered obese. Many of those expected to become obese adults are currently obese children.

This is a problem that will affect all of us, as health care expenses for obese people are much higher than those at normal weight. The cost could reach as much as 500 Billion or higher.

Approximately two thirds of Americans are considered overweight, and many of those could move into the obese category if they don't make some changes in lifestyle.

The news continues to get uglier, as the percentage of Americans that are severely obese, or at least 100 lbs. overweight, is expected to double to 11 percent.

These statistics don't have to become reality in America. We can change this unhealthy outcome by eating better (diets with more fruits and vegetables and lean meats and fish) and by becoming more active.

The solution is simple. Implementing it is up to us.

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html