F as in Fat Report
In this F as in Fat report, Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) finds that in the past year adult obesity rates increased in 28 states, while only the District of Columbia (D.C.) saw a decline.
Nationally, two-thirds of adults and nearly one- third of children and teens are currently obese or overweight. Since 1980, the number of obese adults has doubled. Since 1970, the number of obese children ages 6-11 has quadrupled, and the number of obese adolescents ages 12-19 has tripled. The alarming increases in obesity rates over the past several decades indicate that much has changed in American society that makes it harder for children and families to eat healthy foods and be physically active.
In the past two years, however, programs and policies to prevent obesity have increased exponentially in number, strength and breadth. A new poll shows that 80 percent of Americans now recognize that obesity is a significant and growing challenge for the country. Furthermore, 50 percent of Americans believe that childhood obesity is such an important issue that we need to invest more to prevent it immediately.
This is the seventh edition of F as in Fat. The 2010 report examines current obesity trends in America and promising policy approaches, particularly actions taken by the states and federal government. This report includes:
- Obesity Rates and Related Trends.
- State Responsibilities and Policies.
- Federal Policies and Programs.
- Removing Barriers to Healthy Choices.
- Public Opinion Survey.
- Conclusion and Recommendations
For more information, read the full report.