• 61% of adults in the United States were overweight or obese in 1999.
• 13% of children aged 6 to 11 years and 14% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years were overweight in 1999. This prevalence has nearly tripled for adolescents in the past 2 decades.
• The increases in overweight and obesity cut across all ages, racial and ethnic groups, and both genders.
• 300,000 deaths each year in the United States are associated with obesity.
• Overweight and obesity are associated with heart disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, arthritis, breathing problems, and psychological disorders, such as depression.
• The economic cost of obesity in the United States was about $117 billion in 2000.
The Surgeon General's
Site on Obesity
Hear the entire show online
Listen to African Americans & Obesity online.
Obesity is a disease that affects nearly one-third of the adult American population (approximately 60 million). The American Heart Association estimates that 77% of black women and 59% of black men are overweight or obese. Much of this extra weight adds up to increased incidences of cardiovascular disease and stroke, diabetes, and hypertension. Can diet and exercise alone prevent these diseases or is there a predisposition amongst blacks?
The Facts About Obesity
Learn who's affected, and what we can all do to help here. »
Afrobics
For the past 15 years, Shandra Russell has used her background in African dance to help people of all races stay in shape. She lead AFROBICS classes every Saturday from 10-11:15 a.m. at The Atlanta Human Performance Center, 3250 Hogan Road, Atlanta. To join the AFROBICS mailing list, contact Shandra at afrobics@bellsouth.net. Hear an excerpt from one of the rhythmic exercise sessions and Shandra’s philosophy about maintaining good health.
The Surgeon General's Report on Obesity
Health problems resulting from overweight and obesity could reverse many of the health gains achieved in the U.S. in recent decades, according to a Surgeon General's report.
Journey to Wellness Community Health Communications Network
The Journey To Wellness Community Health Communications Network (CHCN) is a collaborative partnership initiative of BioTechnical Communications, Inc.
