Obesity contributes to the leading causes of death such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers in the United States. Over 72 million Americans are obese; over fifteen percent of the population in each state is obese. Health care cost of obesity amounted to $147 billion in 2008.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified Obesity as a
Winnable Battle. Government, state, and local organizations can help to reduce obesity rates. One cause of obesity is a weak nutritional environments in childcare, schools, the work place, and hospitals. Some Americans don’t have access to affordable healthy foods. Restaurant meals, snack foods, and other processed foods are typically higher in calories, fat, and sodium. Increased sodium intakes lead to increased blood pressure, which increases risk of heart attack and stroke. A decrease in physical activity has also contributed to an increase in obesity. It is a challenge to be physically active in many communities. Limited access to parks and recreation centers, and safe routes for walking or biking to school, work, or play decrease the amount of physical activity a person gets on a daily basis.