FitSugar

America's Obesity Problem Just Keeps Growing

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:00:26 PDT

Despite the best efforts of everyone from Jamie Oliver to the first lady to yours truly, Americans continue to get more obese. Last year, obesity rates rose in more than half of US states, according to a new study by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. For the sixth year in a row, Mississippi earned the repeat title of fattest state.

Eight states now have obesity rates of over 30 percent, versus just four states last year. What's particularly sad about the survey is that most respondents recognized the growing threat of obesity and especially childhood obesity but didn't think their children were at risk. The facts suggest otherwise:

The new survey finds that 84 percent of parents believe their children are at a healthy weight, even though nearly a third of children and teens are considered obese or overweight.

But there is some good news for future generations. Find out what it is.

Fattest State Revealed: Mississippi Again?

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT

The results of a 2007 government survey given by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are in and it's not looking good for Mississippi. It seems this state has had the highest obesity rate every year since 2004, and they're still in the lead now. Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Louisiana are not far from the top of that list though, with more than 30 percent of the adults living there fitting into the obese category. The South has a larger concentration of rural residents and black women, two groups of people who tend to have higher rates of obesity. The typical Southern diet that's high in fat and rich with fried foods may be partly to blame.

So which state is the leanest? To find out

read more. Ahh Colorado. I knew it. Only 19 percent of this state is considered obese. This state has a reputation of being active with its ski mountains, and biking and hiking trails, which encourages people to move a lot more. This survey was conducted over the telephone and may not be as accurate, so the CDC hopes to conduct a new project where they actually go out and weigh people. I'd be curious to see if the results change. Source

Sleepless in West Virginia

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:22 PDT

Last night I was up late firing my glue gun at the finishing details on my daughter's Halloween costume, so I was a little groggy this morning. Most of the time I do get plenty of rest, but according to a recent study, sleeplessness is a major US problem. Americans suffer from chronic lack of sleep, and the problem is most prevalent in the southeastern United States, particularly in West Virginia. According to phone surveys of 400,000 people (at least 3,900 in each state), one in 10 Americans didn't get a single good night's sleep in the previous month. Statistics are double that in West Virginia - one in five is sleep-deprived.

The participants weren't asked why they weren't getting enough sleep, but experts think it has to do with the fact that this state ranks the highest when it comes to obesity, smoking, and heart disease. Studies show that obesity causes issues with sleep, and those who suffer from sleep deprivation are at higher risk for depression, high cholesterol, and weight gain, and are more likely to drink heavily and smoke.

Aside from sleep problems, West Virginia is also home to the fattest and unhealthiest city: Huntington, WV. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is shaping up the city in a reality TV show that will air in November. Besides helping them in the kitchen and the gym, it looks like Jamie also needs to help them in the bedroom.