Summary

A new Lancet study reveals nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, a sharp rise from just over half in 1990.

Obesity among adults doubled to over 40%, while rates among girls and women aged 15–24 nearly tripled to 29%.

The study highlights significant health risks, including diabetes, heart disease, and shortened life expectancy, alongside projected medical costs of up to $9.1 trillion over the next decade.

Experts stress obesity’s complex causes—genetic, environmental, and social—and call for structural reforms like food subsidies, taxes on sugary drinks, and expanded treatment access.

Non-paywall link

  • Skeezix@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 month ago

    You know what the national emblem of this country should be? A big bowl of macaroni and cheese.

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 month ago

      Benjamin Franklin wanted it to be the turkey. He was thinking of the lean, mean wild turkey, but I think a deep fried one that had been fattened on a farm with the help of a bunch of hormones would work these days.