Wellness Exchange: Health Discussions
Alarming Obesity Rates Persist: 1 in 10 Severely Obese
(upbeat music) - Welcome to Listen2. This is Ted. The news was published on Tuesday, September 24th. Joining us today are Eric and Kate to discuss a recent CDC report on obesity rates in the United States. Let's dive right in. Eric, what's your take on the current obesity prevalence among US adults? - Well, Ted, the numbers are pretty eye opening. We're looking at a slight dip in obesity rates to 40.3% between 2021 and 2023 down from 41.9% in the 2017-2020 period. But here's the kicker. This figure is still higher than the 37.7% we saw a decade ago. It's like we're taking one step forward and two steps back, if you ask me. - While Eric's got the numbers right, I think we're missing the forest for the trees here. A decrease, even a slight one, is a step in the right direction and shows our efforts starting to... A 1.6% decrease over several years is hardly something to write home about when we're talking about 100 million obese adults. This isn't a victory lap situation. We're still facing a massive help. - Eric, you're being such a Debbie Downer. Any improvement is valuable. We should be popping champagne over this trend, not throwing cold water. - All right, let's take a breath here. You both make interesting points. Now let's shift gears a bit and talk about severe obesity. Kate, what does the data tell us about this particular aspect? - Sure thing, Ted. The report shows an uptick in severe obesity rates from 9.2% to 9.7%. Now, I know that might not sound like much, but we're talking about over 20 million American adults with severe obesity. It's like filling up Madison Square Garden a thousand times over with people facing serious health risks. - Kate's sugarcoding the gravity of this situation. This increase in severe obesity is downright alarming and will have serious implications for our health care system and economy. We're talking about billions in additional health. - Hang on a second, Eric. I'm not sugarcoding anything. Yes, it's concerning, but we need to understand the factors behind this increase before we start running around like chickens with our heads. - Come on, Kate, it's not rocket science. We're simply not doing enough to address this issue. The increase in severe obesity rates is a clear indication that our policies are falling flat. - Now, that's an oversimplification if I've ever heard one. Obesity is a complex issue influenced by a whole bunch of factors, genetics, environment, socioeconomic conditions. You can't just boil it down to policy failure and-- - Excuses won't solve the problem, Kate. We need concrete action and personal responsibility. It's time to stop tiptoeing around the issue and face the music. - You both raise valid points. Now, let's look at this issue from a historical perspective. Can you both comment on any similar health crises we've faced in the past? - Certainly, Ted. The tobacco epidemic of the 20th century immediately springs to mind. Back in the swinging 60s, about 42% of American adults were puffing away on cigarettes like chimneys leading to widespread health issues. It was a real mess, let me tell you. - I've got to hand it to Eric. That's a spot-on comparison. Like obesity, smoking was a major public health concern that required a whole toolbox of strategies to tackle. It wasn't something we could just wish away overnight. - Exactly, Kate. And let's not forget, it took decades of public education, policy changes, and a complete 180 in social norms to bring smoking rates down to about 14% today. It was a long uphill battle, but we got there in the end. - True, but it's important to note that the approaches used for tobacco won't necessarily work for obesity. Food isn't addictive in the same way as nicotine. We can't just slap a warning label-- - I beg to differ, Kate. Many processed foods are designed to be as addictive as any drug. We need to treat the food industry like we did big tobacco. It's time to take off the kid gloves. - Oh, there, Eric. That's an extreme view if I've ever heard one. We can't just demonize an entire industry. We need collaboration, not a witch hunt. We're talking about food here, not serious. - You both make compelling arguments. How do you think the strategies used to combat smoking could be applied to obesity? - Well, Ted, we need to start by putting some serious restrictions on food advertising, especially when it comes to kids. I mean, we don't let Joe Camill sell cigarettes anymore, so why are we letting cartoon characters push sugar bombs? We should also consider slapping taxes on unhealthy foods just like we did with cigarettes. Hit 'em where it hurts, the wallet. - I hate to admit it, but I actually agree with some of Eric's points there. However, I think we need to focus more on the carrot than the stick. We should be looking at programs that make healthy foods more accessible and affordable. You know, make the good stuff cheaper and easier to get than the junk that's going to be way more effective than just wagging our finger at people. - Kate, that's just not enough. We need a complete overhaul of our food system and urban planning to promote healthier lifestyles. We're talking about redesigning our cities to make walking and biking easier, changing school lunches. - Now hold your horses, Eric. You're talking about massive government intervention that's not realistic or necessary. We can't just flip our entire society upside down. - Both of you have given us a lot to think about. Now let's look to the future. How do you see this obesity trend unfolding in the coming years? - I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Ted, but without some drastic measures, I foresee the obesity rate continuing to climb like a rocket. We might be looking at rates above 45% within the next decade. It's a grim picture, but that's the reality we're facing if we don't shape up. - I couldn't disagree more, Eric. I think we're at a turning point here. With increased awareness and better policies, we could see obesity rates start to decline significantly. It's not all doom and gloom, we're making progress. - That's overly optimistic, Kate. Have you actually looked at the data? - We've barely made a dent in obesity rates over the past decade. It's like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon. - But Eric, you're not seeing the whole picture. We have made progress in other areas like childhood obesity. These efforts will pay off as these children become adults. It's like planting seeds. We might not see the forest now. - Meanwhile, severe obesity rates are increasing, Kate. We're facing a ticking time bomb of health issues and skyrocketing healthcare costs. It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion and you're telling me-- - You're being alarmist, Eric. We need to focus on positive changes and build on our successes. Rome wasn't built in a day and we're not going to solve obesity overnight. But we are making progress and that's what we should be talking about. - Interesting predictions from both of you. This has been a fascinating discussion about the complex issue of obesity in America. Thank you, Eric and Kate, for sharing your insights and perspectives. It's clear that while progress has been made, there's still much work to be done in addressing this public health challenge. Thanks for tuning in to listen to.