A troubling report from the Trust for America’s Health predicts that if Americans continue with their current eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, more than half the population in 39 states will be obese by 2030.  Currently, the national obesity rate is 36 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Federal health officials have previously estimated that about 42 percent of people will be obese in 2030, but the Trust for America’s Health said it believes its report “F for Fat” has a more accurate projection of America’s expanding waistline. The report projects that in 2030, Mississippi will continue to have the highest obesity rate in the country at 67 percent, and Colorado will continue to have the lowest obesity rate. In Illinois, we are predicted to have a 53% obesity rate by 2030. Along with these rises in obesity, the rates of several weight-related diseases are expected to increase. The number of new cases of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, arthritis and stroke could potentially increase 10 times between 2010 and 2020, and even more by 2030.

On a positive note, the report predicts that only 24 states–rather than 39 states–would have obesity rates of 50 percent in 2030, IF states can reduce the average adult body mass index (BMI) by just 5 percent.  This reduction could save millions of people from developing obesity-related health conditions and billions of dollars in health care costs and economic productivity.

For many obese people, making lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise is not enough to result in substantial weight loss over the long term. Weight loss surgery, such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band), can be a highly effective treatment for obesity when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. You can learn more about the Lap-Band and whether it may be a good treatment option for you by attending one of our free informational seminars, or by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Vafa Shayani at 630-468-2545.