Obesity in the United States: a worrisome epidemic

In the past decades, obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, even among children, adolescents, and young adults. The prevalence of obesity is higher among non-Hispanic black (36%) and Mexican American women (33%) than among non-Hispanic white women (22%). Various explanations for increased obesity have been proposed, including decreases in exercise and occupational and recreational physical activity and an increase in sedentary lifestyles. Television watching is directly related to obesity and energy intake among children age 8 to 16 years and may be a target for intervention. Physicians can use these data to help counsel patients about weight management, especially in reducing inactivity and overeating.