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Item
#3
New
Survey Shows 8% of Americans Have Diabetes
In
2001, eight percent of the U.S. population suffered from
diabetes, a condition often related to excess weight—an eight
percent increase from 2000.
The
telephone survey of over 195, 000 adults, the largest conducted to
date in the United States, found a continued increase of obesity
and diabetes among men and women of all ages, races and
educational levels from 2000 to 2001.
During
this time, obesity affected some 21 percent of Americans, a six
percent increase from the previous year. In 2001, eight percent of
the U.S. population suffered from diabetes, a condition often
related to excess weight—an eight percent increase from 2000.
Obesity
and overweight were defined by body mass index (BMI), a
calculation that factors in a person’s height and weight. A BMI
between 25 and 29.9 indicates overweight, 30 or above obesity.
Based
on they survey findings, researchers estimate that over 21 million
men and 23 million women are obese in the United States, a 74
percent increase since 1991.
Overweight
and obesity are associated with several risk factors for morbidity
and mortality, and those who are extremely obese have a
several-fold higher risk of related health conditions.
The
survey found that people whose BMIs were 40 or higher were more
than seven times as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, more
than six times more likely to have high blood pressure and four
times as likely to have arthritis, compared to those with normal
weights.
Researchers
note that the current obesity estimates are likely substantially
underestimated. Often, people underestimate their weights and
overestimate their heights, which would alter their actual BMI.
Moreover, those without telephones could not participate in the
survey. This group of people may be of lower economic status, a
condition that has been associated with obesity and diabetes.
Cases of diabetes that had not been diagnosed were also not
included in the study.
Obesity
and the related form of diabetes are preventable, however. The CDC
recommends 30 minutes of physical activity per day for good
health, and 60 minutes each day for those who want to lose weight.
JAMA
January 1, 2003;289:76-79
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