The continuing epidemics of obesity and diabetes in the United States

Context Recent reports show that obesity and diabetes have increased in the United States in the past decade. Objective To estimate the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and use of weigh t control strategies among US adults in 2000. Design, Setting, and Participants The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance S ystem, a random-digit telephone survey conducted in all states in 2000, wit h 184450 adults aged 18 years or older. Main Outcome Measures Body mass index (BMI), calculated from self-reported weight and height; self-reported diabetes; prevalence of weight loss or mai ntenance attempts; and weight control strategies used. Results In 2000, the prevalence of obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m(2)) was 19.8%, the prevalence of diabetes was 7.3% and the prevalence of both combined was 2.9%. Mississippi had the highest rates of obesity (2 4.3%) and of diabetes (8.8%); Colorado had the lowest rate of obesity (13.8 %); and Alaska had the lowest rate of diabetes (4.4%). Twenty-seven percent of US adults did not engage in any physical activity, and another 28.2% we re not regularly active. Only 24.4% of US adults consumed fruits and vegeta bles 5 or more times daily. Among obese participants who had had a routine checkup during the past year, 42.8% had been advised by a health care profe ssional to lose weight. Among participants trying to lose or maintain weigh t, 17.5% were following recommendations to eat fewer calories and increase physical activity to more than 150 min/wk. Conclusions The prevalence of obesity and diabetes continues to increase am ong US adults. Interventions are needed to improve physical activity and di et in communities nationwide.