F as in Fat 2004
How Obesity Policies are Failing in America
The first edition of the F as in Fat report states that Nearly 119 million American adults, 65 percent of the population, were overweight or obese in 2004. TFAH breaks down the rate of obesity for each state, as well as the obesity-related costs per-person. Data is included on the rates of disease associated with obesity in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
A new report from Trust for America’s Health finds that national and state policies are falling far short of obesity control and reduction goals.
TFAH concludes that America does not have the aggressive, coordinated national and state strategies needed to address the crisis, and that threatens to make the epidemic worse. 41 states have obesity levels over 20 percent. Nearly 119 million American adults, 65 percent of the population, are currently overweight or obese. The direct and indirect costs of obesity in America are more than $117 billion per year.
Some key findings from the study include:
- The federal government faces organizational issues, including a lack of designated leadership, a bureaucratic tangle of involved agencies, and a need to learn to balance the often competing interests of industry and public health.
- Obesity and obesity-related disease rates are escalating throughout the nation.
- Most school food and physical activity programs and policies need more aggressive support and attention.
- State policies and actions aimed at obesity are fragmented and inadequate.
To help combat the obesity crisis, TFAH’s report recommends a number of specific government actions.