Obesity is increasing in the United States, according to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As per the data released on Thursday (September 21st) obesity is becoming more common in a growing number of US states.&nbsp;

The survey by the CDC and state health departments revealed that of the 50 US states, 22 have at least 35 per cent of adults dealing with obesity. All states have obesity rates of at least 20 per cent.

<h2>Increasing obesity</h2>

Data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System shows that in 2021, only 19 states had at least 35 per cent of adults with obesity. New data from 2022 shows this number is up, and now 22 states have reported at least 35 per cent of adults with obesity.

The number was highest in Louisiana, Oklahoma and West Virginia, where more than 40 per cent of the adults had obesity.&nbsp;

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Region-wise, overall, the prevalence of obesity was highest in the Midwest and the South, with about 36 per cent. On the other hand, the Northeast and the West had about 30 per cent of obese adults.

Furthermore, the data also found "notable differences" in the prevalence of obesity by race and ethnicity.

Among black adults, obesity was reported by around 35 per cent of adults in 38 states. At least 35 per cent of Hispanic adults in 32 states were found to be obese.&nbsp;

The figure did not exceed 35 per cent among Asian adults in any state. While for white adults, the 35 per cent metric was reached in 14 states.

<h2>How did the report measure obesity?</h2>

The report considers adults with a body mass index of 30 and above as obese. The data, as per a CNN report, is based on self-reported measurements of height and weight.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-study-reveals-increased-risk-of-premature-heart-failure-in-young-cancer-survivors-638511">Study reveals increased risk of premature heart failure in young cancer survivors</a>

In a statement, Dr Karen Hacker, the director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said: "Our updated maps send a clear message that additional support for obesity prevention and treatment is an urgent priority."

Hacker, as quoted by CNN, also said, "However, we know the key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health such as access to healthcare, healthy and affordable food, and safe places for physical activity."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Obesity is increasing in the United States, according to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As per the data released on Thursday (September 21st) obesity is becoming more common in a growing number of US states.

Obesity is increasing in the United States, according to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As per the data released on Thursday (September 21st) obesity is becoming more common in a growing number of US states. The survey by the CDC and state health departments revealed that of the 50 US states, 22 have at least 35 per cent of adults dealing with obesity. All states have obesity rates of at least 20 per cent. Increasing obesity Data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System shows that in 2021, only 19 states had at least 35 per cent of adults with obesity. New data from 2022 shows this number is up, and now 22 states have reported at least 35 per cent of adults with obesity. The number was highest in Louisiana, Oklahoma and West Virginia, where more than 40 per cent of the adults had obesity. Also read | How can weight impact your knees? Know the connection! Region-wise, overall, the prevalence of obesity was highest in the Midwest and the South, with about 36 per cent. On the other hand, the Northeast and the West had about 30 per cent of obese adults. Furthermore, the data also found "notable differences" in the prevalence of obesity by race and ethnicity. Among black adults, obesity was reported by around 35 per cent of adults in 38 states. At least 35 per cent of Hispanic adults in 32 states were found to be obese. The figure did not exceed 35 per cent among Asian adults in any state. While for white adults, the 35 per cent metric was reached in 14 states. How did the report measure obesity? The report considers adults with a body mass index of 30 and above as obese. The data, as per a CNN report, is based on self-reported measurements of height and weight. Also read | Study reveals increased risk of premature heart failure in young cancer survivors In a statement, Dr Karen Hacker, the director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said: "Our updated maps send a clear message that additional support for obesity prevention and treatment is an urgent priority." Hacker, as quoted by CNN, also said, "However, we know the key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health such as access to healthcare, healthy and affordable food, and safe places for physical activity." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Obesity on rise in US, at least 20% adults are obese, shows new survey

New highly effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy are not a "silver bullet"&nbsp;for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the agency conducts its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years.

The global health body is first revising guidelines for treating children and adolescents with obesity, and will then update recommendations for adults, said Francesco Branca, WHO director of nutrition and food safety.

The WHO last issued global guidelines on the topic in 2000, which are used as a blueprint for countries without the resources to draft their own plans.

As part of the work, the WHO has commissioned the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, in Milan, Italy, to assess the evidence for the use of all drugs for children and adolescents – from older options like GSK's Xenical to newer, more effective treatments like Wegovy and Eli Lilly and Co’s Mounjaro, Branca told Reuters.

"The kind of communication that has been done around these drugs – ‘We’ve found a solution’ – that’s wrong,"&nbsp;said Branca. Drugs for obesity are important but must be “part of a comprehensive approach,” he said.

"This is not a silver bullet."

Branca said that other interventions, including diet and exercise, remain critical to help manage obesity. The latest WHO data shows that the percentage of children and adolescents aged five to 19 who are obese or overweight has risen to just over 18 per cent in 2016 from just four per cent in 1975, and this now represents more than 340 million people.

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Wegovy and Mounjaro were originally developed for type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose. More recently, they have been shown to help people lose around 15 per cent&nbsp;of their body weight, capturing the attention of patients, investors and even celebrities.

Part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, they are given by a weekly injection and work by affecting hunger signals to the brain and slowing the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full longer.

Studies suggest people are likely to have to take drugs for the rest of their lives to keep the weight off.

Wegovy is approved for weight loss in the United States and Europe, while Mounjaro is expected to receive US&nbsp;approval later this year. The enormous demand for the drugs is expected to be worth $100 billion in annual sales within a decade, with as many as 10 different drugs on the market.

US&nbsp;medical groups are also reviewing their obesity treatment guidelines to consider the best use of Wegovy and similar drugs, with some specialists advocating broad use while others recommend prioritising them for high-risk patients with health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, that are exacerbated by excess weight.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended using such medicines in children age 12 or older with obesity, even though the long-term impacts have yet to be studied.&nbsp;

More robust&nbsp;

The WHO said its revised guidelines will be based on more robust methodology than previous iterations and include up-to-the-minute science. The first draft of the new management guidelines for children and adolescents are expected by the end of this year.

Branca said the researchers at Mario Negri, as well as other institutions working on the guidelines, had been extensively vetted to avoid conflict of interest concerns.

Novo Nordisk was suspended earlier this year from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for its marketing practices, such as alleged funding of health professionals and providing training that the association alleged was intended to promote its drug.

“We really screen the potential conflicts of interest,” said Branca.

He described obesity as a "rising epidemic".

"There are multiple reasons why we really have to take much more serious and bolder action,” he said. 
 
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New highly effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy are not a "silver bullet" for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the agency conducts its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years.

New highly effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy are not a "silver bullet" for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the agency conducts its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years. The global health body is first revising guidelines for treating children and adolescents with obesity, and will then update recommendations for adults, said Francesco Branca, WHO director of nutrition and food safety. The WHO last issued global guidelines on the topic in 2000, which are used as a blueprint for countries without the resources to draft their own plans. As part of the work, the WHO has commissioned the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, in Milan, Italy, to assess the evidence for the use of all drugs for children and adolescents – from older options like GSK's Xenical to newer, more effective treatments like Wegovy and Eli Lilly and Co’s Mounjaro, Branca told Reuters. "The kind of communication that has been done around these drugs – ‘We’ve found a solution’ – that’s wrong," said Branca. Drugs for obesity are important but must be “part of a comprehensive approach,” he said. "This is not a silver bullet." Branca said that other interventions, including diet and exercise, remain critical to help manage obesity. The latest WHO data shows that the percentage of children and adolescents aged five to 19 who are obese or overweight has risen to just over 18 per cent in 2016 from just four per cent in 1975, and this now represents more than 340 million people. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Wegovy and Mounjaro were originally developed for type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose. More recently, they have been shown to help people lose around 15 per cent of their body weight, capturing the attention of patients, investors and even celebrities. Part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, they are given by a weekly injection and work by affecting hunger signals to the brain and slowing the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full longer. Studies suggest people are likely to have to take drugs for the rest of their lives to keep the weight off. Wegovy is approved for weight loss in the United States and Europe, while Mounjaro is expected to receive US approval later this year. The enormous demand for the drugs is expected to be worth $100 billion in annual sales within a decade, with as many as 10 different drugs on the market. US medical groups are also reviewing their obesity treatment guidelines to consider the best use of Wegovy and similar drugs, with some specialists advocating broad use while others recommend prioritising them for high-risk patients with health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, that are exacerbated by excess weight. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended using such medicines in children age 12 or older with obesity, even though the long-term impacts have yet to be studied. More robust The WHO said its revised guidelines will be based on more robust methodology than previous iterations and include up-to-the-minute science. The first draft of the new management guidelines for children and adolescents are expected by the end of this year. Branca said the researchers at Mario Negri, as well as other institutions working on the guidelines, had been extensively vetted to avoid conflict of interest concerns. Novo Nordisk was suspended earlier this year from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for its marketing practices, such as alleged funding of health professionals and providing training that the association alleged was intended to promote its drug. “We really screen the potential conflicts of interest,” said Branca. He described obesity as a "rising epidemic". "There are multiple reasons why we really have to take much more serious and bolder action,” he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wegovy, other weight loss drugs not ‘silver bullets’, says WHO amid obesity guidelines review

In April this year, Maree Todd MSP - Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport in the Scottish Government launched a public consultation on plans to make calorie labelling on menus mandatory in restaurants, takeaways, cafes and even hospitals.&nbsp;

This consultation fulfils a pledge made in the SNP’s 2021 Out of Home Action Plan. The Plan builds on the commitments made in the 2018 Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan and recommendations made by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) to Scottish Ministers in 2019.&nbsp;

Mandating calorie labelling at the point of choice was one potential way to support the Out of Home (OOH) sector to make a key contribution to improving the dietary health of all Scottish citizens.&nbsp;

Pre-packed food is not within the scope of these proposals as there are already requirements to provide nutrition information for pre-packed food. Pre-packed food for direct sale (PPDS) is within the scope of these proposals. Similar legislation is already in place in England, where any food serving outlet with over 250 employees have been legally required to display calories since April 2022.&nbsp;

In a recent survey Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity found that 95% of Scots affected by eating disorders would be negatively impacted by calorie labelling on menus, with many worried it would increase feelings of fear and guilt. So, what happens now? Will this add fuel to the fire?&nbsp;

There has been an increase in people suffering from various eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia in the last decade. Young people have been facing the brunt of this epidemic as peer pressure and constant shaming on social media has led to some even resorting to suicide.&nbsp;

This policy of the Scottish government has the potential to wreak havoc on people’s lives and exacerbate the problem even more.&nbsp;

Many experts in food disorders believe the focus should be on informing and educating people about the positive or negative impact of the food and drinks they consume on a daily basis. Young people should be exposed to cooking from a very young age eg. Primary and secondary schools.&nbsp;

Consultant Psychiatrist in eating disorders Dr Stephen Anderson, said: "There is no good evidence that this kind of calorie labelling is effective in reducing obesity. We also hear from people with eating disorders that this would have a detrimental effect on their eating disorder. Calories are one aspect of nutritional information but on its own this figure is not particularly helpful."

"Suggesting that people need a specific number of calories does not take into account the individual’s physiology, gender, race and activity. This could be particularly harmful for children and young people where limiting calorie and nutritional intake can have significant impacts on development. A wider public health initiative looking at social and economic determinants of obesity and improving the population’s nutrition is likely to be more beneficial than listing calorie content on menus."&nbsp;

Many completely agree with the above statement as this is not how food should be consumed. Cooking and eating should be a joy and are meant to be spontaneous and inspiring for all who indulge in this life-sustaining activity. It does not make sense to have people removing their calculators or apps to decide what they can and cannot have depending on the total calories highlighted on the menu. This will have a negligible impact on the very issue the government is trying to address and eradicate.

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In April this year, Maree Todd MSP - Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport in the Scottish Government launched a public consultation on plans to make calorie labelling on menus mandatory in restaurants, takeaways, cafes and even hospitals.

In April this year, Maree Todd MSP - Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport in the Scottish Government launched a public consultation on plans to make calorie labelling on menus mandatory in restaurants, takeaways, cafes and even hospitals. This consultation fulfils a pledge made in the SNP’s 2021 Out of Home Action Plan. The Plan builds on the commitments made in the 2018 Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan and recommendations made by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) to Scottish Ministers in 2019. Mandating calorie labelling at the point of choice was one potential way to support the Out of Home (OOH) sector to make a key contribution to improving the dietary health of all Scottish citizens. Pre-packed food is not within the scope of these proposals as there are already requirements to provide nutrition information for pre-packed food. Pre-packed food for direct sale (PPDS) is within the scope of these proposals. Similar legislation is already in place in England, where any food serving outlet with over 250 employees have been legally required to display calories since April 2022. In a recent survey Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity found that 95% of Scots affected by eating disorders would be negatively impacted by calorie labelling on menus, with many worried it would increase feelings of fear and guilt. So, what happens now? Will this add fuel to the fire? There has been an increase in people suffering from various eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia in the last decade. Young people have been facing the brunt of this epidemic as peer pressure and constant shaming on social media has led to some even resorting to suicide. This policy of the Scottish government has the potential to wreak havoc on people’s lives and exacerbate the problem even more. Many experts in food disorders believe the focus should be on informing and educating people about the positive or negative impact of the food and drinks they consume on a daily basis. Young people should be exposed to cooking from a very young age eg. Primary and secondary schools. Consultant Psychiatrist in eating disorders Dr Stephen Anderson, said: "There is no good evidence that this kind of calorie labelling is effective in reducing obesity. We also hear from people with eating disorders that this would have a detrimental effect on their eating disorder. Calories are one aspect of nutritional information but on its own this figure is not particularly helpful." "Suggesting that people need a specific number of calories does not take into account the individual’s physiology, gender, race and activity. This could be particularly harmful for children and young people where limiting calorie and nutritional intake can have significant impacts on development. A wider public health initiative looking at social and economic determinants of obesity and improving the population’s nutrition is likely to be more beneficial than listing calorie content on menus." Many completely agree with the above statement as this is not how food should be consumed. Cooking and eating should be a joy and are meant to be spontaneous and inspiring for all who indulge in this life-sustaining activity. It does not make sense to have people removing their calculators or apps to decide what they can and cannot have depending on the total calories highlighted on the menu. This will have a negligible impact on the very issue the government is trying to address and eradicate. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Will compulsory calorie labelling on menus reduce obesity levels in Scotland?

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