More than a third of U.S. adults and 17 percent of kids and teens are obese.
For adults, body mass index (BMI) – a measure of weight relative to height – defines obesity. A BMI above 25 is considered overweight, and BMI over 29.5, which is equivalent to a 5-foot, 4-inch adult weighing 174 pounds, is considered obese. For children, BMI calculations also factor-in the weights of other kids in the same age group.
10 states with the highest obesity rates
Mississippi (35.4%)
West Virginia (34.4%)
Delaware (34.3%)
Louisiana (32.7%)
Arkansas (32.3%)
South Carolina (31.4%)
Tennessee (31.3%)
Ohio (30.9%)
Kentucky (30.6%)
Oklahoma (30.5%)
10 states with the lowest obesity rates
Montana (19.6%)
Colorado (20.4%)
Nevada (21.1%)
Minnesota (22%)
Massachusetts (22.2%)
Connecticut (23.2%)
New Mexico (23.5%)
California (23.6%)
Hawaii (23.7%)
New York (24%)
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
a) More physical activity
b) Cut out junk food, processed food, eating out, sodas and sugar rich food
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
