While the 2015-16 adult obesity rate of 39.8 percent does not represent a sharp rise from the 2013-14 adult obesity rate of 37.7 percent, it does mark an all-time high. The youth obesity rate also demonstrated a modest increase, jumping from 17.2 percent in 2013-14 to 18.5 percent in 2015-16.
“We know the basics of supply and demand help people eat healthier and move more,” said Eduardo Sanchez, MD, CMO for prevention with the American Heart Association. “It will take a massive push from the food and beverage industry to increase the supply of affordable, healthy, nutritious foods and fewer sugary drinks. And it takes a tremendous effort on the part of consumers to demand healthier products and policies in their communities. We all have to do our part.”
More articles on population health:
Acting HHS Secretary Hargan declares a public health emergency in California due to fires
Propeller Health releases API to predict asthma conditions
Employees of small companies less likely to be screened for cancer, study finds
