Obesity in America Declines Slightly

Gallop recently conducted a poll to study the obesity rate in the United States. The study looked at the body mass index, which is a ratio of weight to height. The results were compared to those of previous years. Researchers may have found a trend that suggests the number of overweight Americans is starting to decline.

According to the poll, the obesity rate has decreased slightly. The poll found that 36.6% of Americans are of normal weight. A previous poll found that only 35.8% of Americans were within healthy weight limits.

Unfortunately, the number of overweight Americans is still very high. About 61.6% of Americans are classified as either overweight or obese. However, the study stated that it is a good sign that obesity rates are decreasing in the United States.

Both the percentages of overweight and obese Americans declined over the past year. The percent of Americans who were overweight dropped from 36% to 35.8%. Over the same time period, the percent of obese Americans dropped from 26.6% to 25.8%.

So what happened to change the obesity rate in the United States?

Affected By the Economy?

Gallop couldn’t be sure what caused the change. The obesity rate may have dropped due to changes in the economy. Many Americans don’t have nearly as much money these days.

In better financial times, Americans would spend much more money at restaurants. When they have less money available, they are forced to change their eating habits.

However, the study couldn’t prove whether or not there was a correlation. The economic crisis began in 2008, but the obesity rate increased from 2008 to 2010. That doesn’t disprove the theory that the economy had an impact on the obesity rate of the country. It just makes it harder to make a connection.

Is This the Start of a Trend?

The Gallop poll may show an encouraging trend in the United States. The obesity rate continues to decline, which could be positive in future years. Researchers shouldn’t get too optimistic about this news.

First of all, it only represents a single year. Researchers cannot find a trend based off a single poll. Secondly, researchers can’t be sure what caused the change. If the change was due to the economic downturn, the trend may or may not reverse after the economy recovers.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of a trend. Will the obesity rate continue to decline in future years? It will be interesting to see what future polls have to say.