* In the United States today, obesity is responsible for about 300,000 deaths a year.
* Obesity complications account for 9% of all health care costs.
* 2/3rds of American adults are overweight or obese.
* Since 1980, twice as many children are overweight and three times as many adolescents.
* Mild obesity (BMI of 30-35) reduces life expectancy by 3 years, more severe obesity (BMI 40-50) will take about 10 years off your life (about the same as life long smoking). BMI of 23-24 has the lowest mortality rate (this is where each of us should be).
References:
Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, FACP
http://www.businessinsider.com/shocking-facts-obesity-america-2010-12
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319224823.htm
