Americans have become even fatter than before, with nearly 28 percent saying they are clinically obese, a new survey finds.
More than two-thirds of Americans are either overweight or obese, but the new Gallup-Healthways Poll shows a record number are tilting the scales from merely overweight into the medically dangerous obese category.
Someone who is 5-foot-5 and weighs 149 pounds has a body mass index of 24, considered a healthy weight. Add a pound and the same person has a BMI of 25 and is considered overweight. At 180 pounds this person has a BMI of 30 and is considered obese.
The National Institutes of Health has a BMI calculator online here.
People who are obese have higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease.
Even when factoring in education, religion, age and income, obese adults are 29 percent more likely to say they lack purpose in life and nearly 34 percent more likely to suffer financially than non-obese adults.
Americans say they are trying to lose weight, but are not eating healthy enough or exercising anywhere close to keep them from piling on the pounds.
With foods like these being created it's no wonder Americans are getting more and more obese everyday.
Source: nbcnews.com