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SILVER SPRING, MD – April 11, 2013 – As was reported in a recent edition of The Motley Fool, obesity is costing us big time! Since 1960, the number of obese Americans has tripled. What? Tripled, yes!! And six times more Americans are now extremely obese than 50 years ago. Unfortunately, everyone is paying for this obesity epidemic. How much? Here are 10 shocking numbers related to the costs of obesity:
“These are bills that we can’t afford to pay,” said Jim Baugh, founder of PHIT America, a cause designed to create a Movement for a Fit and Healthy America. “PHIT America has solutions to helping the U.S. overcome the obesity epidemic. It all starts with regular physical activity and getting daily PE back in schools. You will soon read about new eye opening research findings that lack of exercise Is the main culprit in startling rise of childhood obesity.
Plus, our website – PHITAmerica.org – has a Participation Database for the general public, which offers ways to become active and fit in more than 50 different sports or fitness activities. It’s as simple as ‘putting play in your life every day.’ Play a sport, join a team, or start going to a fitness class. Say goodbye to a sedentary lifestyle. Your life does depend on it!”
Tipping the Scales - More Increased Cost From the Military
Another point worth making on the obesity topic is that 1 in 4 young adults cannot join the military because they are too overweight or obese, according to the recent military report Still Too Fat to Fight. The report also notes that TRICARE, the military’s health insurance system, is spending more than $1 billion a year on treating weight-related diseases.
Sadly, the state of obesity may get worse in this country before things improve. Even the fittest states are losing the obesity battle. Case in point: Colorado. The Rocky Mountain state’s adult obesity rate in 1995 was 13.9%. At the time, the worst state was Mississippi, with an obesity rate of 19.4%. Today, Colorado is still the fittest state, but its adult obesity rate stands at 20.7% -- higher than the worst state less than 20 years ago.
PHIT America Has Solutions
PHIT America has specific solutions to the obesity and sedentary crisis and everybody can play a part in helping America get in shape.
PHIT America 8505 Fenton Street, Suite 211, Silver Spring, MD 20910