You can literally watch America's obesity epidemic spread.
This GIF, courtesy of the Center for Disease Control, displays the rapid progression of obesity rates nationwide through the a quarter century.
The map shows a progression between 1985 and 2010. The images begin to display cool colors which represent states having upwards of 20% of their population overweight. There is an overall trend for warmer colors to disperse all across the map, which indicate obese populations ranging from 20% to over 30%.
One interesting trend: There's a distinct presence of prominent and high obesity rates in Southern states.
The GIF ends at 2010, when the highest obesity levels have begun to stretch into the Midwest and Southwest.
The CDC defines clinical obesity as an adult having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. The BMI is calculated by using a person’s weight and dividing it by the square of their height.
According to the CDC, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese jumped from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. The percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.
Obesity increases the likelihood of you dying young, including a higher risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Yeah, we get it right? Eat better and exercise, blahblahblah.
Beyond the health impact, there is also a real economic impact. The Trust for America's Health (TFAH) released its annual look at obesity rates in September. TFAH researchers estimate that the projected increase in obesity rates will cost the United States $550 billion between now and 2030.
Heck, it's even considered a national security threat, including the strength of America's military.
Here, via TFAH, is a projection of what 2030 will look like:
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