Obesity on the rise despite more exercise

By Sabrina Cupit

March 15, 2018 at 3:29 pm EDT

Obesity on the rise despite more exercise SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 04: Clients exercise at the NuYu Weight Loss Retreat on February 4, 2010 in the Hawkesbury Valley near Sydney, Australia. Nuyu is a live-in style retreat offering programs that run for up to 6 weeks addressing all aspects of healthy living including exercise, meal planning, emotional well being and boast a 80% success rate for long term weight management.The latest statistics from the Dietitians Association of Australia state that 62% - more than 13 million Australian adults - and 25% of Australian children are overweight or obese. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) (Lisa Maree Williams)

By Sabrina Cupit

March 15, 2018 at 3:29 pm EDT

We are moving more but our belts are still expanding!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 31% of Americans over the age of 30 were considered obese last year. That's an increase from 19% in 1997. This is despite more Americans getting the recommended amount of physical activity.

Today, almost 54% of Americans meet the US government’s aerobic exercise recommendation, which calls for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity workouts or 75 minutes a week of more intense exercise.

Dr. Sharon Bergquist with Emory University Hospital in Atlanta says, " I think when you look at obesity, about 70 to 80 percent is probably driven by what you put in your mouth."

Unhealthy weight gain is a key contributor to heart disease, high blood pressure, risk of stroke, and type 2 diabetes.