Obesity forecast gloomy unless we act

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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If you think obesity is a problem now, it's likely just the beginning if we don't turn things around.

Last month, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data analysis ranked Iowa as the 18th-fattest state - 29 percent of us are obese, not just overweight. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (ratio of height and weight) of 30 or higher.

Now, a study released Tuesday projects that Iowa's obesity rate will soar to 54.5 percent by 2030.

The new study - from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust of America's Health, which annually analyzes the federal data - offered the long-range projection for the first time. (Full report: www.healthyamericans.org)

It's a sobering forecast. If a large number of Iowans and other Americans don't get more exercise and eat more prudently, obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and cancer, will soar.

There's also hope in this report: If Americans lower their current average obesity rate by 5 percent, disease rates would fall sharply. Iowa's potential estimated savings in health care costs would be $5.7 billion by 2030.

All of which lends credibility and urgency to Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative, launched last year by Gov. Terry Branstad and private-sector partners. Advocates estimated Iowa could save $16 billion in health care costs and lost productivity over just five years if enough Iowans improved their lifestyles.

The Blue Zones project anchors that initiative. Several cities were selected as initial demonstration communities, and many others are interested. Meanwhile, more schools and workplaces are emphasizing wellness activities and better diets.

Tuesday's report, which also includes recommendations, should add momentum to Iowans' efforts to reverse the obesity epidemic.

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