With obesity among children and adolescents in the U.S. nearly tripling since the 1970s, many of those affected are dealing with health problems that previously weren't seen until adulthood. These include: High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. There are psychological effects as well.

The adult obesity rate is at or above 35% in seven states and at least 30% in 29 states, according to the most recent Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data issued by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The rates increased in Iowa, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and South Carolina between 2016 and 2017, and remained stable in the rest of states.

The California Medical Association (CMA) and the California Dental Association (CDA) are fighting back against a bill passed recently in the state that blocks local sugary drink taxes with a ballot measure of their own – one that would implement a statewide ban on sugar-sweetened drinks.

Obesity is an ever-increasing problem in American society. Currently, up to one third of the U.S. population is considered obese, defined as a body mass index greater than 30. Many studies have found a direct link between increased BMI and foot problems.

World Obesity Day – yesterday – prompted calls from the American Heart Association (AHA) and organizations from many nations to urge all levels of government to increase their investments to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.

Overweight and obese people who feel their physicians are judgmental of their size are more likely to try to shed pounds but are less likely to succeed, according to results of a study by Johns Hopkins researchers.