A study has found that, if left unchecked, 43 percent of Americans will be obese by 2018, costing the health care system $344 billion annually.
CBS News reports: "The study, sponsored by the United Health Foundation, Partnership for Prevention, and American Public Health Association in conjunction with their annual America's Health Rankings, notes that the states most in danger of a ballooning obesity epidemic are: Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and South Dakota. Only one state - Colorado - will have an obesity rate under 30 percent, according to the projections" (Glor, 11/17).
State news outlets covered the 20th annual health rankings. Michigan ranks 30th in the rankings for overall health, Crain's Detroit Business reports, up one spot from 2008. "Michigan has had a 109 percent increase in obesity from 14.1 percent in 1990 to 29.5 percent in 2009. In addition, the percentage of children in poverty in Michigan has increased by 21 percent" (Greene, 11/17).
