Unpasteurized juice poses serious health risk, says FDA

By Chris Mercer

8/29/2005 - Untreated juices are still causing serious outbreaks of foodborne illness across America, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, warning consumers to be extra careful.

The FDA said that while most peoples' immune systems can usually fight off the effects of foodborne illness, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems risk serious illnesses or even death from drinking untreated juices.

That is because when fruit and vegetables are juiced, bacteria from the produce can become a part of the finished product.

Unpasteurized, or otherwise untreated juices, sold in grocery stores are required to carry warning labels for consumers, stating: “This product has not been pasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.”

However, with consumers choosing to drink ever more juice as a healthier alternative to fizzy sodas, the FDA is concerned that more people may be putting themselves at risk.

“The FDA does not require warning labels for juices that are fresh-squeezed and sold by the glass, such as at farmers markets, at roadside stands, or in some juice bars,” it says.

Food and drinks producers and distributors face inevitable fines if any outbreak of food poisoning can be traced back to their products.

The FDA last October published the final 2004 Produce Safety Action Plan aimed at minimizing the number of foodborne illnesses that are contracted each year through the consumption of fresh produce.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the US each year, 76 million people become sick, more than 325,000 people are hospitalized, and 5,000 people die from foodborne illness.

It also says that at least 12 percent of foodborne-outbreak-associated illnesses in the 1990s were linked to fresh produce.

Outbreaks elsewhere in the world back up this theory. In 1999, unpasteurized orange juice was responsible for a food poisoning outbreak in South Australia affecting more than 500 people.

Consuming dangerous foodborne bacteria will usually cause illness in one to three days after eating the contaminated food, though can cause sickness anywhere between 20 minutes or up to six weeks later.

SOURCE NUTRAINGREDIENTS.COM

Tennesse - Obesity

Sunday, 08/28/05
State's obesity epidemic strains EMTs Expensive equipment needed to care for those as big as 1,600 poundsBy CLAUDIA PINTOStaff WriterIt took 12 Nashville emergency responders to log-roll the 1,075-pound man with chest pains onto a tarp. But they couldn't lift him into the ambulance.
An hour passed while the rescuers scrambled to build a makeshift ramp out of metal beams. As they pulled him up the ramp and onto the floor of the ambulance, he was crying.
The incident illustrates a growing problem sparked by Tennessee's rising obesity rate: The difficulty in transporting obese patients is delaying their treatment, as well as putting emergency workers at risk for injury.
Metro Emergency Medical Services' Steve Meador said 30 years ago there were maybe three or four such calls a year. Now there are one or two calls a day, the deputy chief says.
"When there's an emergency, we need to get people to the hospital as quickly as possible," Meador said. "With larger patients, sometimes we are on the scene for an hour or longer. We have to dismantle the stretcher to make room as well as call in extra personnel to help lift them. It's not an ideal situation."
In response, emergency agencies are creating "bariatric ambulances," which can easily load and safely carry patients who weigh more than 400 pounds.
While still rare, bariatric ambulances are catching on because of the nation's ever-expanding waistline. So far, they've popped up in cities such as Phoenix, Seattle, Denver and Portland.
Pride Care Ambulance Service, a private company in Nashville, got one in November. Wilson County Emergency Management Agency acquired one in May, and Meador said Metro's is expected to be on the road by Oct. 1.
"Our business was called upon to respond to more and more of these patients, so this was our response," said Brian Williams, Pride Care's director of operations. The company gets about 10 calls each week to transport severely obese people, he said.
To create the specialty ambulances, a ramp and remote-controlled electric winch-and-pulley system are added to a normal ambulance. The pulley system moves the stretcher up and down the ramp. The ambulances are outfitted with a wider stretcher that can hold as much as 1,600 pounds.
"Our regular stretchers can only hold 500 pounds, so a lot of times they have to be transported on the floor," Meador said. "Right now, there's really no way to secure these patients."
The cost of the new gear and modifications is about $30,000, he said.
Tennessee ranks fifth in the United States in obesity with a rate of 25.6%, according to 2002-04 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One in 50 Americans is morbidly obese, according to a 2003 RAND Corp. study. Those numbers are up from one in 200 in 1986.
To be classified as morbidly obese, a person must be at least 100 pounds overweight. A typical severely obese man weighs 300 pounds at 5 feet, 10 inches, while a typical severely obese woman weighs 250 pounds at 5 feet, 4 inches.
"Like everyone else, these particular patients expect good health care," Meador said. "They expect good emergency response. This new equipment will help us cut that time in half."
Trying to move someone so large can be not just difficult but dangerous. Wilson County Emergency Management Agency Officials said they got the ambulance in hopes of preventing employees from getting back and leg strains and missing work.
"We've had quite a few injuries," said Doug McQuary, assistant chief of the agency's ambulance division.
Since Pride Care got its special ambulance, back injuries among employees have been cut in half, Williams said. More than 20 workers had such injuries in the first nine months of 2004, vs. fewer than 10 in the first nine months of 2005.
Back injuries account for more than one-third of all on-the-job injuries for EMS workers, Williams noted.
"We need to move our patients safely and comfortably and not injure our employees in the process," he said. "This equipment is a way to do that."
Glynn Richardson, Pride Care's operations supervisor, said before the bariatric ambulance, her greatest fear was dropping a patient. At 5 feet, 5 inches tall and 130 pounds, she admits that it was daunting trying to lift patients who weigh hundreds of pounds, even with the help of seven other people.
"With this, you don't exert yourself as much," Richardson said. "It's made it a whole lot easier."
Source Tennessean.com

America´s children are getting fatter.

Parents, schools wrestle with problem of childhood obesity
By TREVOR DUNBAR, STAFF WRITER
Saturday, August 27, 2005 4:35 PM CDT

America's children are getting fatter.The percentage of overweight young people has more than tripled since 1980, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC reports over nine million young people between the ages of six and 19 are overweight.Alarming statistics like these have set some McAlester parents worrying.
Some say they are concerned with some aspects McAlester School District's food service program."I have a son in fifth grade at Parker," McAlester resident Amanda Workman said. "Half of August's breakfast menu is Pop Tarts, donuts and cinnamon rolls. Then they eat fried things like steak fingers and chicken nuggets for lunch."Workman thinks food like this contributes to child obesity and health problems."I've read a lot of articles about how childhood obesity is out of control and how it can lead to serious problems like diabetes," Workman said."They're not eating a nutritious breakfast or lunch, just pure fat all day. I don't notice too many skinny kids running around school."Chasity Young, the mother of a Will Rogers Elementary School student, agrees with Workman."I know they have a lot of junk food like pizza and hamburgers," Young said. "I'm just concerned about the types of food they're getting and whether it's healthy or not."Workman is also concerned about the availability of ice cream in the cafeteria."They have a big cooler, like at a gas station, full of huge ice cream sandwiches and fudge bars," Workman said. "They don't have to have cash to pay for it. As long as they have a positive lunch account balance, they can charge ice cream."Workman wasn't aware of this policy until her son's lunch account ran out early and she asked for an itemized statement."When I got the statement, sure enough he had bought ice cream everyday." Workman said. "But what kid isn't going to have ice cream everyday if it's available to them."Workman said she feels that "kids can pretty much eat what ever they want at lunch.""I asked my son how many kids just eat ice cream at lunch," Workman said. "He said 'Oh, a bunch.'"Parker Principal Donnie Condit doesn't think the ice cream is a problem."I don't think it's a problem if it's regulated like it is here," Condit said. "Students have to eat the majority of their lunch before they can go get ice cream. We have two monitors on duty during lunch, either myself or a teacher and a teacher's assistant."Condit said most students do eat a healthy lunch, but it can be difficult to monitor."We don't really scrutinize how much they've eaten," Condit said. "We just generally watch. It's hard to watch 90 kids."Will Rogers Principal Cindy Kemp said sweet snacks have been available at the school in the past, but that policy could soon change."We didn't have any snacks this week because we were short handed," Kemp said. "In the past they have, but I think they're looking at revamping the program due to parent concerns."Assistant Superintendent of McAlester Schools Jim Northcutt said the management of the school lunch program is contracted through a business called Aramark.Aramark is huge corporation which contracts with schools, government agencies and other companies to provide food service. They serve more than 30,000 locations.Northcutt said all food service employees - except management - are employed by McAlester schools. The lunch policy is still controlled by the school board."We're regulated as to what we can serve by the National School Lunch Program and the state Department of Education Child Nutrition Department." Northcutt said.He said soft drinks and candy are closely monitored at elementary schools."There is ice cream available at Parker," Northcutt said. "But soft drinks and candy are not available in elementary schools."Northcutt said soft drink vending machines can only be used by students at McAlester High School and Puterbaugh Middle School, but only during certain times of the day."We're more liberal at the high school than at the middle school. Middle school students can use the pop machine after school for sure," Northcutt said."But vending machines for pop aren't available at elementary schools. We have some machines with juice and water instead."Northcutt said the money made from snacks in McAlester Public Schools aren't earmarked for anything in particular."Money generated by snack sales come back to the school district," Northcutt said. "It's used for the operation of the food service department."Northcutt said parents still have control over what their children eat for lunch."It doesn't happen very often but lunch can definitely be limited," Northcutt said. "We have it set up so the parents can limit (lunch), if their parents limit it we don't sell it."McAlester Pediatrician Dr. Paul Thomas said childhood obesity is a serious problem."I think it's a real problem all over the country," Thomas said. "I would say we need to work hard on getting Coke machines out of schools and look at ways of reducing fat."Thomas said ice cream can be part of the problem."It's a non-nutricious food and it can contribute to the problem," Thomas said. "It might be reasonable once a week, but I wouldn't try to make it available everyday. I'm a proponent of an hour of exercise everyday and limiting high fat foods."Contact Trevor Dunbar at tdunbar@mcalesternews.com

Obesity difficult to solve in US andabroad

Obesity difficult to solve in U.S. and abroad
By Jon Tollestrup Daily Universe Staff - 27 Aug 2005

 This story appeared in The Daily Universe on Wednesday, August 17.
Dr. Steven Tersigni elucidated the growing problem of obesity by detailing the damaging impact this pandemic is having in the lives of both children and adults across America.
“It is a chronic, medical illness that has long reaching physical and emotional consequences,” Tersigni said. “This is a difficult problem to solve in America and around the world.”
Over the last 20 years, the percentage of obese people has more than doubled throughout the United States. Studies show that three out of every five Americans are considered obese, comprising approximately 61 percent of the population.
These dramatic numbers have made obesity the second leading preventative death in the country, resulting in an estimated 300,000 deaths a year.
Even more alarming than this are the facts Tersigni presented on the rising number over children whose lives are being weighed down because of the negative social and physical impacts this disease creates.
“Childhood obesity has such strong social implications that it can ruin their lives,” Tersigni said. “I plead with you don’t let you children get overweight.”
Studies indicate that 16 percent of America children ages six to 19 are obese, a figure which has tripled within the last 20 years. One statistic Tersigni cited as contributing heavily to child obesity is that today typical adolescents get 10 to 15 percent of their calories from soft drinks.
“Now you know why there is such a strong movement to get soft drinks out of the public schools,” Tersigni said. “Todays kids are expected to be the first generation in history whose life expectancy is projected to be less than that of their parents.”
A reduced life expectancy is just one the myriad of negative effects that experts have shown to result from obesity. The long list of additional drawbacks can include diabetes, infertility and cancer, just to name a few.
“Cancer is very prevalent obese patients,” Tersigni said. “Studies have shown that if you weigh 20 pounds more than when you were 20 years old, your risk of getting cancer increases two-fold.”
Another serious, physical detriment that results from obesity is how the body gradually changes to compensate for the increased weight gain. As a result the body of an obese individual will do things like take more breaths per minute and increase blood pressure in response to the pressure applied from extra weight. Tersigni said the danger of these types of compensations is that they generally happen under the radar and the individually has not idea it’s happening until their body reaches its compensatory limit.
Experts have determined that issues such as depression, minimal physical activity and overeating can contribut to obesity. However, Tersigni said that such factors are related to each other in causing this problem, instead of one reason independently acting as a source. But Tersigni did emphasize that a diet of fast food and soft drinks to be the quickest way to putting on weight.
“We have an abundant supply of food and it tastes great,” Tersigni said. “Americans tend to put taste and convenience ahead of nutrition.”
Apart from the physical consequences, Tersigni said that another major problem facing obese people is social discrimination. Things like low self-esteem, depression and social isolation frequently accompany the life of an obese individual.
“In a study among college students,” Tersigni said. “They indicated that they would rather marry a drug addict than marry an obese person.”
But despite the rapid increase in the number of obese patients over the years and all the problems associated with obesity, Tersigni said that he is optimistic in gaining ground on the whole issue.
“The medical community is finally recognizing this as a chronic health problem,” Tersigni said. “The more we look at it this way the sooner we’ll solve this problem.”
Brigham Young NewsNet

Wish away obesity? Fat Chance

Editorials
Move aside, influenza epidemic of the early 20th century. Obesity may very well be the new American plague.
As a study released last week by the Trust for America's Health shows, obesity continues its deadly march across the nation, with 65 percent of adults - 119 million Americans - either overweight or obese. Within three years, that will climb to 73 percent, the study predicted.
If this were an infectious disease like smallpox, medical resources would be marshaled to it and public policy would be all over it. Obesity has been inarguably linked to heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and joint problems. So when will this nation - especially our region - see fat for the life-threatening ailment it is?
And here we sit in the hot zone.
Kentucky had some of the worst news out of the study, with the Commonwealth now ranking sixth in the nation in the number of obese adults. One in every four Kentuckians is dangerously fat. Ohio ranks 13th with 24.4 of its adults obese, a 1 percentage point increase since last year.
The scope of this crisis should continue to shock and amaze us. We know from previous studies that American children, senior citizens and many public safety workers, for example, are growing fatter and fatter. Now better than 16 percent of active-duty U.S. troops are obese. Indeed, obesity has become the primary reason for military discharges.
The saddest part of the story is not just that we're drowning in a tidal wave of fat, but that we're watching ourselves go down. The Trust for America's Health releases its obesity study annually because the numbers now jump so quickly. This time, the obesity rate rose eight-tenths of a percentage point in a single year - hundreds of thousands of Americans gaining more weight even as they are bombarded with news accounts and doctors' warnings of the serious health risks fat incurs.
One thing is clear: burying one's head in the sand, or the cookie jar, won't solve this health crisis. While Americans cling to the belief that there's a pill to solve everything - or that a magic vaccine is floating just out of reach on the horizon - the obesity epidemic will have no such effortless solution.
But neither does the "fix" have to be as painful or Draconian as some dieters believe.
As the Enquirer editorial board pointed out in its five-part series, "Healthy Children, Healthy Future" - and as the Trust for America's Health study perfectly echoes - the real answer to obesity is a series of small but vital steps that individuals can undertake without guilt or much distress, and which communities can support.
Study recommendations, which we list in the "Recommendations" list with this editorial, bypass fancy science to get straight to the heart of this lifestyle ailment. Almost anything that makes us move more will help, as will even a modest switch to fresher, more natural foods.
One of the best things the new study has done is turn Americans' eyes to the generally unassuming state of Oregon, the only state that did not have an increase in obesity this year.
There are probably many reasons why Oregon has thinner people, but one of the most obvious is the design of its cities, which encourage an active and outdoor lifestyle. A Chicago Sun-Times story reported that 10 percent of Portland residents ride their bikes to work, for example, and the city of Portland pays its employees to do so.
The state has also had an increase in farms, growers and farmers' markets in recent years, another step that provides the healthiest foods directly to consumers and often builds a taste and demand for fresh, seasonal choices.
These same relatively simple approaches can make a huge difference in our region. Bike paths and walking paths draw people outdoors. Sidewalks in new developments get people moving. Increasing the number of farmers' markets has myriad benefits, from helping small growers hold on to green space to bringing healthy, affordable food to neighborhoods without grocery stores.
We hate to think of nearly three in four Americans being overweight by 2008. We hate to watch as American children struggle - often utterly unnecessarily - with Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and joint disorders. We find it tragically sad that the strong, fit, active American kid of the 1960s has almost disappeared from playgrounds and back yards.
We miss that kid. And we miss a community of active, vibrant, robust adults.
If we want them back, it's time we say enough to this health crisis that is of our own making, and take the humble, serious steps that will shrink this burgeoning problem down.
Source The Enquirer

WORK STILL NEEDED IN BATTLING OBESITY

Work still needed in battling obesityBy Ellen Robinson
Sidney HeraldThough Montana ranks as one of six states currently under the national obesity rate, the state's obesity rate has climbed with 56.8 percent of adults in Montana being either overweight or obese.Montana has a 19.1 percent obesity rate among adults compared to the national average of 24.5 percent, ranking it the 46th most obese state, according to the Trust for America's Health report. Trust for America's Health used data collected from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.There was a .3 percent growth in obesity in the state, translating into a 43rd ranking for the obesity rate increase. North Dakota, however, was closer to the national average with a 23.9 percent obesity rate, ranking it 16th in the nation, and ranking second in the nation in the obesity rate increase category.
Because of Richland County's close proximity to North Dakota, local dietitian Lisa Aisenbrey points out the state average may not accurately represent the region's obesity rate."The majority of the population in Montana is in the western part of the state; eastern Montanans have similar cultural habits to North Dakotans, including diet, environment and activity level," Aisenbrey said.The report suggests trends point to possible future changes to employer health care plans, such as "fit versus fat" premium differences for individuals based on lifestyle and risk for disease due to obesity.Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005 said a healthy eating plan is one that emphasizes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, nuts and milk products. The guidelines focus attention on balancing calories between food and physical activity to achieve a healthy weight. The recommended amount of physical activity is 30 minutes a day for overall health and fitness, and 60 to 90 minutes a day to help with weight loss or weight maintenance.
Locally, the Richland County Nutrition Coalition sponsors the annual "Tasty Fork" promotion in March. This promotion highlights the healthy options on local menus, and gives an award to the winning entree or side-dish during National Nutrition Month in March.The Richland County Community Diabetes Project, with a goal of creating an environment supportive of diabetes health management, has comprised a list of places to walk in Richland County.The list includes Sidney High School, Central School, Village Square Mall, St. Matthew's Catholic Church, the Sidney walking path, Healthworks, Savage School and Lambert School. For more information on walking times and accessability, contact the Richland Health Network.To help Montana combat the epidemic, the Montana Department of Health and Human Services received a four-year grant from the CDC to improve the Montana Nutritional and Physical Activity program. Various public and private partners in the health care industry and community leaders are working together to create a joint Cardiovascular Health/Nutrition and Physical Activity State Plan. The plan is projected to be completed and released this fall.ellenr@sidneyherald.com
See full story at Sidney Herald

Report Finds Arkansas Has 11th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Arkansas Has 11th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Arkansas ranked 11th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 25 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 8th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 61.7 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds California Has 31st Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds California Has 31st Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
California ranked 31st in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 21.5 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 30th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 58.8 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Colorado Has 50th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Colorado Has 50th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Colorado ranked 50th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 16.4 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 50th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 52.6 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Connecticut Has 47th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Connecticut Has 47th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Connecticut ranked 47th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 18.9 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 45th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 55.3 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Delaware Has 27th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Delaware Has 27th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Delaware ranked 27th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 22.5 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 26th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 59.5 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Washington DC Has 35th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Washington, DC Has 35th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Washington, DC ranked 35th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 21.2 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 49th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 53.5 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Florida Has 38th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Florida Has 38th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Florida ranked 38th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 20.7 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 34th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 58.4 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Georgia Has 12th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Georgia Has 12th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Georgia ranked 12th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 24.5 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 25th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 59.6 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Idaho Has 37th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Idaho Has 37th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Idaho ranked 37th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 20.9 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 35th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 58.2 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Illinois Has 22nd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Illinois Has 22nd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Illinois ranked 22nd in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 22.9 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 24th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 59.9 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Indiana Has 9th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Indiana Has 9th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Contacts: Laura Segal (202) 223-9870 x278 or lsegal@tfah.org or Michael Earls (202) 223-9870 x273 or mearls@tfah.org
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Indiana ranked 9th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 25.2 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 8th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 61.7 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Iowa Has 20th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Iowa Has 20th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse

Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Iowa ranked 20th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 23.4 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 13th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 61.2 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Kansas Has 22nd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Kansas Has 22nd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Kansas ranked 22nd in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 22.9 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 17th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 60.4 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Kentucky Has 6th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Kentucky Has 6th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Kentucky ranked 6th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 25.3 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 4th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 63 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Louisiana Has 4th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Louisiana Has 4th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Louisiana ranked 4th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 25.8 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 10th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 61.6 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Maine Has 32nd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Maine Has 32nd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Maine ranked 32nd in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 21.3 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 28th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 59.3 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Maryland Has 29th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Maryland Has 29th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Contacts: Laura Segal (202) 223-9870 x278 or lsegal@tfah.org or Michael Earls (202) 223-9870 x273 or mearls@tfah.org
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Maryland ranked 29th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 21.7 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 33rd in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 58.5 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Massachusetts Has 49th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Massachusetts Has 49th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Massachusetts ranked 49th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 17.8 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 48th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 54 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Michigan Has 6th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Michigan Has 6th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Michigan ranked 6th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 25.3 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 10th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 61.6 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Minnesota Has 25th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Minnesota Has 25th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Minnesota ranked 25th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 22.6 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 22nd in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 60 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Mississippi Has 1st Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Mississippi Has 1st Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Mississippi ranked 1st in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 28.1 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 1st in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 64.5 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Missouri Has 16th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Missouri Has 16th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Missouri ranked 16th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 23.9 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 17th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 60.4 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Montana Has 45th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Montana Has 45th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Montana ranked 45th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 19.1 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 42nd in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 56.8 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Nebraska Has 20th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Nebraska Has 20th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Nebraska ranked 20th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 23.4 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 14th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 60.9 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds Nevada Has 32nd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds Nevada Has 32nd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
Nevada ranked 32nd in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 21.3 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 29th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 59.1 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds New Hampshire Has 43rd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds New Hampshire Has 43rd Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
New Hampshire ranked 43rd in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 19.9 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 39th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 57 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds New Jersey Has 40th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds New Jersey Has 40th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
New Jersey ranked 40th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 20.3 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 37th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 57.8 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds New Mexico Has 39th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds New Mexico Has 39th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
New Mexico ranked 39th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 20.5 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 40th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 56.9 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story

Report Finds New York Has 34th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Report Finds New York Has 34th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.; National Policy Paralysis Threatens to Make Problem Worse
Washington, DC, August 23, 2005 – Obesity rates continued to rise last year in every state but one, and government policies and actions to date offer little hope of countering the trend, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health.
New York ranked 34th in the U.S. in highest rate of adult obesity at 21.2 percent, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005. It ranked 38th in the U.S. in highest rate of obese and overweight adults combined at 57.1 percent. Mississippi ranks as the heaviest state, Colorado as the least heavy, and rates in Oregon remained the same. Over 25 percent of adults in 10 states are obese, including in Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. Seven of those 10 states are in the Southeastern U.S.
See full story