Important Moments in History

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Obesity numbers rise in 28 states

The number of obese Americans is steadily climbing, with obesity rates rising in 28 states in the past year.

According to a report released Tuesday titled "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2010," 38 states have obesity rates of more than 25 percent, and almost one-third of American children are considered obese.

Obesity is defined by body mass index (BMI), a measurement that relates a person's weight to height. For adults, a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese. The definition varies for children according to age and sex, but a child is considered obese in the 95th percentile on the BMI chart.

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