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Move It to Lose It?
Story Updated: Jul 12, 2013
..research now shows more Americans are making fitness a regular part of their routines. The bad news...obesity continues to rise, despite all of the activity.
Researchers at the University of Washington tracked data provided by state health departments-from 2001 through 2011. They found in many areas of the country more people are biking, running and doing other forms of exercise at sufficient levels. meaning they get, on average, 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. According to the data, those workouts have helped reduce death and disability from heart disease and diabetes. but they've had little impact on obesity rates to date. Counties in Kentucky, Florida, Georgia and California reported the biggest gains in physical activity-. while the lowest levels were found in the Mississippi Valley, parts of the Deep South and West Virginia. Overall, obesity rates increased in nearly all counties.
The researchers say while the hike in exercise is a step in the right direction, they believe more aggressive strategies involving diet and behavior are needed to help prevent and control obesity.
I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV your source for ideas to protect your health.