The largest number of obese people is in the South and Midwest of the United States, including the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Obesity is more common in people with low education levels and low incomes.
Among the population aged 45 to 64 years in 41 US states, 30% or more are obese. In Alabama and Louisiana, their number reached 40%. With the increase in the number of severe obesity among men, the gap between the sexes has narrowed. Ten years ago, the obesity rate among women (33.4%) was significantly higher than among men (27.5%). Currently, about 36% are both men and women.
Because of obesity, the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some types of tumors increases. Obesity significantly reduces life expectancy and its quality, and in terms of mortality, this disorder is more dangerous than terrorist attacks, road accidents, and senile dementia.
Scientific studies have confirmed the high probability of developing diabetes in obese people.
Problems and risks of diabetes
- diabetic retinopathy (eye damage)
- diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage)
- diabetic macroangiopathy of the lower extremities (intermittent lameness, diabetic foot)
- diabetic encephalopathy (brain damage)
- diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy (damage to the nerve endings of the upper and lower extremities)
- diabetic autonomic neuropathy (damage to the nerve endings of the autonomic nervous system of internal organs
- diabetic osteoarthropathy (joint damage)
