League of American Bicyclists information on U.S. obesity trends, and the role that bike paths, parks and connecting sidewalks can play

Here's part of Bike League news of the month that are quite interesting, including the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) slides and obesity maps (which can be obtained here). I saw them used in at least 3 different presentations in St. Louis.  - John

The following comes from League of American Bicyclists' electronic newsletter, BikeLeague News. To join or learn more about the League, visit http://www.bikeleague.org:

“Dramatic new evidence signals the unfolding of a diabetes epidemic in the United States. With obesity on the rise, we can expect the sharp increase of diabetes rates to continue. Unless these dangerous trends are halted, the impact on our nation's health and medical care costs will be overwhelming,” said Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, Director of CDC.

While over consumption of fast food and other high fat foods is part of the problem, reduced physical activity and neighborhoods with neither parks nor connecting sidewalks also play a role, Dr. William Dietz of CDC said. Obesity is second behind tobacco in U.S. health risk factors, contributing to 300,000 deaths a year. 25% of Americans are obese, resulting in $100 billion a year in national health care costs, or one in every $10 spent, Dietz said, and diabetes, often an obesity complication, represents 25% of all Medicare costs. Dr. Boyle said, "Our study strongly supports the need for people who are at risk for diabetes to make these changes, such as developing better eating habits and maintaining a regular exercise program.” Visit http://www.cdc.gov/health/diabetes.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/index.htm to learn more. Download CDC slides on the alarming U.S. obesity trends (they make a very compelling case for increasing physical activity and improving diet) at
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/maps/index.htm