Is Fat in Your Future?

Statistically, if you're an American, you're almost certain to become overweight at some point in your life.

A study conducted by Boston University has found that 9 out of 10 men and 7 out of 10 women will eventually become overweight -- even those who, as adults, are currently at a healthy weight. The study underscores a concern shared among many health professionals and futurists that obesity could become a future health crisis.



A "snapshot" of the general population, the researchers found, shows that 6 in 10 Americans are overweight, and one-third are obese.

Even though Americans are aware of the health risk factors associated with obesity (heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, arthritis, etc.), and many work very hard to lose weight, doing so is not easy. According to the study, we live in an “environment in which it’s hard not to become overweight or obese. Unless people actively work against that, that’s what’s most likely to happen to them.”

The Centers for Disease Control has clinical definitions of overweight and obesity here, along with tools to help you calculate your weight.

Source: AP (MSNBC)