CDC report finds adult obesity rates not improving

A new CDC report on adult obesity found that despite intensified efforts to combat the problem, the rate remains unchanged (Source: “Ohio one of 13 overweight states,” Associated Press via Marion Star, Aug. 16, 2013).

The report comes a week after a similar report by the CDC found that 19 states have seen a drop in childhood obesity rates over the past year. In terms of childhood obesity, the rate remained steady in Ohio.

“A plateau is better than rising numbers. But it’s discouraging because we’re plateauing at a very high number,” said Kelly Brownell, a Duke University public policy expert who specializes in obesity.

Ohio is one of 13 states with an adult obesity rate of at least 30 percent, according to the report.