Fat chance for physical activity

Abstract

The enormous burden of ill health caused by overweight and obesity is well understood, particularly in developed countries like the United States, which have seen massive increases in prevalence over the last few decades. Most recently the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2010 reported that high body mass index (BMI) is now the third-leading cause of ill health in the United States, responsible for more than one-third of ischemic heart disease, half of osteoarthritis, and three-quarters of diabetes. The consequences for the health, economics, and well-being of individuals and the community are enormous.