UCLA Study Finds Rising Levels of Obesity, Diabetes in California

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Thursday, September 02, 2010

UCLA Study Finds Rising Levels of Obesity, Diabetes in California

Nearly 60% of California adults are overweight or obese and almost 8% of adult residents have diabetes, according to a recent report by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, HealthLeaders Media reports.

Statewide Findings

The report estimated that 9.3 million California adults are overweight and an additional 6 million are obese (Clark, HealthLeaders Media, 9/1). It also found that more than 2 million adult residents have diabetes.

Researchers noted that the prevalence of both conditions has increased over time. They found that between 2001 and 2007:

Adult obesity rates rose from 19.3% to 22.7%; and
Adult diabetes rates increased from 6.2% to 7.8%.

Disparities Among Population Groups

Although obesity rates increased significantly among all ethnic groups, the rates remained highest among American Indian, black and Hispanic residents.

In addition, the report found that nearly 28% of California adults with annual incomes below the poverty level are obese, compared with 20% of those with higher annual incomes.

California adults who lacked a high school education were two times more likely be obese and three times more likely to have diabetes than their counterparts with college degrees, according to the report (Lin, "California Watch Blog," 9/1).

County Differences

Counties in the San Joaquin Valley had some of the highest rates for obesity and diabetes. In 2007, about 34% of the region's residents were obese and 9.4% had diabetes.

The San Francisco Bay Area had some of the lowest rates for both conditions, with a regional obesity rate of 18.8% and a regional diabetes rate of 6.8% (Carlson, Modesto Bee, 9/2).

Efforts To Curb Obesity, Diabetes Rates

Although some stakeholders have undertaken efforts to reduce diabetes and obesity rates in California, researchers said more time would be necessary to gauge the success of such initiatives (Anderson, Fresno Bee, 8/30).

Researchers also said that preventive efforts could include more opportunities for physical activity and improved nutrition in low-income areas (HealthLeaders Media, 9/1).

4
09/07/2010
James Roache

Janet, Could yo uplease identify for me the FDA approved chemical and pesticides that cause obesity. Thank You

3
09/02/2010
Tom Johnson

I agree with Hatti. There have been enough studies (you don't need another study. You only need to look at the line in front of Home Town Buffet) regarding the rising levels of obesity and there has been enough education on how to eat nutritiously and the need for daily excercise to choke a horse. People are not taking responsibility for their actions; pure and simple. Medical science will bale me out with medication, surgery or disability payments when I need it. In the meantime, I'll eat what I want, ride and not walk and someone else will pay for the results of my sedentary lifestyle. That is one reason why the Health Care Reform bill won't either improve the health of our population nor reduce the cost of health care; it doesn't address personal responsibility. Tojo

2
09/02/2010
Hatti Hamlin

Sorry, Janet, but I must take issue with your post. While high fructose corn syrup has virtually no nutritional value and adds an alarming amount of calories to the average diet, it does not "cause" obesity or diabetes. Consuming too many calories and expending too few calories are what cause obesity. It is perfectly possible to become obese without ever touching high fructose corn syrup, and even possible to not be obese while consuming a great deal of it (in other foods.)

Here's the problem with your point of view; like others, you're seeking to remove any personal responsibility from the obesity dilemma and debate, and to promote the idea that if only we could engineer a world free of "unhealthy" foods, we'd have perfect weight and health. Unfortunately, as long as people sit on their duffs and stuff themselves with food--healthy or unhealthy food--that won't happen. Why not focus on how to get people to change their behaviors--instead of trying to dictate to food sellers?

1
09/02/2010
janet miner

This poblem is more difficult than just overeating. The quality of the food suppy is alarming loaded with chemicals. The FDA still approve chemicals and food pesticides that lead to obesity. Some responsibilty must fall on the food manufactuers and the FDA. As an example High frustocse corn syrup can cause obesity and diabetes and are still in the food supply. Until this problem is addressed their will be an obesity problem.