CDC Says Obesity Rates May Be Leveling

Here's a pleasant surprise from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Obesity rates appear to be reaching a plateau. According to a recent New York Times article, CDC studies "indicate that obesity rates have remained constant for at least five years among men and for closer to 10 years among women and children--long enough for experts to say the percentage of very overweight people has leveled off."

Before declaring premature victory over obesity, researchers point out that diet and exercise are probably not be responsible for the plateau. And we still need to reverse the trends that caused the epidemic in the first place. Two-thirds of the population is overweight or obese, and that statistic remains unchanged.

Whenever we survey our clients, the majority of employees request help with weight management. Several of our newest clients have begun offering health coaching to their employees--an excellent way to reach at-risk individuals. Our coaches are registered dietitians, giving employees access to true nutrition experts.

What can we do as a nation to reverse the obesity trend--not just stall it? I'd love to hear your views.