Obesity in the United States has increased rapidly over the past several decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports obesity affects about 93 million U.S. adults and nearly 14 million children and adolescents.
Obesity has considerable implications on public health. Obesity leads to a greater risk diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and a shorter lifespan. The CDC reports that the estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the United States was $147 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars.
Researchers at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) have conducted significant research into the various health and socioeconomic factors that affect obesity. Research has focused on how consumption of sugary drinks affects obesity risk, how environmental and socioeconomic factors impact obesity, and how youth and adults can increase physical activity to combat weight gain.
Read in-depth how Milken Institute SPH tackles the obesity epidemic.