American waistlines have experienced some dramatic changes in the last 30 years. According to a recent report from the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnston Foundation, back in 1985, no state in America had an adult obesity rate of more than 15 percent. Today, every state has an obesity rate of 20 percent or more. That change is significant, to say the least.
Obesity by the Numbers
Here are a few key findings from the report, entitled "The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America 2016".
It is interesting to note that report maps showing states with a higher percentage of physically active adults for the most part closely resemble the maps showing a decrease in the percentage of obese people. The lesson? Increased physical activity helps Americans fight the obesity epidemic.
Fitness Industry Leaders Weigh In
Club Industry states: "To help decrease obesity rates, the report recommended focusing on healthier food and increased physical activity in schools, increasing the access to healthier foods in communities, and coverage by health plans for obesity programs to prevent and treat obesity."
American Council on Exercise (ACE) CEO Scott Goudeseune observes:
What does this report mean for your gym? The report points to physical activity as a significant way to combat obesity. When you look at your gym members, is your gym in the "fat zone"? If many of your members are overweight or even obese, what can you do to help them?
One of the best actions you can take is to offer educational classes about healthy lifestyle choices. Additionally, it is important to review the effectiveness of your group fitness classes. Many gym owners find that those who are struggling with weight issues are more inclined to choose a group fitness class than to exercise individually or one-on-one with a personal trainer. So, buff up your group fitness classes to appeal to more members.
Another action you can take is to ensure that you have the right kind of equipment to encourage your members to work out responsibly and safely. AccuroFit heart rate tracking devices are a big help with this. Working seamlessly with all of your AccuroFit equipment, the heart monitors keep members safe while they pursue their fitness goals.
To see the full AccuroFit system in action, Request a demo today and ensure your gym members have the right equipment for engagement and motivation toward their weight loss goals.
Obesity by the Numbers
Here are a few key findings from the report, entitled "The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America 2016".
- Nationally, 38 percent of adults are obese, and 8 percent are extremely obese.
- It is estimated that obesity contributes to $147-$210 billion in preventable healthcare spending.
- Since 1980, childhood obesity rates have tripled.
- States with obesity rates below 25 percent are: California, Hawaii, Utah, Colorado, and Montana.
- States with obesity rates above 35 percent are: Louisiana, Alabama, West Virginia, and Mississippi.
It is interesting to note that report maps showing states with a higher percentage of physically active adults for the most part closely resemble the maps showing a decrease in the percentage of obese people. The lesson? Increased physical activity helps Americans fight the obesity epidemic.
Fitness Industry Leaders Weigh In
Club Industry states: "To help decrease obesity rates, the report recommended focusing on healthier food and increased physical activity in schools, increasing the access to healthier foods in communities, and coverage by health plans for obesity programs to prevent and treat obesity."
American Council on Exercise (ACE) CEO Scott Goudeseune observes:
"ACE is encouraged by these findings, as they reinforce what we believe as an organization, and lend support to the community-based, physical-activity-focused partnerships across the country that we have been privileged to play a role in bringing into existence. There is a real opportunity right now to dramatically impact the obesity rate in this country, but it will require exactly the kinds of collaboration and community focus that this report spells out."Using Group Fitness and Heart Rate Tracking Equipment to Fight Obesity
What does this report mean for your gym? The report points to physical activity as a significant way to combat obesity. When you look at your gym members, is your gym in the "fat zone"? If many of your members are overweight or even obese, what can you do to help them?
One of the best actions you can take is to offer educational classes about healthy lifestyle choices. Additionally, it is important to review the effectiveness of your group fitness classes. Many gym owners find that those who are struggling with weight issues are more inclined to choose a group fitness class than to exercise individually or one-on-one with a personal trainer. So, buff up your group fitness classes to appeal to more members.
Another action you can take is to ensure that you have the right kind of equipment to encourage your members to work out responsibly and safely. AccuroFit heart rate tracking devices are a big help with this. Working seamlessly with all of your AccuroFit equipment, the heart monitors keep members safe while they pursue their fitness goals.
To see the full AccuroFit system in action, Request a demo today and ensure your gym members have the right equipment for engagement and motivation toward their weight loss goals.
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