Both too much and too little: Obesity and malnutrition in America
Two weeks ago Dr. Joe Coughlin from MIT’s Age Lab came to Consumers Union to talk about usability of products for an older population. I was struck by the description of the microwave oven as a key assistive technology. This ubiquitous appliance is a valuable tool in combating a growing problem of malnutrition among the elderly, serving up prepared nutritious meals for those with a diminished appetite and dietary restrictions in just minutes and a few taps on a key pad. So the microwave is a caregiver's best friend. We routinely packaged "extra" meals for my mother-in-law to store in her freezer and reheat, minus anything spicy that she wouldn't like. That kept her home at least an extra year until assisted living became the best option.
In addition to malnutrition, another concern is obesity among older adults, as well as the population at large. A just released study by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state in the past year. (Check out the interactive map to see a ranking of body mass index by state.) The study notes that the Baby Boom generation has a higher rate of obesity compared with previous generations, which will drive obesity-related costs to Medicare and Medicaid as this group ages into eligibility. In addition, the percentage of obese or overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.
There are a lot of good recommendations in the report affecting all age groups, but the gist is behavioral change—as an individual and as a community. For facts and treatment ratings, see our coverage on obesity at ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
—Elena Falcone, Consumer Reports Information Analyst
Posted by: yvonne | Jul 7, 2009 9:20:02 AM
Hi,
Great site!!!! Obesity is the cause of many diseases. There are a lot of American's that are over weight. We have to stop eating FAST FOODS it is killing us. Good health is our greatest asset without good health we are doomed to die. We need to eat right, exercise and drink plenty of water to help maintain good health and well-being