We all imagine California as a state full of health fanatics - the opposite could not be more true, according to a new report which says that overweight and obesity is costing the state over $22 billion per year. The report was commissioned by the California Dept of Health Services.
Over 50% of all Californians are classed as either overweight or obese, says the report. California is rapidly climbing up the league tables of fat states. Officials say the ‘problem' is getting worse. The main reasons for California's rising obesity rates, say experts are:
-- Physical inactivity. People are just not doing enough exercise.
-- Bad eating habits.
Compared to other developed countries, California (and most of the USA) has an incredible number of fast food restaurants.
According to the report, if Californians lost 5% of their weight and did 5% more exercise the state would save over $6 billion a year. It seems employers are feeling the effects as well in lost productivity (obesity $3.4 billion - inactivity $7 billion).
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