Obesity is associated with such diseases as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular problems, hypertension, stroke, and some forms of cancer. RAND has investigated and continues to research the complicated interaction between environmental and genetic factors that contribute to the adult and childhood obesity crisis in the United States.
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New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed ban on large sugary drinks shows that policymakers—as well as health experts—are concerned about the effects of food portions on obesity in America. Consumers' dietary behaviors are often irrational, particularly when it comes to portion size, making many such regulations viable.
News Releases (12)
Bariatric surgery for diabetic people who are not severely obese has shown promising results in controlling glucose, but more information is needed about the long-term benefits and risks before recommending bariatric surgery over non-surgical weight-loss treatment for these individuals.
From 2000 to 2010, the proportion of Americans who were severely obese—those people 100 pounds or more overweight—rose from 3.9 percent of the population to 6.6 percent—an increase of about 70 percent.
A higher rate of diabetes seen among adult Americans when compared to peers in England is explained primarily by a larger waist size rather than conventional risk factors such as obesity.
Small sales taxes on soft drinks in the range currently in force in some states are insufficient to reduce consumption of soda or curb obesity among children.
Restrictions on fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles are not addressing the main differences between neighborhood food environments and are unlikely to improve the diet of residents or reduce obesity.
Lower high school graduation rates and higher rates of obesity are two of the reasons that many Hispanics are denied entry into the U.S. military.
Obese women who have weight loss surgery before becoming pregnant have a lower risk of pregnancy-related health problems and their children are less likely to be born with complications.
April 19, 2007 news release: RAND Study Finds School Playgrounds and Athletic Facilities Are an Untapped Resource in Fight Against Childhood Obesity.
April 9, 2007 news release: RAND Study Finds People Who Are Severely Overweight Are Fastest Increasing Group of Obese Americans.
May 2, 2006 News Release: Study Finds Middle-Aged Americans Less Healthy Than English Counterparts.
RAND news release: RAND Study Finds Close-Knit Neighborhoods May Help Prevent Children from Becoming Overweight
RAND Study Says Disability Rates Rise, Finds link to Obesity.
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