Obesity rates could rise to at least 44 percent in every state by 2030, causing cases of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke to soar. Fortunately, the future is not set -- if we lower the average body mass index (BMI) by just 5 percent in each state by 2030, millions of Americans will be spared major health problems and billions of dollars will be saved.
But we need to take action NOW. Tell your governor to work toward a healthier future today!
Subject: How Do You Plan to Reduce Obesity in Our State?
I know you care about our state's future. That's why I am asking you to take meaningful action to reverse our state's growing obesity rates.
Recent data released by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation show that there are two possible futures for our state, depending on whether we commit to addressing obesity.
If obesity rates continue on their current trajectory, our obesity rate could hit 48.8 percent by 2030. Obesity-related health care costs could increase by more than 17.3 percent.
Our state isn't alone in facing these issues. On a national scale, the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke, hypertension and arthritis could increase 10 times between 2010 and 2020, and then double again by 2030.
I know that we can create a better future if we work together. Research shows that, if we lower obesity rates by reducing the average body mass index (BMI) by just 5 percent in each state, we could spare millions of Americans from serious health problems. Plus, we would save billions of dollars in health spending.
That's why I am asking you to take meaningful steps to help create a healthier future. Please tell us what your plan is to reduce obesity in our state.
There's no doubt that the road to a healthier future will be challenging. It will require cooperation from different sectors and policy changes on all levels. But a change in direction begins with you, here and now.
It's truly the only path we can take.
