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Women Win One in Battle of Bulge

Obesity rates have leveled off, holding at 35% since 1999

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 29, 2007 5:30 AM CST

(Newser) – Obesity rates among American women have leveled off and remained steady since 1999, while rates among American men may be following suit, the CDC reported today. The study’s lead researcher called the trend “great news” for women. Officials will wait to render a final verdict for men, the New York Times reports.

Obesity rates plateaued eight years ago for women, at 35%, and in 2003 for men, at 33%. Rates vary with age: in people 40 to 59, 40% of men and 41% of women are obese. A weight management expert criticized the CDC’s 2010 goal for a national obesity rate of 15%, calling it “unrealistic.” “When the bar is set too high, people do nothing,” she explained.

An overweight person eats on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (Associated Press)

An overweight person is seen walking, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (Associated Press)

Obese woman walks through Washington, D.C. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Overweight people (Jeff J. Mitchell) (Getty Images)

(Stock Images)

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Women Win One in Battle of Bulge

Obesity rates have leveled off, holding at 35% since 1999

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Women Win One in Battle of Bulge

Obesity rates have leveled off, holding at 35% since 1999

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

obesity • health • Body Mass Index • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • weight loss • cholesterol • blood pressure

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Kids Who Hate Mom Twice as Likely to Become Obese

Toddlers with poor relationships with mom may suffer in terms of health

Drug Slims 'Couch Potato' Monkeys

Experimental fat-zapping drug works on chunky monkeys

Woman Dies After Lap-Band Procedure—5th So Far

Her outpatient center calls story 'premature'

Weight Watchers Actually Works

Study finds that it's more effective than standard weight loss care

Half of US to Be Obese by 2030

Governments need to lead fight against obesity, researchers say

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?