A recent poll by the American Public Health Association (APHA) has revealed that many Americans feel that the obesity epidemic is a major public health threat, and that the situation is going to get a lot worse. The telephone survey of 600 adults showed that 63% considered obesity a “major” threat, and that 74% believe that the situation will keep on getting worse. A quarter of adults surveyed said that a sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise is the biggest cause of adult obesity, and many believe that employers should do more to help their workforce stay healthy; 55% said that companies should offer discounts for nearby gyms, while 80% supported the idea of flexible lunch hours that allow workers to workout during the day. Nearly half of respondents said they were “very concerned” about the growing numbers of overweight and obese children.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 10th April 2003
