Connecticut is currently one of the least obese states in the nation, but a report predicts that the obesity rate could double by 2030 if the current trajectory continues.
A report from the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation predicts Connecticut’s obesity rate could rise from 24.5 percent to 46.5 percent, causing a spike in diseases and health care costs.
In Connecticut alone, the analysis predicts that health care costs could rise 15.7 percent by 2030, which would be the 22nd highest increase in the country in that time frame.
Also, “obesity [in Connecticut] could contribute to 412,641 new cases of type 2 diabetes, 1,014,057 new cases of coronary heart disease and stroke, 941,046 new cases of hypertension, 597,155 new cases of arthritis, and 147,883 new cases of obesity-related cancer.”
"This study shows us two futures for America's health," said Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "At every level of government, we must pursue policies that preserve health, prevent disease and reduce health care costs. Nothing less is acceptable."
To combat obesity, the report made several public policy recommendations, such as making physical education a priority in schools, improving school lunches and encouraging people to use preventative health care.
