My Not-so-secret Obsession

A typical snack for a third of Americans.

Once again, another Anonymous reader has accused me of being "obsessed with fat people." I admit it. It's true. I am fascinated by the self-destruction of our species through the voluntary consumption of trash foods that slowly kill from the inside. Sue me.

Here are some facts on the table, along with the burgers and fries and all the rest:

• More than one-third (34.9% or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese. 
• Some of the leading causes of preventable death result from obesity-related conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain common cancers including breast and colon cancer. 
• Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Once associated with high-income countries, obesity is now also prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.   
• Obesity in adults accounts for 18% of deaths among  Americans between ages 40 and 85. Put another way, approximately 1 in 5 Americans are dying from illnesses related to obesity.
• Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Overweight children are more likely than non-overweight children to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age, which in turn are associated with a higher chance of premature death and disability.

Hey, I don't write the news, I simply report it.