Obesity worse than smoking, says study

Obesity exacts a higher toll on health and health care costs than either smoking or drinking, according to a study released yesterday.

The UCLA/RAND study reiterated that obesity is linked to health complications including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, strokes and certain cancers.

"According to the study, obesity-related illness raises a person's health care costs by 36 percent and medication costs by 77 percent," said author and recognized fitness authority Andrew Flach. "Americans must recognize that being overweight has a serious economic and health impact."

Thirty-four percent of U.S. adults aged 20 to 74 years are overweight, and an additional 27 percent are obese. "Diet alone is not enough. We need to find ways to incorporate physical activity into our lives. We have grown increasingly sedentary as a society, a trend which must abate," exhorted Flach.

Flach's new book, "Combat Fat!" lays forth a program of nutrition and activity for all Americans. It is based on the guidelines set forth by the surgeon general and Centers for Disease Control for healthy weight management.

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