Obesity:
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affects 60 million adults
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is one of the fastest-growing segments in American society
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costs the nation $117 billion in direct and indirect costs, including health care, treatment, lost productivity and absenteeism
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causes weight-related chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, making it the country's second-highest cause of preventable death
“Any national health reform discussion that does not
address the impact of obesity will ultimately be unable to meet the
goals of better health and more affordable care. Obesity threatens
every segment of our society — from our military to our
schools.”
— 17th U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, M.D.,
M.P.H., FACS, Health and Wellness chairperson of the STOP Obesity
Alliance
“For individuals who are significantly overweight and
want to incorporate an exercise program into their life, aquatic
exercise offers a first step in exercise. Using the body's natural
buoyancy to relieve stress on weight-bearing joints in the workout,
aquatic exercise is a safe way for overweight people to start down
the road to good health.”
— Liz Waters, marketing director, Aquatic Access
“America is becoming an increasingly obese market.
Sales of bariatric products have increased in our overall product
line by 1500 percent and continue to increase … This is a
market that all companies are preparing for as it is constantly
growing.”
— Les Brandeis, director of sales, Merits Health
Products
