Obesity and type 2 diabetes have become major public health problems in USA. Less than half of American adults are at a healthy weight. Approximately one-third of American adults are obese and an additional one-third are overweight and at risk for becoming obese.
Alarmingly, approximately 16 percent of children and teens ages six to 19 are also overweight. Overweight and obesity increase the risk of developing numerous serious health problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased with the national increase in overweight and obesity. Approximately 20.8 million people – 7 percent of the United States population – have diabetes.