"This is, fundamentally, a tale of two series of findings -- those related to outcomes, and those related to behaviors," according to Dr. David Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine.
"These are the worst of times when it comes to obesity and diabetes, both of which are at high levels and still rising," he said.
The rise in diabetes rates among older adults has its counterpart in the rising prevalence in children. "More adults reporting obesity similarly is mirrored by the unprecedented rates of childhood obesity. Obesity and diabetes portend other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and cancer, so these are ominous findings," Katz stated.
But, the behavioral news is much better, he said.
"Smoking rates continue to decline, whittling away at the nation's single leading cause of premature death. Physical activity rates are rising. All that's missing from this mix is evidence that dietary patterns are improving," he pointed out.
"Maybe, over time, more healthful behaviors will produce better health outcomes," Katz concluded.
More information
For more on the nation's health, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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