The plethora of low-calorie and no-sugar beverages continues, as does the introduction of healthier foods with nutraceutical properties. One might conclude America's concern with sleeker, slimmer bodies is narcissistic, but a closer look at a “new” epidemic of what the Surgeon General calls “overweight and obesity” shows food formulators' products are right on target.
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 25% of adults are considered obese. Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 are overweight, while a BMI of 30 or greater is obese. Being overweight increases the propensity of diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis and a myriad of other ill health effects. Even more alarming, the agency estimates about 13% of children aged six to 17 are obese, and they are suffering from these diseases earlier.