POOR DIET AND LACK OF EXERCISE ARE CATCHING UP WITH SMOKING AS LEADING CAUSE OF US DEATH.

Although smoking still leads the way as the top cause of death, contributing to 18% of all deaths in 2000, a new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report shows that a poor diet and lack of physical activity are a close second, causing 17% of the deaths in the US population. According to the researchers, approximately half of the 2.4 million deaths in 2000 could be attributed to behavioral risk factors.

The CDC estimates that poor diet and reduced physical activity will son overtake tobacco as the leading cause of death. The CDC estimates that 64% of all Americans are overweight, including more than 30% who are considered obese. Approximately 15% of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 are overweight, almost double the rate of 2 decades ago.

Reference:

Mokdad AH, Marks JS, Stroup DF, Gerberding JL. Actual causes of death in the United States, 2000. JAMA. 2004; p. 98.

Source: Nutrition Today; 39(3); May/June 2004; p.98.

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