Americans are heavier than ever

Are Americans really becoming heaver than ever? A new Gallup study that looked at 1,000 U.S. adults (aged 18 and older) polled by phone less than three weeks ago says that many of us are heavier than ever, mostly from inactivity and lack of exercise.

Study respondents reported height, weight, exercise habits, and whether they are trying to lose weight when asked by Gallup. Using the controversial BMI (body mass index) resulted in Gallup concluding that six in 10 adults are overweight or obese.

Although I use the BMI to measure overall weight-health, it is far from being a single measurement of success even though it is a common yardstick. In this poll, Gallup defined "frequent" exercise as working out five or more days per week -- and two-thirds of participants didn't meet that standard.