Last stop for the obesity train?

All I've been hearing the last few years is "obesity rates are rising." Wherever you turn, there is news about America's weight problem, obesity's connection with poor nutrition and lack of exercise, and the frightening fact obesity is infiltrating the youngest generation. Well, now there's more promising news.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported yesterday U.S. adult obesity rates appeared to have leveled off. Nearly 33 percent of adult men and 35 percent of women were obese in 2005-2006, compared to 31 percent and 33 percent reported in a 2003-2004 survey. The slight increase is not statistically significant to be considered a "rise" in obesity. The CDC also reported obesity was most common in adults aged 40 to 59. Female obesity rates for this age category measured 39 percent in white women, 51 percent in Mexican-American women and 51 percent in black women. Interestingly, no racial or ethnic differences were noted for male obesity rates.

The adult obesity rate was 15 percent in 1980 -- we're over double that today. This is hardly cause for relief or celebration. But it is nice to know there was not a statistically significant rise between the most recent surveys. We have to brake this obesity train first before we can head in the other direction. While plateaus have occurred in past surveys, wouldn't it be nice if 2005-2006 turned out to be the last stop?