A new report about obesity in America is not encouraging.
Obesity has increased overall, women have overtaken men in the obese category and professionals have no explanation.
Specifically, the report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found:
• The obesity rate has climbed to nearly 38 percent of adults, an increase from the 32 percent rate a decade ago.
• The obesity rate for women now is 38 percent, compared with 34 percent for men. Previously, the obesity rates for men and women were roughly the same.
• Medical professionals are at a loss to explain the changes, which follow years of government anti-obesity awareness campaigns. The government also has adopted rules to eliminate trans fats and require chain restaurants to post calorie counts for meals, although those regulations are not effective yet.
In addition, soda consumption has declined nationally and many restaurants voluntarily have switched to more health-conscious menus.
Obesity, at times, is connected to a medical condition, which creates its own set of challenges.
But for many of us, the remedy - maintain a healthy diet, coupled with regular exercise - is widely known.
That remedy, however, requires a degree of self-discipline not easily maintained.
People who work at desk jobs may not meet the mathematical definition of work, which involves force to displace an object.
Play may involve pressing buttons to control movements on video games or smartphones, instead of playing ball, running or walking.
Technology and innovation continue to increase convenience, improve efficiency and save time for people.
But at what cost? Are we becoming victims of our own sedentary lifestyles?
Although we may know - even want - to lose weight, exercise, grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals are inconvenient and time-consuming.
Unlike the professionals associated with the study, we believe the explanation is fewer Americans are willing and able to maintain the self-discipline needed to achieve long-term benefits.