Californians have experienced increased rates of diabetes in recent years, and a majority of the state’s residents are either obese or overweight, according to the results of a recent study conducted by researchers at UCLA.
The proportion of the California populace afflicted with diabetes rose by 27 percent between 2001 and 2007, according to the study.
The study’s co-author, Dr. Allison Diamant, said in a statement: “When so many people of different ages, income and educational levels, and cultural backgrounds are struggling with obesity and diabetes, it suggests that ‘going on a diet’ is not enough. We need to take a hard look at the environmental and structural factors that contribute to these conditions.”
Dr. Robert Ross, whose California Endowment supported the study, said that it was “inexcusable” that, for many Californians, unhealthy processed foods and alcohol were more readily available than fresh produce in low-income communities.
In addition to eating healthy, those with sedentary or less active lifestyles should exercise at least a few times a week. This will help them keep the weight off and take advantage of lower health insurance and life insurance rates.
To read more about obesity in California, look at this report from the California Department of Public Health.
