More Americans Exercise, But Obesity Rates Hold Steady
More Americans are exercising regularly, but obesity rates remain at record-high levels. A survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 34 percent of Americans engage in regular exercise, up nearly 3 percent from 2008. Yet, obesity rates were unchanged from 2008, holding steady at 28 percent.
Health experts recommend adults get one hour of physical activity each day to keep a healthy weight and prevent heart disease, diabetes and other health conditions.
- 34.7 percent of Americans exercise regularly, up from 31.9 percent in 2008
- 28 percent of Americans were obese in 2009, up from 19.4 percent in 1997
- 20.8 percent of Americans are smokers
- Roughly 23 percent of Americans admit to binge drinking–having five or more drinks in one day–at least once in 2009
- 9 percent of adults have diabetes, up .8 percent from 2008
Despite these numbers, over two-thirds of Americans believe they are in “excellent” or “very good” health. Only 2.4 percent believe they are in poor health.