Overweight and Obesity
According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion adults are now overweight, with at least 300 million of them obese. The increasing incidence of obesity among children is especially alarming. Expanding girth increases risks for chronic diseases, including type–2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and some forms of cancer. While genes play a role in weight gain, the biggest contributors to the global obesity epidemic are poor diet—including a high intake of saturated, trans fats and sugars, and a low intake of fruits and vegetables—and reduced physical activity, both of which reflect how modernization, urbanization, and globalization have reshaped society over recent decades. In search of a better understanding of this mounting public health problem, researchers with the RAND Corporation are examining the complicated and interacting factors that are causing us to grow fatter. Some of our current studies are highlighted below.
Profiles of Current Research
Highlights of Recent Studies
How Neighborhoods Can Reduce the Risk of Obesity
Neighborhoods can promote exercise among residents through parks, school playgrounds that are open on weekends, and a diverse array of businesses.
Obesity and Disability: The Shape of Things to Come.
Obesity is associated with more chronic medical conditions than smoking or problem drinking, and conditions associated with obesity—diabetes and musculoskeletal problems—are the fastest-growing causes of disability.
Does Neighborhood Deterioration Lead to Poor Health?
Residents of deteriorated neighborhoods have poorer health and unhealthier behaviors.
Some Prescription Diet Drugs Promote Weight Loss
When prescribed along with diet recommendations, some weight-loss medications, including sibutramine or orlistat, promote moderate weight loss.
Weight Loss Surgery Is More Effective Than Diet and Exercise in Helping Severely Obese People Lose Weight
In severely obese individuals, bariatric surgery resulted in a weight loss of 45 to 65 pounds, which was maintained up to ten years.
Related Web Sites
RAND Center for Population Health and Health Disparities
www.rand.org/health/centers/pophealth/
UCLA/RAND Center for Adolescent Health Promotion
RAND Center for Health and Safety in the Workplace
Working with Congress
RAND's Washington Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) furthers RAND's mission to provide objective analysis and effective solutions by disseminating research results to Congress and federal agencies. The OCR publishes a monthly electronic newsletter featuring current work on health policy. Contact: Shirley Ruhe (Shirley_Ruhe@rand.org) or Kristy Anderson (kristy@rand.org).
The RAND Health Congressional Newsletter
Working with Congress
RAND's Washington Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) furthers RAND's mission to provide objective analysis and effective solutions by disseminating research results to Congress and federal agencies. The OCR publishes a monthly electronic newsletter featuring current work on health policy. Contact: Shirley Ruhe (Shirley_Ruhe@rand.org) or Kristy Anderson (kristy@rand.org).
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