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Problems Connected to Obesity

Obesity is increasing in America.  According to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of obese American adults has increased from 12.5 percent of the population in 1991 to 20 percent in 2003.  This increase has affected a number of businesses.  “Like the airline industry, which was warned in May [2003] that passengers were heavier than they used to be, and was asked to adjust weight estimates accordingly, the funeral industry is retooling to make room for ever-larger Americans,” notes The New York Times.  While the standard coffin is 24 inches wide, coffins are now available up to 49 inches in width and suitably reinforced.  “Vaults, graves, hearses, and even the standardized scoop on the front-end loaders that cemeteries use for grave-digging” have also had to be increased in size.  “People are living larger and they’re dying larger, and industries have to adapt to that situation,” states Allen Steadham, executive director of an advocacy group for the obese.   July 8, 2004 issue

The “WATCHING THE WORLD” series is published in an international magazine called the AWAKE!.  It spotlights a wide range of global subjects including those related to healthcare/wellness.  It provides a sobering and sometimes amusing view of what is going on around the world.  We hope you will enjoy this feature of our website.  It is being shared for ‘leisure’ purposes only.