A new international health survey shows that while Americans are generally more aware of the increased risk of diabetes caused by obesity, they are less likely to see how their own lifestyles put them at high risk for diabetes.
Nearly 75% of Americans surveyed by Health Dialog said they believe obesity or unhealthy diet and exercise habits are the biggest health issues in the U.S., but over half of American adults are classified as overweight (BMI of 25 or more), and almost a third are classified as obese (BMI of 30 or more). In addition, the survey found that 82% of Americans know that there is a connection between obesity and diabetes.
Peter Goldbach, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dialog, says: “there is a startling disconnect between what people know about the risk factors associated with diabetes and what they are actually doing to protect themselves from a health and wellness standpoint,” in a story by MarketWatch about the survey.
To counteract this ideology, many groups and organizations across the nation are working to teach the public the importance of a healthy lifestyle to prevent diabetes. At the University of Minnesota, there are several organizations trying to do just that.
The Obesity Prevention Center serves as a multi-disciplinary organization that conducts research and educates people on obesity prevention. Within that center, the Obesity Consortium of Minnesota is a group of organizations that work together to fight obesity through research and education. Several of these organizations have seminars that aim to educate researchers, students, and the general public. The Minnesota Obesity Center, a faction of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and a member of the Consortium, is one of the groups that host weekly seminars which are open to the public.
Another resource available at the University of Minnesota is the Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, which treats diabetes, connects patients with the latest research going on at the U and offers coaching on how to manage diabetes. The Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Institute educates students and the public on healthy and safe food practices.
You can read the full survey results here.
Tags: Research
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