According to a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 42 percent of American adults will be obese by 2030. Currently, 34 percent of adults are obese. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or above.

Obesity seems to be rising among higher-income men while severe obesity (BMI greater than 40) is increasing in both sexes.

Obesity is a serious condition that shortens life and leads to other chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease to name a few. In addition, the rising rate of obesity slows down efforts to limit health care costs, which have skyrocketed in the last few years. Some estimates cite that compared to healthy weight individuals, obese adults spend close to $1,500 more in medical expenses each year.

The obesity epidemic has been cited as one of the most pressing health issues facing the nation today. To draw attention to it, a national public education campaign will be launched with the broadcast of a documentary called The Weight of the Nation.

The Weight of the Nation is a four-part documentary series. Parts one and two premiere Monday at 8/7c. Parts three and four premiere Tuesday at 8/7c. HBO will drop its subscriber fees during the premier and stream the episodes of “The Weight of the Nation” in English and Spanish at HBO.com to make them widely accessible to the public. Continue Reading »