Reduced calorie diets reap the obvious benefits of a healthy weight and overall good health. An article on nutrition.gov reports on a recent study conducted by the ARS (Agricultural Research Service). This study has found that low and very low calorie diets significantly enhance the immunity responses of the body as well. ARS studied the effects of caloric restrictions on the function of T cells (a major type of white blood cell) and other immune system factors. The study found that T cell responses were significantly increased with low calorie diets. This study has provided the initial indication that short term calorie restriction ( a 6 month time frame) improves T cell functioning thus boosting immunity.The CDC had coined the term “obesogenic” to describe American society. This term
is characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, non healthful foods, and physical inactivity. Current statistics would certainly support this term and its meaning. The CDC reports that 1/3 of U.S. adults are obese which equates to 72 million people. 16% of U.S children are obese. This is of concern as obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and abnormal glucose tolerance. A study of 5-17 year olds has found that 70% of obese children have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and 39% have at least two risk factors. From 1979-81 to 1997-99 annual hospital costs related to obesity among children and adolescents increased from $35 million to $127 million.
Obesity rates have increased among all U.S. societal groups regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, and geographic region. It should be noted however, that obesity rates tend to be higher in Southern states. While obesity is an obvious detriment to individual health, it also strains the already embattled U.S health care system. A 2000 CDC study reported that obesity rated health care totaled $117 billion. This figure is undoubtedly higher as obesity rates continue to climb. In addition to astronomical health care costs, overall productivity has decreased due to obesity related health issues. Medical expenditures for obese workers depending on the severity of obesity and sex are between 29%-117% greater than expenditures for normal weight workers. Despite these alarming statistics some discernable progress has been made. A CDC
survey found that from 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 there were no significant obesity prevalence increases observed in children, adolescents, women, and men. Obesity rates also appear to be leveling in children in high obesity rate states such as Arkansas. This progress may be attributed to CDC’s efforts to promote obesity awareness as a national public health problem. From 2000-2007 media coverage on obesity in prints and newswires increased from 8,000 to more than 28,000 articles. 
Awareness and knowledge are certainly critical first steps in the national effort to address this health problem. However, more people are of an unhealthy weight than not which is indicative of much more effort and progress needed. Obesity and overweight has reached epidemic proportions in this country and a sustained educational effort is needed to address this problem.
