Weighty issue not going away

Despite the sounding of the alarm in recent years, the latest government figures show no decline in the U.S. obesity rate, with 31 percent of adults and 17 percent of youngsters seriously overweight.

The latest estimates were based on body measurements of 4,390 adults and 4,258 children. The survey, conducted regularly since 1960, is considered more reliable than studies in which participants report their own girth because people consistently underestimate their weight.

The findings appear in the latest Journal of the American Medical Association.

"The level of obese and overweight Americans remains at alarming levels," said Allison Hedley, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who led the study.

Before 1999, the results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were released in large chunks -- such as 1988-94. But because obesity has become such a national concern, the data are being released every two years.

The survey found that obesity rates in several categories between 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 rose slightly, but in a statistically insignificant way. Because the time span is small, it would be wrong to conclude that obesity is leveling off, Hedley said.

Obesity is defined as having a body-mass index of 30 or above. The index is a measure of weight relative to height.

Patrick O'Neil, director of the weight management center at the Medical University of South Carolina, said he was most bothered by the numbers of overweight children.

"We're producing a new generation that's even more vulnerable to obesity and all of its health consequences by virtue of the fact they're starting out more overweight than previous generations," O'Neil said.

Events

UPMC Sports Medicine's High School Student Athletic Training Workshop, July 28-29, Biomedical Science Tower; and July 30, UPMC SportsWorks, North Shore. The workshop includes training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of a defibrillator, as well as an introduction to athletic training and anatomy. The cost is $70, and space is limited to 75. The deadline is July 16. Call 412-432-3770.

Classes/Clinics

Yoga Outdoors, tomorrow, the Schenley Park Visitor Center near Phipps Conservatory. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Offered by Outdoor Ventures. Cost: $12 (nonmembers $15). For details, call 412-255-0565 or check www.ventureoutdoors.org.

Low-Impact Aerobics/Toning, 14 sessions, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Tuesday, Monroeville United Methodist Church, 219 Center Road. Cost: $55. Call 724-468-4830.