America is starting to remind me of Mr. Creosote from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. If you don't know the reference, don't go to YouTube if you've got a weak stomach. "How are we today? Better. Better?"

More than half of all adults in New York State could be obese by 2030, if obesity trends continue as they are now. The alarming rate comes from a new report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Trust for America's Health that forecasted obesity rates in each state. It also found 13 states in the nation could have obesity rates above 60%.

The research shows the projected obesity rate could result in more than five million new cases of coronary heart disease and stroke, and health care costs could go up nearly 15%. The report said New Yorkers could reduce their BMI by 5% percent if they were more physically active, and if fresh fruits and vegetables were more affordable. What do you say?

What's your reaction to projections showing more than half of New Yorkers could be obese in the next 18 years? Do you think personal eating habits would change if healthy food was more affordable? What ideas would you like to see the government pursue to curb obesity?

Send your thoughts using the link above.

We need to be more physically active and eat properly. I agree healthy food must be more affordable. Education should include food education beginning at an early age and extending through to college.

Damond
Clinton Hill
Brooklyn, NY

There is too much temptation and processed foods. So many people drive instead of walk. Preventing obesity is a hard call.

Woojie

Hi John,

Well it's this way we overeat because we have many problems in this city and as far as I'm concerned this mayor has an obsession with obesity. He alone gives all of us a complex about being poor, not excepted and telling us what to eat when most of us have to eat whatever fills us up. Has he ever starved? When someone's belly is empty and growling and you can't do anything about it because people just can't afford all of the so called necessities just to get through our normal daily routine, it brings tears to ones eyes. THIS MAYOR CAN THANK HIMSELF FOR ALL OF OUR ANXIETIES THAT LEAD TO HEADACHES, HEART DISEASE AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.

AT THIS VERY MOMENT ON NY1 THEY ARE PROMOTING A FARMERS MARKET. HOW ABOUT DOING SOMETHING WITH THE PRICE ALL OF US PAY IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. WE GET KILLED WITH THE OUTRAGEOUS HIGH PRICED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. THEY NEED TO HELP US ALL OUT A LITTLE MORE. NOT JUST A FEW.

Thank you John,
maxxiee
mp

I wonder how many people in New York will be able to afford their rent, or have adequate healthcare by 2030? Obesity might be getting bad, but like everything else the root causes for some people's weight problems will continue to be swept under the rug. A lot of people in this city don't get the proper food and some can only eat what they can get. People who are working 10 plus hours a day and still don't have enough to buy decent food are not going to be healthy. As long as BJ's in Harlem and the Bronx are pushing out cheap food in large quantities and fresh healthy foods cost twice as much, people are going to go for the perceived bargain. Forget about going to a health club or exercising, running around trying to survive in this city is all the cardio some people are going to get.

RL
The Bronx

i actuallly dont think it would make a huge dent in the obesity rate at all. has anyone heard of trader joes? readily available and incredibly reasonably priced fresh fruit and vegetables and i rarely see anyone overweight shopping there. breaking your bad eating habits is the barrier.

adam,
chinatown

Vegetables and fruit prices are insanely priced in my neighborhood if you can find them at the store in Jamaica Queens. I have to go to Flushing to get fresh vegetables and meat at decent prices. Why? Local corner stores sell Soda Cigarettes Chips Candy and Sandwiches smh. We need to give out a discount in licenses for store owners who sell healthy foods and have low prices and also accepts EBT cards. All I see popping up in Jamaica Queens are liquor stores, barber shops nail salons and hair supply stores. smh

Medina
Jamaica Queens

An article in the August issue of Psychology Today claims that Americans' diets are seriously deprived of omega-3 fat because food companies are removing it and replacing it with the cheaper and more stable omega-6 fat to extend the shelf life of our food. Omega-6 fat comes from chemically processed oils, and force feeding animals raised for meat on corn instead of allowing them to graze on their natural omega-3 rich grasses also increases omega-6 fat in meat, milk products and eggs. These 2 types of fats should be balanced in our bodies, but our diets now supply 25 times more omega-6 than omega-3. Because we are not getting the kind of fat and nutrients that we have evolved to eat, we are less satisfied, and eat more. We are literally starving ourselves into obesity, studies show that we are hungrier after a meal high in omega-6 than after one with more omega-3. Americans weigh 20 pounds more than they did 40 years ago, and 20% more than Europeans, because in Europe the food is not being tampered with the way it is in this country. Obesity rates will continue to rise until there is regulation stopping these greedy companies from tampering with our food.

This is criminal and something needs to be done about it. The food industry is killing us.

meryl from manhattan

First the economy is bad, when people are poor they tend to go to the cheap fast food. I lost 30 pounds shopping at trader joes. You can get a low fat pizza pie for two dollars.

Joe from fort lee

In my humble opinion this is what's causing obesity Cheap fast food, salty food, too much carbs and starch, sugary drinks, sedentary lifestyle what could help? free gyms, !!! free sports programs, free seminars on healthy cooking and eating, a " hotline number where people could call 24/7 and get information on how to lose weight, where to go, what to do I pay $69.00 monthly for my gym but not everybody can afford that, I'm not overweight and planning on leaving the planet this way, want to look good in my casket

Carmen -Bay Ridge

I have a family of 5 and I spend about $300.00 a month on fresh produce alone, and I actually would like to consume even more than that but it is too expensive. It's almost a $1.00 per grapefruit in my neighborhood. Prices like these can and do deter people from purchasing more fruits. Also, obese individuals are victims of the type of society we l Turning around the obesity trend will take a collaborated effort on many levels. Intervention and cooperation from government agencies, corporations, organizations, communities, individuals, restaurants, employers, fast food chains, etc will be necessary to influence real change. Blaming individuals is not enough. We must all take responsibility for what is going on and we must all be held accountable. There are too many factors that contribute to obesity for there to be a straightforward and simple response to this epidemic.

Michelle from Jamaica, Queens

Fast food is subsidized by the government while healthy food is not.

Ed

Making a linear projection on population obesity growth is making a big mathematic leap of faith. That said, obesity in 2012 already warrants action. It's not anyone's fault but our own; no city programs will save us. It's all our lifestyles...

Sean, west village.

Hi John.

I like your show and often watch it.

I think if we want a real solution to obesity, we have to look at why people are eating more and exercising less. What has changed in the past 30 years?

The standard of living for most Americans has gone down severely in the past 30 years. People cannot afford to live comfortably anymore. The jobs that are available for most people are monotonous and low-paying. Corporate America has essentially gained control and forced people into a state of fear. Workers are at the mercy of employers for their livelihood. Most people are stressed. Comfort food is comforting. We eat to stuff our feelings.

The cost of a gym membership in New York is quite high, and who knows what to do when one goes to the gym anyway. A trainer is quite pricey, as well.

I think people will continue to eat more and more and gain more and more weight, unless the circumstances causing stress and a poor quality of life changes. I don't think corporations are interested in people. They are interested in profits.

I know this is somewhat generally stated and not all that well researched, but this is my observation.

Thanks.
Daniel
Upper Eastside

the sad fact is that nobody is looking at what is actually going in our food at Nicki people fatter you're giving growth hormones In chickens and Cattle and putting we're stuff into are fruits and vegetables

Anthony

If you live in certain neighborhood you are in a healthy food desert! I live in Harlem, work late and in grad school. It is easier for me to get Chinese food or pizza delivered than it is to get a salad! I love the restaurant Island Salad but they stop delivery at 5??? Whats up with that! Also, healthy food is more expensive as a college student, I have to live on a tight budget and buying my red peppers, Brussel sprouts and arugula and fish cost more than chicken legs, rice a Ronni and canned corn! Sometimes is come down to as Bill Clinton said...ARITHMETIC!!!

Tye

Yes! 90% of us will be much more healthier if fruits n vegetables were more affordable,the other 10% who really do not eat fruits or vegetables I really don't know about them,sorry, LOL!

S.M.

On behalf of myself and my 6 year old son i strongly believe that if healthy food were less expensive obesity would decrease!!!!!

Heather

We're discussing obesity in New York City despite the report discussing obesity by state. Certainly, NYC needs to take steps of its own, but it's not as simple as installing sidewalks (as mentioned earlier).

To answer the snap poll: if healthy food were more affordable, yes, more people would eat it without a doubt. I say this with confidence because I know I'd buy even more produce and ingredients of better quality -- so I alone am one person who would eat more of it.

I believe, however, that the key issue lies in the way society communicates the need to stay healthy. Advertising tells us losing weight will make us look better, fit in smaller clothes, make our friends jealous... but reports have shown that individuals are less likely to sustain weight loss if they had been motivated by these shallow things like 'looking better' or 'attracting others'. Rather, healthy eating/behavior/lifestyles should be celebrated as a way to feel better and happier, and lead a more positive life. Staying reasonably fit and active and eating food untouched by chemicals certainly effects a better day-to-day life.

Lauren from Gramercy

Pre-made food is generally unhealthy and costly, no matter where you go to eat. The best solution is to cook at home. The food will be healthier and more affordable.

David

Sadly, today many people grow up in single family and/ or broken households. Traditional dinner time is close to gone. It is easier for people to order fast food than it is to shop for and prepare a healthy dinner- especially when children are in charge of feeding themselves.

Government can, in my view, regulate food safety and in turn force the companies to disclose ingredient and calorie information. From there, consumers can make their own decisions. To regulate actual calorie content and/ or portion size denies ALL people the right to make their own choice.

Neville, from Great Kills.

Early Education is the key. My 8year old Daughter is overweight and has 1 period of gym per week. The Department of Education has a freeze on hiring Phys. Ed. and Health teachers at this time. Can you imagine that?

Prosper from Sunset Park

The war of time management, budget, and accessibilty makes eating healthy almost impossible; any initiative to make fresh, healthy food available is a step towards a healthier New York.

Klara, Bay Ridge

Research shows that when children are taught healthy eating habits at a young age, they make more informed choices as adults. Nutrition is a part of the New York State comprehensive health education program for all Middle and High School students yet the New York City Department of Education does NOT enforce this mandate. Only 40% of our kids are taught by certified health education teachers. Many middle school students receive no health education. at all. If the Mayor and policy makers are serious about long term healthy eating habits of NYC residents, then enforce the NYS commissioners regulations for health education. Forcing legislation on adult eating behavior is not the way to healthier population.

John

It's hard for New Yorkers to avoid obesity, when you need a quick lunch the quickest and cheapest thing you can buy is fast food or Ham and cheese heroes from the Deli; there's a deli on practically every corner and most of them don't sell fruits, especially in our poor neighborhoods. And not to mention that fast food chains offer soft drinks but water and juice are inconspicuous somewhere in the menu.

Charlie from Far Rockaway.

Make no mistake the government is directly responsible for the epidemic of obesity because of the subsidies that are given to the dairy and meat industries that make it cheaper to buy a BigMac than fruits, vegetables and grains that will keep us healthy.

Of course there should be individual responsibility as well but the cost of food is a big factor in all this.

Bharti
Midtown

I feel educating parents on how to eat healthy ,it will help so much to change eating habits ..through school, community centers, organizations, media, church..government officials need to provide funding to support mentioned organizations to create nutrition programs ..

Maria

go to any restaurant: the dollar menu has fries, burgers, shakes - the salad costs 7.99 and is too small to be filing. In hard times, carbs - bread, macaroni, rice, cake are filling alternatives to quality cuts of meat, fresh fish, organic vegetables. And now, there is no extended family - gramma is in Florida or in a home - lots of single parent homes - mom is working 40 hours, commuting 15-20 hours a week. Weekends are for cooking, food shopping, gathering laundry, sorting it, doing it, schlepping it home, ironing, putting it away, supermarkets have poor quality veggies and you know what - mom is T I R E D. Doing laundry outside the house is expensive - soap, softener, etc. expensive. I had laundry in the house until I moved at 48! Not everyone can afford a car. There are too many demands on the time, kids won't pitch in so it's pizza night, sandwich night, pancakes for dinner, etc. carbs, carbs carbs. Diabesity! There will never be an easy solution.

Nina
brooklyn, NY