More New Yorkers obese than ever before

NEW YORK (WABC) -- More New York City residents are overweight than ever before, despite city efforts to make them healthier.

So what do the mayor and other city officials have to say?

From banning Trans fats in our foods, to telling us how many calories are in our food, New Yorkers have been the subjects of some creative public health solutions.

But over the last decade, obesity rates in New York City have gone up by 25%.

"I think you do some much walking and walking around that I'm surprised the numbers are still going up," said Edith Freyer, a New Yorker.

Since Mayor Bloomberg took office, obesity rates have increased from 18% in 2002 to 24% in 2012.

"This is not a problem that's going to go away. We've come up with ideas, we've run advertisements," Mayor Bloomberg said.

From ads against sugary drinks to more bike lanes and mores staircases, some say the numbers show the city's anti-obesity efforts are not working.

The City Health Department says, "We expect a lag in changes in the adult obesity rate after a change in diet."

The mayor says the numbers further justify the ban of supersized sodas, and he cites some success among children.

"We've made a little bit of progress in the school system, we think it's because we've changed the diet in the cafeteria," Mayor Bloomberg said.

But among adults, one in four New Yorkers is still considered obese, that's up from one in five.

What we can agree on is it's a problem, what we can't agree on is how to fix it.

"I think healthy foods needs to be made cheaper," Freyer said.

The city recently launched a fruit and vegetable prescription program, linking some low income residents to farmers markets. And some say taxing unhealthy foods like cigarettes would decrease consumption.

"Our being healthy and decreasing obesity rates, it's not Bloomberg's job. It's each of our own jobs," said Lauren Antonnuci, a nutritionist.

With her job as a nutritionist, Lauren Antonnuci sees success when people realize it's not as hard as you think.

"Start with small changes, walk an extra block before coming home, buy an extra fruit or vegetable," Antonnuci said.

When it comes to fighting obesity, many consider New York City to be a national model, but until the numbers prove it, it may be too soon to say.

Get more Health News »

obesity, michael bloomberg, health news, dr. sapna parikh

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•