Study: 1 in 5 people could be obese by 2025

A new study finds the obesity epidemic may be worst than previously thought.

The Lancet reports in the past four decades, global obesity has reportedly tripled among men and doubled among women.

Researchers say if current trends continue, 18 percent of men and 21 percent of women will be obese by the year 2025 which is about 1 in every 5 people.

Christine Carpenter, a registered nurse at Peninsula Regional Medical Center (“PRMC”) says there are ways to help slow this track down.

According to Carpenter, people can start with the basics like more home-cooked meals and exercise but it goes beyond that.

She tells 47ABC it’s important to retrain ways of thinking. A big issue, she says, is looking for instant gratification if people are trying to shed pounds.

“For example, a lot of people say “I have to lose 100 pounds” and they find that 100 pound goal is what they’re trying to get to.” Says Carpenter. “They don’t realize that even losing 20 pounds is a huge help to their life.”

Carpenter says PRMC is planning to open their weight loss and wellness center at the end of June. Programs will focus on more than just dieting but lifestyle changes overall. It will operate out of the MAC Center in Salisbury and include a community garden, where people can grow and pick their food and learn how to cook.

For more information, please contact PRMC.