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Dr. Melinda Sothern, a public health professor at LSU Health Sciences Center, says the evidence does suggest we're getting fatter, and she says the warnings should not be ignored.
"I don't think we can underestimate the economic and societal stress this would create if it's not curbed," she said, citing the rising public cost of treating an increasing number of people for obesity-related health problems ranging from diabetes to heart disease.
Listen to Dr. Melinda Sothern:
The good news, according to Dr. Sothern, is that it is entirely preventable. But she says it will also take a team effort.
"If the schools and the industry and the policy makers and the family are all speaking together in one voice, 'yes, let's make these changes,' then we'll see some solutions," the doctor said. She said that means families committing to healthy meals, schools committing to at least 30 minutes of playtime for students, and governments making it easier for us to have access to places to walk, bike, play and buy healthy foods.
