CDC: 42% of U.S. Adults are Obese

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

CDC: 42% of U.S. Adults are Obese

Feb 27, 2020, 07:57 AM by MSDC Staff

The CDC released a study showing the rate of obesity in U.S. adults is still high.

Newly released research by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) finds that many American adults are obese, and a much larger number are than just a few decades ago.

The AP reports that new data from the 2017-2018 health survey finds 42% of Americans are obese. The same study found two years ago that 40% of Americans were obese. While statistically this does not prove the rate of obesity rose, it does show an astounding number of Americans could face health issues in life due to weight gain. Fifty years ago, only one in ten adults were classified as obese.

The survey data only reported on adults, but the CDC could release data for children and teens later this year.

MSDC is encouraging its members to learn more about healthy dieting and better eating as a way to share that information with patients. We've partnered with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) for a free-for-MSDC-members cooking class with CME. Check out our event calendar for dates and information.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.