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   Home  ›  Projects+Programs  ›  Obesity in the United States: Public
   Perceptions
   The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research

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Obesity in the United States: Public Perceptions

   The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted
   a nationally representative household survey with more than 1,000
   adults to measure the general public’s opinions about obesity and
   obesity-related health issues in the United States.
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   The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted
   a nationally representative household survey with more than 1,000
   adults to measure the general public’s opinions about obesity and
   obesity-related health issues in the United States. The survey assessed
   how the public understands the reasons behind the rising rates of
   obesity in the U.S., the connection between obesity and health issues
   including diabetes, and the role of government in addressing obesity.
   The results provide insight into the public’s perception of the
   severity of the obesity problem and their feeling about where
   responsibility lies for implementing solutions.

   Significant findings include:
     * The U.S. public considers obesity second only to cancer as the most
       serious health issue, with conditions closely related to
       obesity—diabetes and heart disease—tied for third.
     * Eight out of ten people cite too much TV and computer time as the
       most important reason for high rates of obesity, with easy access
       to cheap fast food and lack of desire or knowledge about how to
       control one’s weight as other major factors.
     * Discrimination is an issue with 95 percent of the public believing
       that obese people face some level of discrimination due to their
       weight.
     * There is wide public understanding of the connection between
       obesity and the health impacts of being overweight such as diabetes
       and heart disease.
     * There is strong support for government policies that would add more
       physical activity time in schools, provide information about
       healthy choices, and incentives to the food industry to produce
       healthier options.
     * There is little support for policies that would constrain consumer
       choices such as limits on the amount or type of food that can be
       purchased or taxes on unhealthy foods or drinks.

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 Press Release

   Obesity in the United States: Public Perception of Causes, Solutions,
   and Consequences

 Associated Press Coverage

   Poll: Obesity's a crisis but we want our junk food

   Poll: Few Americans know all the risks of obesity
   More Info

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