If you ask the experts, they say we have an obesity problem in the United States, of which diabetes is a part. Fortunately, IVR systems can help.

According to the American Diabetes Association, almost 25.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes—8.3% of the population. Another 79 million Americans have pre-diabetes, meaning they have glucose levels that are higher than normal but not quite to the levels of Type 2 diabetes. Many of those with pre-diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes, especially without changes to diet and exercise levels.

A study from researchers at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research and the University of Illinois Chicago set out to discover what role interactive voice response systems could play in helping prevent Type 2 diabetes in the pre-diabetes population.

Weight loss through healthy diet and exercise is a cornerstone for ensuring Americans don’t slide into diabetes if they can prevent it. Unfortunately, processed foods, fast food and a sedentary lifestyle have created a culture of obesity in America.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over one-third (33.9%) of Americans over age 20 are obese. Another 34.4% of adults over 20 are overweight. That’s over two-thirds of our nation’s adults who are either overweight or obese. The statistics for children in America are better than for adults, but they’re still not good. Almost one-fifth of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 are obese. Even young children are at risk. Over 10% of kids aged 2 to 5 are obese.

By comparison, the obesity rate in nearly all Asian nations is below 10% for entire populations, let alone children from age 2 to 5, according to the World Health Organization. That alone speaks volumes.

Stay tuned for more statistics in part two of this four-part post: Obesity: U.S. vs. World…