A special investigative report just concluded that the number of American seniors who are considered obese has doubled in numbers between 1980 and 2002.  The number of obese U.S. seniors has risen from 18% to 36% in the last 22 years.  This had led to a dramatic increase in the number of patients diagnosed with diabetes, heart and lung disease, breast and colon cancer, arthritis, and injury.

     The report was completed by researchers from 12 federal agencies.  It found that in 2002 73% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 are considered overweight vs. only 57% in 1980.  With this increase in obesity came an increase of 43% in deaths from diabetes.

     Richard Suzman, Associate Director of the National Institute on Aging, stated that this trend could actually "bring to an end" the trend of longer lifespans.  Part of the problem could be a complacent attitude adopted with the advances in medicine to combat high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.  Americans could be taking the position of "Why go out and exercise when you can just take a pill to control your disease?"