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JAMA. 1970;211(3):492-493.

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Obesity is a major public health problem in America today. The Build and Blood Pressure Study of 1959 conducted by the Society of Actuaries reveals that over 30% of adult Americans between the ages of 40 and 60 are more than 20% overweight (statistical bulletin 41, Jan-April 1960). These individuals have a greater than 40% chance of dying in any given year from heart disease, greater than a 30% chance of dying from coronary artery disease, a greater than 50% death rate from cerebrovascular disease as well as an increased death rate from many other diseases. The data are undeniable, as is the fact that weight reduction will reduce the hazard of death from these causes. Unfortunately, only a small number of obese patients are able to lose weight successfully, and an even smaller number are able to maintain the weight loss. Despite further recognition that obesity is a vocational . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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