How Much is too Much?  A Prescribed Line.

Posted May 23, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Christopher Jack

Section: In The News, His Fitness, Injuries & Rehab, Alt. Therapies, His Health, Physical Health, Lifestyle Health

Feeling a bit over medicated?  You’re not alone. Recent research by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. showed that in 2007, 51 percent of Americans were taking prescription drugs to treat at least one chronic condition.  Some 20 percent of the population reported using three or more prescription drugs last year.

The number of patients on chronic medications rose 20 percent from 2001 to 2007.  In 2007, nearly half of women between the ages of 20-44 (48%) reported being treated for chronic conditions compared to one-third of men the same age.  Seniors, as expected, still reign supreme in the land of pills, even in a time where the AARP reports that the 153 drugs most widely used by our elders have jumped 54 percent in price between 1999 and 2006 (the general inflation for the same period was 20.1 percent).  The most shocking?  30 percent of children 19 and under reported using prescription drugs.

With now a majority of Americans taking prescription drugs, one has to wonder about the health of the nation.  Medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol – chronic problems with strong links to heart disease, obesity and diabetes - topped the charts.  The number of cholesterol med prescriptions jumping 80% from 2001 to 2007. 

While experts insist the rising figure is due to more aggressive treatments by physicians and not a turn for the worst for our well-being, one figure stands out.  The obesity epidemic (yes, epidemic) in America.  Studies show that some 127 million American adults are overweight, 60 million obese and 9 million are extremely obese.  What about the kids?  The number of overweight children between 6 and 11 has doubled in the past 20 years while the number of teens between 12 and 19 has tripled.

There you have it; a link between our medicated nation and the size of our wastes.  So, if you want to keep some extra cash in your pocket, get exercising.