Pet Obesity...

I know this news isn't really new, but there is a growing weight problem...in pets. This CNN article highlights that in 2005, 60% of pets were overweight. Compare this to 66% of humans who were overweight in 2004.
Do you see a correlation? I know I'm not the first to point this out.

According to the article, pet owners are sensitive about the weight problem of their pets. If you call their pets fat, they might get mad.

And go figure, extra weight leads to health problems!
Under the section entitled, "Why so fat?", money quote:
"As with humans, excessive portions are a main cause of the weight problem."

Kinda like how ACOM feeds our cats...he just pours as much food as possible into the bowl, like he is going on a trip and won't be back for a few days. He is secretly (or not so secretly) trying to fatten them up.

The article then talks about ways to slim your pet's weight down:
Increase Exercise
Control Portions
Control Quality

Seeing as how all of this advice could be applied to humans, I wonder if people with overweight pets who are overweight themselves apply the above tactics and also lose weight. Although, changing your dog or cat's food does not necessarily imply you start eating better.

How to know if your pets are fat:
1) Run your hands across the chest of the dog or cat. You should always be able to feel their ribs but not see them. There should never be a layer of fat over the ribs.
2) Look at the standing dog or cat from a bird's eye view. They should have what looks like a waist that tucks in right in front of the hips.

How to know if you are fat:
Same as the above, except apply it to your body.



As a side note on human obesity, I think the Body Mass Index (BMI) is somewhat garbage. It doesn't take into account a person's shape. I know that may sound ridiculous, but according to the chart below, I am overweight (and teetering towards obese). I am 5'4" and about 165 pounds. But, I am by no means almost obese. According to the CDC, "BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat."


Definition of overweight and obese, which correlates to the chart:

An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.


The map at the top of the post shows the percentage of obese people in each state. It was taken from a study done earlier this year.