Is Diabetes and Obesity A Gen X Problem?

Compared to their baby boomer parents at the same age, GenXers are fatter and more likely to develop diabetes in the prime of their lives, highlighting the deterioration of health in one short generation. However, GenXers are better educated, less likely to smoke, and if they are female, more likely to be employed.
A new study from the University of Adelaide in Australia collected data from 1989-90 and 2007-08 national health surveys to compare the two generations between the ages of 25 and 44.
Nearly one in five of Gen X males are obese, compared to 9 percent of male baby boomers at the same age. Roughly 13 percent of female Gen Xers are obese, compared to 10 percent of female baby boomers.
When it comes to diabetes, 3 percent of males and 8 percent of females of Gen Xers have the condition, compared to 1 percent of males and 3 percent of females in the baby boomer generation.
"We're getting sicker, younger," said researcher Rhiannon Pilkington. "The increased prevalence of obesity isn't because we have an ageing population, it's much more relevant to our environment."
Pilkington credits the decrease in the quality of health in a more sedentary lifestyle, rising consumption of processed foods, and the decline of physical exercise and sleep.
"We're enjoying increased life expectancy but our health life expectancy hasn't increased at the same rate," she said. "If the trend continues, there will be a decrease in life expectancy."
It has been suggested by researchers that Gen Y, the generation following Gen X, will be the first generation to not outlive their parents.
Pilkington also believes that since many Gen Xers did not grow up in an age of prosperity like their parents did that may effect their health.
In general, Gen X is better educated than their baby boomer parents. One in three has a university education compared to 15 percent of male baby boomers and 11 percent of female baby boomers. Three-quarters of female Gen Xers have a job, compared to two-thirds of female baby boomers.
Edwina Gleeson, 43, has been better about taking care of her health in the past ten years. She stopped smoking at age 34, and after suffering gestational diabetes, she went on the paleo diet 18 months ago. The mother of two went from a "tight size 16" to a size 10.
"My health has improved," said Gleeson, who now does yoga and walks regularly. "I feel amazing, I don't get tired. Hopefully I've escaped diabetes and obesity."
Reference: The Age
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