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BOSTON, Jul 14, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A Harvard University poll released Thursday suggests people view obesity as a problem and don't believe its health risks are being overestimated.
Several recent scientific studies have varied in estimates of the seriousness of obesity.
The survey by the Harvard School of Public Health found most Americans haven't changed their minds about the seriousness of the obesity problem. In addition, pollsters found people are no less likely than a year ago to be keeping track of the amount of calories, fat content or carbohydrates they eat.
The poll suggests three-fourths of Americans rate obesity as an "extremely" or "very" serious public health problem and 58 percent believe scientists have been portraying accurately such health risks. Fifteen percent believe the health risks are being overestimated.
"Even after all the criticism that too much attention is being paid to obesity, Americans still see this as a very serious problem for the country," said Robert Blendon, a professor of health policy and political analysis.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
