News last week that obesity rates in the United States are increasing is not surprising, but it is troubling because the implications are so serious. The costs are clear, both in terms of human suffering as well as higher health care expenditures.

What’s hopeful about this health crisis is that the trends are reversible with education and some government involvement. The illnesses most associated with obesity, such as Type II diabetes and heart disease, are largely preventable.

Still, the challenge is immense, given the growth of obesity in all parts of the country. In the study, Pennsylvania ranks 19th in the percentage of obese adults.

This year’s report, which for the first time looked at state-by-state statistics, found worrisome trends just about everywhere. Going only as far back as 1995, not one state had an obesity rate over 20 percent. Now, 49 states have obesity rates over 20 percent.

The only bit of good news in the report is that the rate of increase in obesity in the past year is slightly lower than in last year’s report.

Reports that Americans are getting fatter and more out of shape should not surprise anyone who has looked around at the mall, walked in most city centers, or at restaurants.

The implications of this trend are serious; it’s not just a matter of people looking unhealthy buying extra-large clothes. Carrying around additional weight puts a strain on bodies, both bones and internal organs. The dietary implications of obesity are usually tied to increased blood sugar levels and elevated cholesterol. And with those conditions becoming more common, there are predictions of hundreds of billions of dollars of future health care costs in treating heart disease and Type II diabetes.

These additional health care costs will add burdens to the already threatened Medicare and Medicaid programs. The added health care costs also impact the budgets of private companies that provide health coverage for their employees.

The good news is that many of these future costs, both human and financial, are avoidable. The bad news is that it’s not easy because the conditions that are fueling the rise in obesity are cultural, political and economic.

The diet of highly processed foods eaten by most Americans contains more sugar, salt and fat than is recommended. Too many people drink sweetened soft drinks regularly and too many schools offer meals to students that cater to students’ tastes rather than their nutritional needs.

Some progress is being made as sweetened soft drinks have been removed from school vending machines, and some schools are taking flavored milks off the lunch menu because they contain as much sugar as a typical cola.

It’s also encouraging to see some food companies and fast-food restaurants introducing more healthy choices and reformulating existing foods with less sugar and salt.

But much more needs to be done to educate people, especially children, about nutrition and eating right.

But education alone is not enough, because it’s generally cheaper to eat a fast-food meal than to cook a healthy, nutritious meal.

The highest obesity rates were found in people with less education and at lower income levels, reinforcing the need for education and reforms to food and farm subsidy programs.

Prohibiting food stamps from being used to buy pop, other sweetened drinks and highly processed junk foods would be a good first step.

There is no doubt about the threat posed by the obesity crisis. It’s also quite clear what needs to be done.

Creating a culture shift about food will be difficult. And government can play a role in supporting healthier diets while reducing financial aid for Big Food — corporate farming and food interests.

The problem is obvious; we see it every day. And the solution, eating healthier diets and exercising, is just as clear. It’s just difficult to do.