Unless more people begin eating vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, the population of the U.S. could become even more overweight, which could have major consequences for the health and economic well-being of the country, according to a new report.

A team of researchers from Northwestern Medicine reported that overweight and obesity rates could reach as high as 83 percent for men and 72 percent for women by the year 2020 unless people begin making major lifestyle changes that involve consuming a healthier diet and getting more exercise.

"We've been dealing with the obesity trend for the past three decades, but the impact we project is a true shock," said researcher Donald Lloyd-Jones. "Those are some really scary numbers."

The team suggested that public policy be crafted to support healthy lifestyle choices by individuals. Furthermore, they said that each person needs to take responsibility for their own cardiovascular and metabolic well-being and educate themselves on how to live healthier lives.

The public should make efforts to improve measures of heart health by 20 percent by the year 2020, the researchers said. Otherwise, the consequences could be dire.