Obesity Trends 2010
According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) more than one third of American adults are obese (defined as having a Body Mass Index > 30). The NHANES data are from 2007-2008.
Using their Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), CDC has data that are two years newer, and their findings are similar. Here is the 2010 map for obesity in the United States:
The Obesity Trends web site displays maps from 1985 through 2010, making it easy to see the trend as the map goes from light blue to red. The site includes links to related resources: diabetes, physical inactivity.
Last year, Colorado had been the only state with an obesity rate below 20%, but that ended with last year's assessment. Twelve states have obesity rates of 30% or more. With the association between obesity and other chronic diseases, one would expect to see instances of diabetes and heart disease mirror this same trend.
To see your own individual standing, take the Adult BMI Calculator for a spin.
The first time I saw these maps was in a presentation by Howard Frumkin on Smart Growth. Dr. Frumkin believes that our built environment influences individual health. Read through an illustated transcript of a talk he delivered in Scotland in 2006. As you can see, the maps have continued on their trend.
6 comments - Posted by Steve Rauch at 12:19 PM - Categories: