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CDC unveils state-by-state obesity map

08.15.2012

In order to better illustrate the obesity epidemic and educate the population about the weight problem plaguing the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released state-specific statistics charting the rates of obesity in each of the 50 states. The graph was compiled based on data from 2011.

In addition to the well-being of the afflicted, obesity can affect healthcare professionals. The increased difficulty of moving obese patients sometimes causes injuries to emergency department physicians and others who work in emergency medicine.

The CDC's own statistics show that more than 35 percent of Americans are obese, meaning their body mass index reaches or surpasses 30. It appears that no single state stands out as definitively the most obese. Just under 35 percent of Mississippians qualified as obese, making it the most collectively overweight state in the nation. In what can't be good news for individuals residing in the vicinity of Austin Immediate Care, the CDC indicates that more than 30 percent of Texans are obese.

On the other end of the spectrum, Colorado stands as the slimmest state with an obesity percentage of barely over 20. For its part, the home state of Urgent Care Buffalo has an obesity rate of almost 25 percent, making New York average for the nation.

Though it can be fun to compare the health habits of different states, obesity is a serious business. The condition can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. According to online database Obesity in America, it can also cause low self-esteem, depression and social anxiety.

Study shows junk food regulations may work

In other obesity related news, a study recently published in the journal Pediatrics examines the rates of childhood obesity in states with and without laws banning or limiting the presence of junk food and sweetened beverages in schools.

Using data from 2003 and 2006 based on information from 6,300 students, the researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago concluded that in states with strict anti-junk food in schools laws, the percentage of obese children dropped steadily as students aged. For example, in states where almost 40 percent of fifth graders were considered overweight, keeping unhealthy food away from them during the day has been partially responsible for that number dropping to 18 percent by the 8th grade.

The CDC reports that only 7 percent of U.S. kids between 6 and 11 years old were obese in 1980, but that rate had almost doubled by 2008.

Categories: Health and Wellness