viernes, 1 de septiembre de 2017

New CDC Data Suggests More Needs To Be Done To Help Americans Be Active And Eat Healthier

New CDC Data Suggests More Needs To Be Done To Help Americans Be Active And Eat Healthier

New CDC Data Suggests More Needs To Be Done To Help Americans Be Active and Eat Healthier

Today, CDC released its 2016 state- and territory-specific data on adult obesity prevalence using self-reported information from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

The 2016 data maps show that the proportion of adults with obesity in the United States continues to remain high. Estimates across states vary and range from 22.3% in Colorado to 37.7% in West Virginia. The South had the highest prevalence of obesity (32.0%), followed by the Midwest (31.4%), the Northeast (26.9%), and the West (26.0%). Five states now have over 35% of adults with obesity.

The new state data maps and archived maps and data tables are now available online.

Self-reported Obesity Prevalence by US State and Territory, BRFSS, 2016.

State Highlights (2016 BRFSS):

No states reported adult obesity prevalence under 20%.
3 states (Colorado, Hawaii, and Massachusetts) and the District of Columbia reported adult obesity prevalence between 20% and < 25%.
22 states and Guam reported adult obesity prevalence between 25% and < 30%.
20 states, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands reported adult obesity prevalence between 30% and < 35%.
5 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia) reported adult obesity prevalence of 35% or more.

Findings by race/ethnicity (2014-2016 BRFSS):

Non-Hispanic blacks had the highest self-reported obesity (38.3%), followed by Hispanics (32.5%), and non-Hispanic whites (28.1%).

Among those with sufficient sample size, the number of states, D.C. and territories where adult obesity was 35% or more was:

31 for non-Hispanic blacks
9 for Hispanics
2 for non-Hispanic whites

Findings by education and age (BRFSS 2016):

Obesity decreased by level of education. Adults without a high school degree (or equivalent) had the highest self-reported obesity (35.5%), followed by high school graduates (32.3%), adults with some college (31.0%), and college graduates (22.2%).

Young adults were half as likely to have obesity as middle-aged adults. Adults aged 18-24 had the lowest self-reported obesity (17.3%) compared to adults aged 45-54 years who had the highest prevalence (35.1%).

Obesity Risks: Obesity Can Lead to Other Serious Diseases.

Millions of American adults have obesity, putting them at risk for serious chronic diseases and health conditions. These include the following:

Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers
Poorer mental health
Infertility and problems with pregnancy

Solutions: Addressing Obesity Requires A Societal Approach.

Obesity impacts the ability to serve in the military, worker productivity, and healthcare costs. Preventing and reducing obesity in the United States will take a societal effort. State and community leaders, employers, government agencies, healthcare providers, and many others can help make it easier for adults and families to move more and eat healthier.

Additional Information.

About the BRFSS Data:

BRFSS is the nation's state-based data tracking system that collects self-reported information (through telephone surveys) from adults about their health-related behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services. BRFSS collects data in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and select US territories.

Data from the BRFSS, as well as from other sources, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in which weight and height are measured, indicate that obesity and related-health consequences continue to be a major societal problem.

Other Resources:

Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to screen for weight status, such as obesity, that may lead to health problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. CDC’s Adult BMI Calculator is now available in both English and Spanish. Individuals should talk with their health care provider about how his or her weight might be affecting one’s health.
Adult Obesity. Learn more about adult obesity including causes and consequences.
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity: Data, Trends and Maps. Find out more about national and state data on nutrition and physical activity indicators and BRFSS 2011-2015 obesity information.
State Programs. Learn more about what state and local programs are doing to increase healthy eating and active living opportunities.
Community Strategies to Help Obesity. Learn more about how communities and organizations can support moving more and eating better.
People-first language for Obesity(non-CDC resource). Learn more about how to describe obesity using people-first language.