Obesity is something that many people struggle with. It can effect both children and adults. People who have a body mass index (BMI) over 25 are classified as overweight. Once the BMI rises above 30 they are classified as obese. This year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data showing 22 states have an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%, compared to the 19 reported in 2021.
These weight issues have grown to epidemic proportions around the world. In fact, at least 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being obese or overweight, according to the World Health Organization.
Higher Obesity Percentage
Last year, 22 states reported having 35% or more of its adult population being obese. These states are:
- Alabama.
- Arkansas.
- Delaware.
- Georgia.
- Indiana.
- Iowa.
- Kansas.
- Kentucky.
- Louisiana.
- Mississippi.
- Missouri.
- Nebraska.
- North Dakota.
- Ohio.
- Oklahoma.
- South Carolina.
- South Dakota.
- Tennessee.
- Texas.
- Virginia.
- West Virginia.
- And Wisconsin.
Furthermore, Alabama, Kentucky, and West Virginia are the states with the highest percentage of their population who are obese. Additionally, the U.S. states with the lowest obesity percentage include Colorado, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.
Obesity Impacts Some Groups More Than Others
Researchers combined data gathered from 2020 to 2022 shows that obesity impacts some groups more than others. In fact, there are notable differences by ethnicity and race among geographic groups (states, territories, or DC).
Moreover, the number with an adult obesity prevalence of 35% or higher, by race/ethnicity, is:
- Hispanic adults: 32 (among 49 states, 2 territories, and DC).
- Black adults: 38 (among 48 states and DC).
- American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 33 (among 47 states).
- White adults: 14 (among 49 states, 1 territory, and DC).
- Asian adults: 0 (among 37 states, 1 territory, and DC).
The state-based prevalence of obesity in adults by ethnicity, race, and location comes from self-reported weight and height data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is America’s premier system of health-related telephone surveys that collect state data. These surveys gather information about people’s health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.
History of BRFSS
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was established in 1984 with 15 states. Now, the establishment collects data in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories.
Annually, the BRFSS interviews more than 400,000 adults. Thus making it the largest continuously conducted health survey system in the world. Furthermore, the BRFSS has become a powerful tool for targeting and building health promotion activities. This is because it collects behavioral health risk data at the state and local level. As such, those who utilize their system have increasingly demanded more data and asked for more questions on the survey.
Currently, there is a wide sponsorship of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. This includes the CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and some of the other branches of the agency. Additionally, federal agencies, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Administration on Aging, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Health Resources and Services Administration.
Causes for Overweight and Obesity
People can develop overweightness and obesity over time. Especially, when individuals consume more calories than they use. Furthermore, this factor can also be described as an energy imbalance. Which means the energy input (calories) does not equal the output. Examples of energy output would be breathing, physical activity, and digesting food.
The human body uses certain nutrients from foods eaten to create and store energy. Additionally, the food turned into energy for immediate use helps power the body through daily functions and physical activities. Additionally, stored energy is like having a backup battery for the battery.
Energy imbalances causes the body to store more fat than what will be used. Therefore, the more calories consumed the higher the chances are of becoming overweight or obese. Additionally, this risk is also determined on the level of physical activity, quality of sleep, and what is put into the body, whether eaten or drank.
Furthermore, there are other factors that can attribute to obesity and being overweight. For example, health conditions such as metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome. Another factor that people have no control over is genetics. In fact, researchers have found at least 15 genes that influence obesity. There are also:
- Certain medications that can cause weight gain and make it difficult to shed extra pounds. Such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, birth control, insulin, glucocorticoids, and antipsychotics.
- Environments. Whether it is where they go to school, work, or live, all of these environments can factor into weight gain. They can contribute to unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity, or increase ones stress levels.
- Stress levels. High amounts of stress whether it be long or short term can affect the brain. In turn, this triggers the body to create hormones, such as cortisol, that control energy balances and hunger urges. These hormonal changes can cause a person to eat more, thus storing extra fat.
Ways to Fix It
While losing weight comes difficult to some there are ways to help move the process along. However, it should be noted this does not always work for everybody. Like changing ones diet and physical activity regimen. This process can and does work for thousands of people. However, there are some who cannot change their diets due to monetary or medical reasons. And then there are some people who are physically incapable of becoming more active.
Talking with doctors and nutritionists may benefit people. Sometimes doctors can prescribe medications to assist individuals in their healthier weight class. Other times they can provide information about nutrition groups and specialists who can help change the way a person thinks. Meaning letting them know they are not alone, tricks to help curve the mind from craving junk foods, etc.
Additionally, people could choose to undergo bariatric surgery to help them shed unwanted pounds. While this method does work, it’s not without its share of headaches. For example, having the surgery without a plan to exercise and tone more can result in excess skin flaps. Plus, there are few cases where some of these surgeries don’t last causing those patients to need additional operations.
Speaking to ones healthcare provider can better assist them in developing a plan that is right for them.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Overweight and Obesity Causes and Risk Factors
World Health Organization: Obesity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Adult Obesity Prevalence Remains High; Support for Prevention and Treatment Needed
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
YUMA Daily News: In 22 U.S. States, More Than a Third of Adults Are Now Obese
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First Inset Image Courtesy of andres musta‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of heacphotos‘ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
