New CDC state maps show many Americans still struggle with obesity

Today, CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity released its 2015 state- and territory-specific maps on adult obesity prevalence using self-reported information from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

The 2015 state data maps show that the proportion of adults with obesity in the United Statescontinues to remain high. Estimates across states vary and range from 20.2% in Colorado to 36.2% in Louisiana. The new state data maps are available online at:http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/prevalence-maps.html

State Highlights from the 2015 BRFSS:

No state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%.
Obesity prevalence in 21 states and Guam was 30% to less than 35%.
Four states (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia) had an obesity prevalence of 35% or greater.
The South had the highest prevalence of obesity (31.2%), followed by the Midwest (30.7%), the Northeast (26.4%), and the West (25.2%).

Some groups of adults have more obesity burden than others.

Findings from the updated 2013-2015 BRFSS maps by race/ethnicity found:

Non-Hispanic blacks had the highest self-reported obesity (38.1%), followed by Hispanics (31.9%), and non-Hispanic whites (27.6%).
The number of states/territories where adult obesity was 35% or more among specific populations was 2 for non-Hispanic whites, 11 for Hispanics, and 34 (plus the District of Columbia) for non-Hispanic blacks.

Obesity is a serious societal problem.

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

Type 2 Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Poorer mental health
Certain cancers

There is not one simple solution to address the high levels of obesity in the US. It will take a societal effort. Community leaders, employers, government agencies, and many others can create places that make it easier for adults and families to move more and eat better. Find out how at http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/strategies/index.html.

About the BRFSS Data:

BRFSS is the nation's state-based data tracking system that collects self-reported information (through telephone surveys) from US residents 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.

BRFSS is only one of several data sets that allows obesity and other conditions in the United States to be monitored. 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 continues to be a major societal problem.

More CDC 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 and can be accessed here. Individuals should talk with their health care provider about how his or her weight might be affecting one’s health.

What Causes Overweight and Obesity? Learn more about the combination of causes and contributing factors.
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity: Data, Trends and Maps. To find out more about national and state data on nutrition and physical activity indicators and BRFSS 2011-2014 obesity information.
Strategies to Help Prevent Obesity. Learn more about how communities can support moving more and eating better.