Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps | Overweight & Obesity | CDC

Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps | Overweight & Obesity | CDC



Liping Pan, Epidemiologist

Good data is the foundation of all that we do at CDC and in public health; data help us make decisions that will advance the health of US communities. As an obesity surveillance subject matter expert, I use data from many sources and transform them into useful information to help improve obesity prevention and treatment. For example, one project I lead is the annual adult obesity prevalence maps. My role includes analyzing Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, creating PowerPoint slides and tables to summarize the results, and assisting with updates. These maps show areas where people with obesity is high, helping states and communities tailor their obesity surveillance, evaluation, and program activities. 

In addition, I collaborate with division colleagues and scientists in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to monitor trends in obesity prevalence among low-income children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The WIC obesity data are shared with the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regularly to help evaluate the performance of program grantees. I also respond to inquiries from federal and state partners and the public to help people better understand obesity rates in their community.

What is your greatest professional satisfaction?

One area of great satisfaction is when we disseminate our study findings and document their effect. Having worked in CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO) for 12 years, I am still very excited to see the research published in journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association, CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report or Vital Signs, and web products for state grantees and other internal and external partners. 

How do you work with partners?

Data sharing with our partners is critical to our work. For example, the USDA provides WIC data to us every 2 years. These data, based on measured weight and height, are essential for monitoring trends in obesity prevalence among vulnerable infants and children enrolled in WIC. 

The work of our grantees and partners motivates me to do my work. We know the surveillance needs of our federal, state, and local partners are great, and we will continue to collaborate with them to publish high-quality obesity research.

Where can partners learn more?

Please find obesity surveillance data, obesity-related health consequences, and obesity prevention strategies on the CDC website.

Favorite quote

 “The common facts of today are the products of yesterday’s research” - Duncan MacDonald