Understanding Obesity Across the Country
Over the past thirty years, the prevalence of obesity has grown by 170 percent in the United States. The significant growth in the prevalence of obesity has encouraged America's Health Rankings to take a special look at how we can better understand and address the challenge of obesity.
The graphic below shows how obesity has increased in every state during that time period. As the colors change, they correspond to the prevalence of obesity indicated in the legend below the map. The significant growth in the prevalence of obesity has encouraged America’s Health Rankings to take a special look at how we can better understand and address the challenge of obesity.
Obesity is a chronic condition that continues to have a growing impact on all parts of society. In the 30 years that America’s Health Rankings has analyzed public health data, the prevalence of obesity has grown by 170 percent – impacting about one in ten adults (11.6 percent) in 1990, to nearly one in three American adults (31.3 percent) today.
Obesity Through The Years
To combat the growing obesity epidemic, it must be addressed at all levels – individual, family, community, health care and government. Here we explore some of the risk factors for and consequences of obesity as well as promising solutions to this complex national public health challenge.
Obesity impacts Americans of all ages, but innovative programs are aiming to reverse the obesity trend. Learn how America’s Health Rankings has tracked the prevalence of obesity among adults, children, seniors and women – and how public health groups are addressing the root causes of the epidemic.
Taking Action: Recipe for Success Addresses Obesity in the Community
The Recipe for Success Foundation, founded in Houston, Texas, is tackling childhood obesity with proactive programs in the community to empower kids by teaching them healthy eating habits. Download the detailed case study here.
Addressing Obesity in Pennsylvania: Insights from State Public Health Leader
How can states address the highest-ever obesity rate? Obesity is a complex challenge with no single solution. Hear from Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health about efforts to fight obesity in her state.