« Smog Cops vs. Social Justice | Main | Oops, We Logged It Again »
August 23, 2005
Obesity Grows
Obesity rates are growing in every state but Oregon, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health based on data from the CDC. (Read the Seattle Times article here.) While Oregonians can be proud of their accomplishment last year, they are not the trimmest state in the country, nor in the Northwest.
Interestingly, every Northwest state has lower rates of obesity than the national average. Montana residents are least likely to be obese; Alaskans are most likely. As Jessica pointed out recently, it's worth paying attention to obesity trends, not only because of their health consequences, but because it can absorb a lot of money.
Here's the skinny on obesity in the Northwest states...
Percent of state residents who are obese, 2004
|
Percent of residents who are obese, 2004 |
Alaska |
23.5 |
California |
21.5 |
Idaho |
20.9 |
Montana |
19.1 |
Oregon |
21.0 |
Washington |
21.7 |
United States |
24.5 |
Posted by Eric de Place | Permalink
Comments
Not sure how it all fits together but as a nurse I find the obesity epidemic alarming.
One thing I've realized as a new mom (my daughter is 8 months) is how exhausting parenting can be. I'm lucky to be a stay at home parent and we are relatively financially secure. When we can't get the energy together to cook we tend to get healthy takeout but it sure is pricey.
What are families with less money forced to do? You guessed it - fast food. Our go go go society and lack of support for families and working people add up to big problems for us as a nation, including, in the case, obesity.
Posted by: Rachel | Aug 24, 2005 7:16:33 PM