Study: Arizona ranks among lower half of states in obesity rates nationwide
Sep 22, 2015, 10:00 AM
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX — Arizona has ranked among the bottom half of states with one of the lower obesity rates nationwide, according to a recent study from the non-profit organization Trust for America’s Health.
The Valley of the Sun ranked No. 29 in the nation in adult obesity rates. Twenty-nine percent of adults in Arizona had a body mass index of 30 or above, identifying them as obese.
Albert Lang, senior communications manager with Trust for America’s Health, said according to the study, Arizona is ranking above many other states in the nation.
“(The study) says (Arizona) is doing better than the majority of the country, which is good,” he said.
Even though Arizona ranked among the lowest states in the nation for adult obesity rates, Lang said today’s average rate is more higher than it was 20 years ago.
“Unfortunately, obesity rates near 30 percent is incredibly high,” he said. “No state had an obesity rate above 20 percent about 20 years ago. Having a number near 30 now, even though it’s one of the lower states, is not the greatest thing for the future of the health of the state of Arizona.”
In 2013, Arizona fared slightly higher in the study at No. 34, from No. 35 in 2012.
Lang said the obesity rates have been consistently driven by middle-aged and older Americans, with 35 percent of adults aged 45 to 64 being classified as obese.
In order to further prevent the rise of obesity in Arizona, Lang said officials must start looking at obesity rates of children.
“We always like to start young,” he said. “Obviously, it’s much easier to prevent obesity in the first place than to take the pounds off after they’ve been added.”
He said providing children with proper nutrition education as well as safe places to play will help keep child obesity rates low.
“We know if kids enter kindergarten at a healthy weight, they’re more likely to stay at a healthy weight through and into adulthood,” Lang said. “Focusing and making sure kids get access to places to play, safe places to play — parks, gyms, things like that — and making sure their nutrition is good is one of the most important factors.”
Three states had obesity rates that met or exceeded a body mass index of 35 percent: Arkansas, West Virginia and Mississippi.
Just five states, not including District of Colombia which ranked No. 50, had obesity rates of less then 25 percent BMI: Vermont, California, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Colorado.
KTAR News’ Jeremy Foster contributed to this report.
