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39% of American adults and 18% of children and teens are obese.
Awareness of the health risks of obesity has increased, but obesity rates continue to grow as well. From 2007-2016, obesity climbed from 33%-39%. Obese patients cost 37% more to treat than those of a healthy weight, and the lifetime health costs of obesity are equivalent to those of smoking.
West Virginia tied with Mississippi for the highest obesity rate at 39.5%. The rate increased from 38.1% from 2017. 20.9% of children in West Virginia are obese, ranking second highest in the nation.
Among all the negative stats regarding obesity in America, itâs a welcome change to see positive reports. For instance, in Calhoun County, West Virginia, on average:
Women looking for assistance losing weight tend to weigh about 170 pounds with a body mass index, or BMI, of 31.1. BMI is a generic measurement of body fat based on height and weight. Any score over 30 is obese, so women in Calhoun are closer to being overweight.
Residents of the county need to lose about 48 pounds, which is 27% lower than the state average of 66 pounds and 19% lower than the country average of 59 pounds.
The West Virginia Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease employs a comprehensive strategy for combating obesity designed by the Department of Health and Human Resources. The program encourages public and private agencies to take action to fight the obesity epidemic.
Strategies against obesity include Public Health initiatives that provide greater access to healthy food choices and physical activity. Community strategies encourage employers to promote healthy lifestyles and promote community food development systems. The report also encourages health professionals to implement strategies, including recording physical activity as a vital sign and counseling patients on weight management.
Dietspotlight is a weight-loss resource website that offers everything from fat burner reviews to details on fitness programs and AI-driven wellness apps. For more than a decade, the site has been serving visitors searching for help losing weight, including Calhoun County residents. When residents from Calhoun reached Dietspotlight, they were allowed to share various body measurements, including height, weight, age, and location. All data was collected voluntarily and anonymously.
All research shared on Dietspotlight is reviewed and validated by a dedicated team of medical and nutrition professionals. The review ensures readers are accessing the latest research studies for optimal benefit.
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