Obesity

According to an article in today’s Denver Post, some experts are predicting that by the year 2030, obesity rates will reach 50% or more in 39 of the 50 states.  Colorado has long had a reputation as one of the healthiest states, mostly due to the many outdoors-loving people who choose to live here.  However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a problem – although Colorado is not predicted in this study to be one of those 39 states with 50% obesity, it is predicted to have a 45% rate by 2030.  So what are the facts about obesity in Colorado right now, and what can we do about it?  The Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment has published The Weight of the State, which reports that as of 2009, the combined number of obese and overweight persons in Colorado was 55% of the state’s population.  (The 2030 predictions cited above only measure those who are obese, not including those overweight but not obese).  Interestingly, the report finds that since 1995, obesity rates have increased from 10.1% to 19.1%!  For interesting facts on overweight and obesity rates by demographic characteristic, as well as statistics on Coloradans’ physical activity and nutrition, check out this interesting report.  For more resources on Colorado health, search our web catalog.