Fast facts about the 2014 obesity rankings
National obesity trends and repercussions on population health
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index has studied trends in national obesity for the past seven years. This past year, 2.2 million surveys were distributed to residents that asked demographic information along with questions about their purpose, social, financial, community and physical well-being. The study considers everyone who has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher as obese (calculated by their given height and weight).
Here are some fast facts on the findings of this study:
- Incidence of obesity is at an all-time high (27.7%) since the study began in 2008
- Obesity rates are highest in Southern and Midwestern states
- Obesity rates are lowest in Western and Northeastern states
- Hawaii has the lowest obesity rate nationwide
- Mississippi has the highest obesity rate at 35.2%
- Non-obese people are more likely to be thriving in all five well-being categories than obese people
What does this mean for healthcare marketers?
According to the study, non-obese people are 322% more likely to be thriving in physical well-being than obese people. In addition, non-obese people are less likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, diabetes, cancer and heart attack than obese people. This calls for a nationwide effort to beat obesity and improve population health.
According to the study, weight loss studies need to include mental and social support in order to be successful:
“Effective interventions focus on sustained weight loss, emphasize maintenance skills and confidence, and go beyond physical exercise and nutrition to address emotional, social support and environmental influences.”
It’s hard to change our habits. The more support we have from friends, family and peers, the easier it is to commit to change. The addition of support groups or online communities to a weight loss program can end up making all the difference. Does your hospital’s bariatrics program provide more than just nutrition guidelines and exercise requirements? How do you help patients maintain their weight loss?