Living Well / Reducing Adult Obesity2022-02-02T08:54:09-08:00

Reducing body mass index (BMI) by 5 percent could save California billions

If adult body mass index (BMI) were reduced by 5%, California could save $81.7 billion in obesity-related health care costs by 2030.1

Obesity increases the risk of many health conditions and contributes to some of the leading causes of preventable death, posing a major public health challenge.2 There are many factors that contribute to weight gain and ultimately to obesity. Inactivity, unhealthy diets, and eating behaviors are the most preventable. The rising rates of obesity are related to health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.2

Indicator Progress

In 2009 (baseline year), 22.7% of adults were obese. The most recent data available show 27.1% (2018). We hope to reach a target of 11.0% or lower by 2022.

More Data about Adult Obesity

Adult Obesity

Note: The data source has changed from the original LGHC 2012 Task Force Report as the original data source is no longer available.

Baseline

22.7%

Current Rate

27.1%

Target

11.0%

Indicator Highlights

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California has the highest obesity-related costs in the United States, estimated at $15.2 billion annually.2

By 2012, 21 of California’s 58 counties had adult obesity rates at or above the national Healthy People 2020 goal of 30.5% or more, compared to none of the counties in 2001.2

Nearly half of the added sugars consumed by Americans come from sugar-sweetened beverages. In addition, meals from fast food are often more calorie-dense and less nutritious than meals cooked at home. There is some evidence that indicates limiting consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and fast food may reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity.2

Only one-quarter of adults achieve the guidelines for physical activity.2 Lack of access to safe places to exercise in neighborhoods and busy work schedules are barriers to physical activity and play a large role in a person’s likelihood for becoming obese.2

Over one-third of adults in California reported that they seldom, never, or only sometimes could find a variety of good quality, affordable fresh fruits and vegetables in their neighborhood.2

Breastfeeding has been shown to have a protective effect against obesity. Children who have been breastfed have less risk of becoming overweight or obese, even as adults.3

Disparities & Trends

Significant health disparities continue to exist. The rates of obesity are highest among those with low income and lowest among higher income Californians.2

Individuals who are obese have medical costs that are $1,429 per year higher, or roughly 42% greater, than the costs of those with normal body weight.2

One in three counties in California has an obesity rate higher than the national Healthy People 2020 goal.2

Obesity varies significantly by county in California. Only 11.3% of adults living in San Francisco County are obese compared with 41.7% of Imperial County adults.2

Annually there are nearly a half million hospital admissions due to obesity-related conditions in the State, accounting for $33.8 billion in hospital charges.2

Obesity has also been linked with reduced worker productivity, chronic absence from work, and medical spending that totals $73.1 billion per year for full time employees in the United States.2

Proportion of Adults Who are Obese, Over Time

Proportion of Adults Who are Obese, by Demographic Category

Proportion of Adults Who are Obese, by County

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Indicator: Proportion of adults who are obese

Description: Use given height and weight of adults to calculate BMI values and categorize by overweight (BMI≥25 but < 30) or obese (BMI ≥30).

Data Limitations: Asked of California’s residential population (adults, teens, and children), administered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. This does not include those living in group quarters or homeless persons.

Indicator Source: California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) is a biennial population-based, omnibus health survey of California. It is the largest telephone survey in California and the largest state health survey in the country. Note that this indicator uses weighted data.

Data Sharing Agreement: Researchers can access a variety of publicly available CHIS data files and web tools. These CHIS data products include downloadable data sets and easy-to-read documents. In addition, local county health departments can request data files specific to their county. However, researchers can apply to analyze confidential CHIS data, data sensitive variables and/or geo-coded data through the CHIS Data Access Center (DAC). Access to confidential CHIS data requires a research application, review, and approval.

Indicator Calculation Methodology: http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/design/Pages/overview.aspx

Data Collection Methodology: http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/design/Pages/methodology.aspx

Program URL Link: http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/Pages/default.aspx

1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention . (2015, May 15). Body Mass Index. Retrieved November 17, 2015, from www.cdc.gov: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/

2. Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Branch. (2014). Obesity in California: The Weight of the State. California Department of Public Health. Weblink: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/cpns/Documents/ObesityinCaliforniaReport.pdf

3. Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program. (n.d.). Benefits of Breastfeeding. Retrieved November 15, 2015, from www.cdph.ca.go: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/breastfeeding/Documents/MO-BF-Benefits.pdf

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