The Obesity Crisis

Obesity is rapidly closing in on smoking as the nation’s number one underlying preventable killer. It is a major modifiable factor for heart disease, and increases the potential for high cholesterol, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and other serious health conditions.

Obesity rates are substantially higher among African Americans, Mexican Americans and other minorities.

  • Among adults, overweight and obesity are highest among African American (77%) and Mexican American (72%) females
  • Overweight and Obese Child Statistics in Hamilton County
    • White, Non-Hispanic: 26.8%
    • Black, Non-Hispanic: 39.8%

The main risk factors for obesity are preventable. Throughout the Do Right!® website you will find tools to guide you through making healthier food choices and living a more physically active life. It is up to you to change your behavior and this information is key to making lifestyle improvements that combat obesity.

References

  1. Hedley, A.A., Ogden, C.L., Johnson, C.L., Carroll, M.D., Curtin, L.R., & Flegal, K.M. (2004). Prevalence of overweight and obesity among U.S. children, adolescents, and adults, 1999–2002. Journal of the American Medical Association, 291, 2847-2850.

  2. Child Policy Research Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. (2005). Child Well Being Survey.