The State of Obesity, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to both raising awareness about the obesity epidemic and promoting obesity prevention strategies, recently issued its annual report. To results are sobering, yet unsurprising. In five states adult obesity rates exceed 35 percent, while in 25 additional states obesity rates top 30 percent. Despite these discouraging numbers, there are some signs that progress is being made.
From 2004 to 2014 the rates of childhood obesity have gone from 14 percent to 10 percent. Additional figures also suggest that obesity rates may have plateaued. Despite these small successes, there is still much work to be done. Did you know that Georgia is one of a minority of states that do not require physical education for middle school students? Georgia is also one of only 16 states to have adopted mandatory requirements to encourage the creation of safe and convenient walking and biking routes and lanes into new and existing infrastructure.
Take a look for yourself at the state report for Georgia. Below are some of the highlights:
Good News
Georgia has improved rates of childhood obesity:
- From 2008 to 2016, obesity rates among children aged 2-4 have decreased from 15.3% to 13%
- From 2007 to 2016, obesity rates among children aged 10-17 have decreased 37.3% to 32.2%
Bad news
Nationally, Georgia has some of the highest rates of:
- Type 2 Diabetes (tied for 8th) 12.1%
- Hypertension (tied for 9th) 36.2%
- Physical inactivity (tied for 6th) 29.4%