The 2010 state obesity rates averaged 32% with a range from 21% to 34%. The lowest rate was in Colorado and the highest in Mississippi. Tennessee ranked #8 at 30.8%. Obesity is defined as a BMI greater than 30. Obesity has already risen from 10% to 32% during the time period from 1980 to 2010. It is expected to double in the next 30 years.
Overweight is described as a BMI of 25-30. Overall overweight rates, range from 67-81%, depending on race and sex. Those over the age of 60 had even higher rates.
Childhood obesity is also on the rise with a rate of 35.7% being overweight.
It has been calculated that the cost of obesity is currently $3 billion per year just in loss of wages and disability alone. However, with childhood obesity rising, future rates are predicted to be $270 billion per year in 30 years.
For each 1% increase in BMI or 5# of body fat, there is a 10% increase in coronary events. However, for each 1% decrease in cholesterol, there is a 2% decreased rate in coronary artery disease. For each 1 unit BMI increase or 5# weight gain, there is a 5% risk in congestive heart failure in men and a 7% increase in women.
Our physician is a bariatric physician who can calculate your exact risk. He is not just a physician who assists others in weight management, but is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and has been trained in treating patients with weight issues. He can also calculate your increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke events, osteoarthritis, gallstones, Alzheimer’s, sleep apnea, and mortality.