In 2021, approximately one third (35.4%) of adults in WNC reported being obese (BMI of 30 or higher); of those adults:
(WNCHN – WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2021)
Differences in health outcomes across social groups, economic status, and racial/ethnic identity are closely linked with disparities in social determinants of health, which disproportionately burden individuals and communities who experience systemic disadvantage and/or discrimination. See our data story on the Social Determinants of Health to learn more about how the conditions in which people are born, live, work, play, learn, worship, and age can influence their ability to achieve good health for themselves and their families.
For more information on Diabetes please visit the Chronic Disease page linked.
In 2021, North Carolina had an obesity rate of 36%, up from 32.1% in 2017.
The United States obesity prevalence in 2017 was 41.9%.
The annual medical cost of obesity in the United States was roughly $173 billion dollars in 2019.
The top three aspects that make up a healthy life are nutrition, physical activity, and good mental health and relationships.
(US Department of Health and Human Services, 2022)
For more information on mental health, please visit the Mental Health page linked.
For more information on recommendations for age specific healthy eating please visit the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
In the United States fruit and vegetable intake continues to decline. Research has found that fruit and vegetable intake is down 10% in the United States since 2004.
In 2019, of the adults surveyed in the United States, 12.3% were meeting fruit intake recommendations with only 10% meeting vegetable recommendations.
Individuals who are insufficiently active have a 20% to 30% increased risk of death compared to people who are sufficiently active.
In 2018, roughly $117 billion in annual health care costs and about 10% or premature mortality were associated with inadequate physical health.
(WNCHN – Online Key Informant Survey, 2021)
The information in this section should be interpreted and used with care. It should be used only to help local health departments and agencies begin to understand community perceptions about local health issues. Communities are strongly encouraged to collect their own, local-level data to inform local planning and evaluation activities.
“The efforts of non-profits and individuals to make food available within distance of the individual’s and family’s homes and communities. Providing education and access to affordable, healthy, good tasting food is essential for healthy communities.”
“Physical environments that promote active lifestyles and public and nonprofit facilities that provide safe and engaging physical health opportunities.”
“I have seen more advocacy groups promote the importance of health.”
“I am seeing an increased interest in making fresh fruits and vegetables available to clients of food pantries.”
“We have many parks, trails and recreational amenities already in place and are planning for the development of even more, subject to funding availability.”
The western North Carolina region includes 17 communities: 16 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER