In 2021, approximately one third (35.4%) of adults in WNC reported being obese (BMI of 30 or higher); of those adults 49% were diagnosed with high blood pressure, 33% were diagnosed with high cholesterol, 22% were diagnosed with diabetes and 25% reported fair/poor mental health in the past month.
The following adult populations were significantly more likely to be obese in 2021:
(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.
Meeting physical activity recommendations” includes adequate levels of both aerobic and strengthening activities: Aerobic activity is one of the following: at least 150 minutes per week of light to moderate activity, 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity, or an equivalent combination of both.
Strengthening activity is at least 2 sessions per week of exercise designed to strengthen muscles.
(WNCHN – WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2021)
In 2017, North Carolinians had an obesity rate of 32.1%.
In 2015 and 2016, the prevalence of obesity in the US was 39.8% and affected about 93.3 million adults.
Obesity is a leading cause for many preventable chronic diseases that result in $147-$210 billion per year in healthcare costs in the US.
Source: WNCHN – Online Key Informant Survey, 2018
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.
“Educational programs around healthy lifestyles and food choices. Efforts for parks and access to fresh, local produce at a reduced cost. The effort to make parks tobacco-free. The fact that all students in our schools have PE classes every day.”
“[Evidence-based intervention programs] have demonstrated results in terms of addressing healthy eating. Nutrition is on the radar of many health advocates in the community and is being incorporated into the delivery of health care. Community gardens and other options for fresh produce are available.”
“We have become an “outdoor” community with a focus on biking, hiking, running/walking, etc. Outdoor education opportunities.”
“Sometimes people just cannot afford to buy the food they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The healthy foods are the most expensive.”
“Promotion of ‘quick fix’ programs that put emphasis on rapid loss of weight and a focus on overall weight as a number rather than a conscious move towards a more permanent healthy eating and physical activity lifestyle. A more holistic look at body composition and avoidance of disordered eating is needed.”
The western North Carolina region includes 17 communities: 16 counties and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)
The list below represents a sample of what is happening in the region around this key health issue. Visit www.nc211.org for more resources.
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