16 Jul 2009 15:43 Africa/Lagos
New Obesity Data Shows Blacks Have the Highest Rates of Obesity
Embargoed for Thursday, July 16, 2009, at 12 p.m. ET
Blacks had 51 percent higher prevalence of obesity, and Hispanics had 21 percent higher obesity prevalence compared with whites, according to researchers with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Greater prevalences of obesity for blacks and whites were found in the South and Midwest than in the West and Northeast. Hispanics in the Northeast had lower obesity prevalence than Hispanics in the Midwest, South or West. The study, in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, examined data from 2006-2008.
"This study highlights that in the United States, blacks and Hispanics are disproportionately affected by obesity,'' said Dr. William H. Dietz, Director of CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, "If we have any hope of stemming the rise in obesity, we must intensify our efforts to create an environment for healthy living in these communities."
The study uses data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BRFSS is an ongoing, state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population aged 18 years and older.
The study found that in 40 states, obesity prevalence among blacks was 30 percent or more. In five of those states, Alabama, Maine, Mississippi, Ohio, and Oregon, obesity prevalence among blacks was 40 percent or greater.
For blacks, the prevalence of obesity ranged from 23 percent to 45.1 percent among all states and the District of Columbia; among Hispanics in 50 states and DC, the prevalence of obesity ranged from 21 percent to 36.7 percent, with 11 states having an obesity prevalence of 30 percent or higher. Among whites in 50 states and the District of Columbia, the prevalence of obesity ranged from 9 percent to 30.2 percent, with only West Virginia having a prevalence of 30 percent or more.
"We know that racial and ethnic differences in obesity prevalence are likely due to both individual behaviors, as well as differences in the physical and social environment,'' said Liping Pan, M.D., M.P.H., lead author and epidemiologist. "We need a combination of policy and environmental changes that can create opportunities for healthier living."
For this study analysis, CDC analyzed the 2006 2008 BRFSS data. For more information on obesity trends, tables, including an animated map, visit http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html. To learn more about CDC's efforts in the fight against obesity or for more information about nutrition, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, visit http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao.
CONTACT: CDC Division of Media Relations, +1-404-639-3286
/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- July 16/
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Web Site: http://www.cdc.gov/
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
16 Jul 2009
19:57
Haydenfilms 4.0 Online Film Festival Awards Ceremony Being Held During Aug. 2009 HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles
19:38
Coming Clean About The Cleaner - Phoenix House's Chief Clinical Officer David Deitch on Intervention, and the Recovery Process That Follows
19:10
'Single Ladies' Dance Contest at Tryst Nightclub
18:56
Lionsgate Shines With 22 Emmy(R) Award Nominations for Its Acclaimed Series MAD MEN and WEEDS
18:42
Atlanta Reels in First $100,000 Fantasy Fishing Prize Winner as Georgia Prepares to Host $2.5 Million Forrest Wood Cup in 2010
18:36
Cohen & Grigsby Attorneys Recognized on Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
18:03
Rentrak Retail Essentials and Home Video Essentials Announces Top DVD Sales and Rentals for Week Ending July 12, 2009
17:44
National Launch of Crazy Girls Cafe Announced
17:36
HYPE UniverCity Online Gives $1 Million to Students in Beta Scholarship Rewards Site Launch
17:27
Antoine Saout (FR) on WSOP Final Table & Helps 51 Players Claim $19,607
17:16
ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Renews Winning Brands Cleaning Products
17:15
Former Utah Governor to Talk About Her Battle With PF on ABC 4 Salt Lake City, July 22nd
17:09
Thousands Expected to Attend the 'Bakugan Ultimate Battle Tour' This Weekend in L.A.
17:01
DISH Network Reaches Agreement With 46 States
17:00
Officially Doing Business As 'TD Garden'
17:00
Verizon Wireless Delivers Slacker Radio to BlackBerry Storm Smartphones
17:00
Willie Nelson and Farm Aid Bringing Music Festival to St. Louis
16:54
Largest Gift in History of Reed College and National Jewish Health Received from Author David Eddings
16:47
Northwestern Memorial Among America's Best Hospitals in 11 Clinical Specialties According to U.S. News' 2009 Rankings
16:42
Nimbuzz liebt Apple
No comments:
Post a Comment