Missouri ranks 20th in the nation in obesity prevalence with 30.2 percent of the population considered obese, according to a report recently released by two national nonprofit organizations.
The national report, "The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America," shows worse rankings for the Show-Me State for diabetes (11th) and physical inactivity (14th). The hypertension ranking for the state is 23. Of Missouri's adults, ages 45 to 64 are the most obese with 33.5 percent of the population in the category.
Local percentages are not far off from the statewide obesity rate. In a four-county region, Cole County has the lowest percentage of obesity - qualifying as a body mass index of 30 or greater - at 25.8 percent, according to a 2011 Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services study. Osage County's percentage is 27.2 percent; 32.9 percent for Moniteau County and 33.5 percent for Miller County.
Obesity and chronic diseases caused by the condition have remained health concerns of those counties in recent years, as the two most recent Community Health Needs Assessment indicate. Capital Region Medical Center, St. Mary's Hospital, Jefferson City Medical Group and county health departments, among others, conduct the assessment every three years. With each, area health professionals and community members rank the top five health concerns these medical providers need to address. Through focus groups and individual surveys, residents submit feedback.
Obesity increases the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer for adults and children alike, according to The State of Obesity report. The 2012 Community Health Needs Assessment identified heart disease and obesity prevention as the second greatest concern for the area, with diabetes prevention and management coming in fourth. Heart disease climbed as the top concern in the 2015 report.
The most recent assessment also listed the top health risk factors for the region, of which obesity was No. 1. An overweight mother and no exercise were ranked three and four, respectively.
Childhood obesity is calculated differently than adult obesity, as adults utilize a formula to find their numbers. The State of Obesity report states overweight children have a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. A child is considered obese when he or she has a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. Nationally, 17 percent of children and teenagers are obese. Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults.
"If we fail to change the course of the nation's obesity epidemic, the current generation of young people may be the first in American history to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents," the State of Obesity introduction letter states, adding that national childhood obesity numbers have decreased in the last year.
Of the state's high school students, 14.9 percent qualify as obese and 15.5 percent are overweight, according to the State of Obesity report. Children, ages 10-17, are obese at a rate of 13.5 percent, ranking 36th. Of low-income children ages 2-4, 12.9 percent are obese.
The Cole County Health Department has collaborated with community partners since 2007 to form the Central Missouri WeCan! coalition, which provides education on childhood obesity prevention and treatment. The coalition addresses improved food choices, increased physical activity and reduced screen time, according to the health department's website. Central Missouri We Can! also sponsors a Be Fit Family Healthy Lifestyle Program in collaboration with the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation department for families with children in grades 5-8.
Missouri is one of 17 states that require schools to offer physical activity or recess during the school day, the report states. The state has legislation regarding BMI screening requirements in schools, among 13 others.
Arkansas has the highest obesity rate at 35.9 percent, and Colorado has the lowest rate at 21.3 percent.
To calculate BMI, go to nhlbi.nih.gov and search "BMI calculator." For more information on obesity, go to stateofobesity.org.
Missouri's burgeoning numbers
Obesity rate: 30.2%
Obesity ranking: 20
Obesity and overweight rate: 65.6%
Diabetes rate: 11.1%
Diabetes ranking: 15
Physical inactivity rate: 25%
Physical inactivity ranking: 14
Hypertension rate: 32%
Hypertension ranking: 23