Obesity trend

Obesity Trends Lab

About Obesity

Obesity, a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, has reached epidemic proportions globally. The effects of obesity on health are equivalent to 20 years of aging. They include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, and gallbladder and liver disease.

Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.

For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the "body mass index" (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat. 

· An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.

· An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese

Instructions

Look at the graphs below and use them to answer the questions.

Graph 1: Obesity Prevalence Trends in Texas Adults, 1990 to 2009

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Use the above graph to answer the following questions:

1. Write a detailed description of what this graph is showing.

2. From 1990 – 2009 how did the percentage of obese adults in Texas change? (Be specific)

3. What lifestyle choices do you believe contributed to the increase from 1990-2009? (Be specific and elaborate)

4. What is the total percentage of Texans who were overweight and obese in 2009?

Graph 2: Share of Obese, Overweight and Normal-Weight Adults by Race/Ethnicity, 2009, Texas vs. the U.S.

The incidence of obesity has increased across the board, but it is more pronounced among certain groups.

Note: Percentages may not total to 100% due to rounding and unreported data for some states.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Use the above graph to answer the following questions:

1. Which race/ethnicity had the highest rate of obesity in Texas?

2. What was the percentage of overweight and obese Hispanics in the United States?

Graph 3: Share of Obese, Overweight and Normal-Weight Adults by Educational Level, 2009, Texas vs. the U.S.

Socioeconomic factors such as lower educational attainment and income can be correlated to obesity in adults. 

Note: Percentages may not total to 100% due to rounding and unreported data for some states.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Use the above graph to answer the following questions:

1. What is the relationship between obesity and income in the United States and Texas?

2. In your words, explain why you believe this relationship between obesity and income exists. Be sure to cite specific reasons for your position.

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