Missouri's obesity rate expands to 23.2 percent

The latest figures reported by the U.S Centers for Disease Control show that the obesity rate in Missouri continues to grow. While a December 2003 news release from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services shows that West Virginia leads all states with 27.5 percent the highest obesity prevalence rate, Missouri isn't far behind, at 23.2 percent of its adult citizens considered obese in 2002.

Other top-ranking states, according to the CDC's self-reporting data collection system, are Mississippi, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas and Louisiana. With a 16.5 percent rate of obesity prevalence, Colorado is the state with the lowest obesity rate.

Consequences

Considering overall public health consequences in terms of life spans and economic costs, the incidence of overweight and obese individuals continues to be worrisome for the MDHSS. Economically, it has been estimated by the CDC that the United States spends approximately $117 billion every year in extra obesity-related health costs.

Obesity has been linked to poor pregnancy outcomes, asthma, arthritis, hypertension, ovarian cysts, gall bladder disease, heart disease, certain types of cancer, Type II diabetes, stroke and psychological disorders such as depression and bulimia.

Taking action

The Missouri DHSS has created the Missouri Council on the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity. The group of about 40 individuals representing schools, health education agencies, the legislature, colleges and universities, health insurance carriers, primary care providers and the general public, is charged with beginning a review of Missouri's obesity burden, needs, barriers and issues and to determine steps to curb the continuing rise in the number of overweight and obese Missourians.

"Each day, health care practitioners must face the staggering medical complications related to obesity and physical inactivity," said Dr. Christopher Case, member of the Missouri State Medical Association and of the state's obesity council, in the release. "Fortunately, many of our patients make necessary lifestyle changes and are rewarded by significant benefits to their health and well-being, and often, a reduction or discontinuation of many medications. Through the hard work of the council, we hope to be able to prevent many of the obesity-related health consequences in future generations of Missourians."

Obesity newsletter

The Missouri DHSS has secured CDC funds to support the council's efforts to develop an action plan for addressing the obesity crisis. The department also is posting the "Overweight and Obesity Observer" newsletter on its Web site at www.dhss.state.mo.us/balance/observ er.htm. The newsletter is a compilation of news clips provided to keep Missourians updated on what is happening worldwide in terms of research and steps taken to combat the obesity epidemic.