The State of Obesity Better Policies for a Healthier America

Jack Rayburn, MPHSenior Government Relations Manager

Human Services and Public Safety Policy Committee

September 19, 2014

@jjrayburn

#StateOfObesity

Overview Adult rates remain high overall, including increases

in six states Significant disparities persist We’ve seen some progress, particularly with

children; however it is uneven and fragile Future progress will require we examine what is

working and bring these efforts to scale nationwide.

Adult Obesity (2013)

Adult Obesity Trends in 2013 Rates increased in six states

Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, New Jersey, Tennessee, Wyoming

Adult obesity (BMI > 30) now exceeds 35% in two states

In 1990, only one state exceeded 20% More than 6% of adults are now severely obese

Classified as a BMI of 40 or more Roughly 100 pounds over ideal body weight This rate has quadruped in the past 30 years.

Obesity Threatens Our Youth Childhood obesity rates have tripled since 1980 However, national rates have roughly stabilized over the past

10 years

Disparities Persist in 2013 Report contains a special focus this year on racial

and ethnic disparities in the epidemic.

Disparities Persist in 2013 In fact, the state of the epidemic in 2013 is partially

driven by growing disparities:

Disparities Persist in 2013 Slightly different disparities among children

Racial and Ethnic Disparities Rates for adult women vary widely among different

racial and ethnic groups.

Socioeconomic Disparities 33% of adults who earn less than $15,000 per year

were obese, versus 25.4% of those who earned at least $50,000 a year.

Systems and Environments Contribute

Physical Inactivity State physical activity/inactivity rankings seem to

track well with their obesity ranking.

Differences Among Age Groups

Why are we still concerned? Despite signs of stabilizing, rates are

dangerously high Obesity increases the risk for dozens of health

comorbidities Including type 2 diabetes, various types of cancer,

cardiovascular disease, arthritis, etc. Baby Boomers coming on to Medicare will

further exacerbate our long-term fiscal outlook

Co-Morbidities

Type-2 diabetes rates have doubled in the past 20 years One-in-three adults will have diabetes by 2050.

Yet why are we still concerned? (cont’d)

Obesity carries national security risks. It has negative implications for education, agricultural, transportation sector.

Public health and prevention funding remains inadequate. CDC funding has seesawed but has experienced a

net cut ($6.85 billion for FY2014 vs. $7.31 billion in FY2005).

33 states and DC have cut their public health budgets from FY11-12 to FY12-13

Yet why are we still concerned? (cont’d)

Bringing Initial Steps to Scale Obesity prevention should be

considered a major priority for reducing related health care spending and overall health care costs Community-based,

comprehensive approaches (like CDC chronic disease prevention programs) seem to work best.

ROI is critical.

Bringing Initial Steps to Scale Addressing primary risk factors

Poor Nutrition Inadequate Physical Activity

Broad, sustainable funding of evidence-based interventions, environmental, and systems changes Investments in Partnerships to Improve Community Health—will not

reach all Americans Expanded diabetes and heart disease funding

Connecting all Americans to preventive services and a variety of treatments

Areas of Focus Physical Activity Before, During, and After School School Foods and Beverages Healthy Affordable Foods Food and Beverage Marketing Farm Bill and Nutrition Policy Prevention Inside and Outside the Doctor’s Office Early Care and Education Transportation Policy Menu Labeling

For Further Information

The full text of The State of Obesity and many other interactive features are available at:

http://www.StateofObesity.org

Please contact Jack Rayburn, Senior Government Relations Manager, jrayburn@tfah.org if you have any further questions