Description of Indicator
Another health and health care indicator is the adult obesity rate over a three-year period. Adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 are considered obese. Data are sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and are only available for multi-county regions.
Why is it important?
Obesity is a significant public health issue. Adults who are obese have a greater likelihood of developing various diseases and health conditions that impact life expectancy. There is an economic cost associated with poor health, as it affects the workforce, social service support systems, and healthcare resources.
How is the region performing?
Pike, Monroe, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties have maintained slightly higher adult obesity rates than the other two geographies analyzed. In recent years, the adult obesity rate has remained roughly 33.0 percent both regionally and statewide. Overall, the adult obesity rate has increased from the 2015-2017 period to the 2020-2022 period.