This indicator is part of Active, healthy residents.

Indicator description:

The obesity rate notes the rate at which citizens report being obese, that is having a Body Mass Index greater than or equal to 30. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s reported weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. Obesity is increasing nationwide, and is becoming a serious threat to the health of Americans. The only reliable way to lose weight is for an individual to consume fewer calories than is required to maintain their current weight. This can be accomplished by eating fewer calories while maintaining the current activity level, or by increasing exercise and burning more calories while maintaining the same intake of food, or a combination of eating a reduced calorie diet and exercise.

Why is this indicator relevant?

Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases including hypertension, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer. Obesity is a category of BMI which is based on the relationship between body weight and disease and death.

Data Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Questionnaire, 2002-2006; Counties compared 2006.

What can we tell from the data?

• Albuquerque adults are obese at a far lower rate than both the national average and compared to peer Southwest communities.
• The local rate of obesity is on the rise, and has risen steadily since 2002, but is still lower than others.

For Help in understanding this page, see Understanding Indicators.