Obese New Yorkers - “Who, Me?”
3.2 million residents of New York City are obese or overweight. The adult obesity rate (2004) in the city is 20%, which is actually lower than the national average of 23%. This still leaves around 1 million residents with body mass index (BMI) high enough to be classified as obese.
However, when asked how overweight they are, only 39% of obese New Yorkers say “very overweight”.
“Obesity is directly related to getting too little physical activity and consuming too many calories,” Dr. Frieden continued. “Nearly 75% of New York City adults report no regular physical activity and nine out of 10 do not eat the recommended servings of fruits and/or vegetables per day. Obesity causes heart disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke and worsens asthma, arthritis and other conditions. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week can literally save your life.”
New York City’s adult obesity rate was 20% in 2003, compared to 23% nationwide in 2004. The national average has nearly doubled from 12% in 1993.
Links:
- Most obese New Yorkers don’t think they are (Yahoo / Reuters)
- 3.2 Million New Yorkers are overweight or obese New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- NYC Vital Signs: Obesity and Health: Risks and Behaviors (November 2005) (full report, PDF)New York DOHMH
Tags: obesity, diet, weight management, fitness
