National statistics released late last week indicate obesity rates in Idaho are better than the U.S. average and have declined over the past year.
According to Trust for America’s Health, 28.4 percent of Idahoans are considered obese, down slightly from last year’s rate. The numbers rank Idaho 39th in the nation, just better than Washington’s obesity rate of 28.7 percent and Oregon at 29.9. The national average 32.2 percent.
Health officials say the Idaho numbers are encouraging, and can be attributed to easy access to outdoor activities and events that focus on increasing physical activity.
Despite the silver lining in Idaho, national statistics continue to alarm health officials.
As recently as 2012, no state had an adult obesity rate over 35 percent. Within the last five years, nine states have surpassed that number, and 33 states had statistically significant increases in their rates of adult obesity.
Meanwhile, a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2015-16 revealed an increase in child obesity of 85 percent compared with a similar study conducted 20 years prior. (Coeur d’Alene Press)
