The Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) published a study claiming that Nevada has one of the highest obesity percentages in the country. According to a study called The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America 2020, 30.6% of Nevada individuals aged 18 to 65 were obese in 2019. This marks a 4% increase over the previous year.
Now the question arises which Nevadan city has the state’s highest obesity rate? The research claims that Carson City, the state capital, is the answer.
Carson City’s adult obesity rate in 2019 was 36.9%, higher than both the state and national averages of 30.6% and 31.4%, respectively. Carson City also had the 13th highest obesity rate among the 100 most populated towns in the United States.
About Carson City’s highest obesity rate
The analysis linked high obesity rates in Nevada and other states to food insecurity, poverty, a lack of access to healthy food and physical activity, and social determinants of health.
The paper also highlighted the link between obesity and COVID-19, stating that obesity raises the risk of severe illness and mortality from the virus.
To tackle the obesity epidemic in Nevada and across the country, the report proposed a comprehensive strategy that included policy measures, community initiatives, and individual activities.
Policy recommendations include increased funding for nutrition and physical activity programs, expanded access to healthcare and preventative services, improved school nutrition and physical education standards, and promotion of healthy eating environments and active transportation.
The research also recommended people make efforts to improve their health, such as eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.
Statistics about Nevada’s Obesity Rate
Here are further statistics on the obesity rate in each county in Nevada:
- White Pine County had Nevada’s highest obesity prevalence in 2008, at 34.9%.
- Douglas County had Nevada’s lowest obesity rate in 2008, at 21.4%.
- Mineral, Nye, and Pershing counties had obesity rates of more than 30% in 2008.
- Carson City’s obesity rate in 2019 was higher than the state and national averages, at 36.9%, ranking it 13th among the 100 most populous cities in the United States.
- In 2019, Clark County had a higher obesity rate (30.3%) than the state average (30.2%).
- In 2019, Washoe County’s obesity rate was 25.9%, which was lower than the state and national averages.
Conclusion
Nevada faces a significant obesity challenge, with Carson City exhibiting the state’s highest rate at 36.9% in 2019, surpassing both state and national averages. Factors like food insecurity and limited access to healthy options contribute, to COVID-19 exacerbating health risks.
To address this, the report advocates for comprehensive strategies involving policy changes, community interventions, and individual actions, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and overall health improvement.