New Mexico is well-known for its rich culture, beautiful terrain, and flavorful cuisine. However, it has a major health issue: many individuals are obese.
According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assessment, New Mexico has the 14th highest obesity rate, with 31.8% of persons affected. Interestingly, Roswell has the state’s highest obesity rate.
City With the Highest Obesity Rate
Roswell, New Mexico’s fifth-largest city, is well-known for the 1947 UFO encounter. Unfortunately, it also has the highest obesity rate in the state, with 38.2% of persons considered obese.
This is more than six points higher than the state average and about 18 points above the national average.
The city also has the highest percentage of physical inactivity, with 32.9% of adults claiming no leisure-time physical exercise. So, why is this happening? According to health professionals, various factors contribute to Roswell’s high obesity incidence, including poverty, poor access to healthy food, cultural norms, and environmental impediments.
Roswell’s poverty rate is 21.9%, which is greater than both the state and national average. This makes it harder for consumers to purchase nutritional food, leading them to choose less healthy alternatives such as fast food, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
Roswell also lacks enough grocery stores, farmers markets, and community gardens that sell fresh, locally-grown produce. Roswell’s cultural tastes may also favor high-calorie and high-fat foods like tortillas, cheese, and red chile over healthier alternatives like whole grains, lean meats, and green chile.
Furthermore, environmental factors in Roswell, such as hot and dry weather, a lack of sidewalks, bike lanes, parks, and safety concerns, hinder physical exercise. All of these factors contribute to Roswell’s worrisome obesity rates.
Obesity-related consequences
Obesity has major consequences, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and several malignancies. It also has a negative impact on one’s quality of life, self-esteem, and the healthcare system.
Obesity has a noticeable impact in Roswell. The city has the highest diabetes rate in the state, accounting for 15.9% of people. Additionally, Roswell has the highest rate of heart disease mortality (236.8 per 100,000 people). Furthermore, it has the state’s highest rate of cancer fatalities, at 190.9 per 100,000 people.
Possible Solutions to This Problem
How can we address this health issue? While there are no quick fixes, there are some steps we can take.
First, we should raise awareness about why obesity occurs and how it impacts us. We should also educate children on the benefits of healthy nutrition and physical activity.
Next, we need to ensure that there are more healthy food options in the city. This might include supporting local farmers, establishing community gardens, and pushing grocery stores to provide fresh, affordable produce.
We should also make it easy for folks to be active. This might include adding extra sidewalks, bike lanes, and parks, as well as making these areas safer and more desirable.
Finally, it is critical to collaborate with various groups, including schools, businesses, healthcare providers, community organizations, and lawmakers. By collaborating, we can implement successful initiatives to promote healthy habits and avoid obesity.
Final Words
Roswell is a distinct town with its own history and culture. However, there is a major issue that could impact its future and the well-being of its residents. If we work to solve the city’s obesity problem, we can help inhabitants become healthier and happier. Furthermore, Roswell might serve as an example for other towns in the state and across the country.
SOURCE: statista.com