Obesity is defined based on an individual's Body-Mass-Index (BMI); a BMI of 30.0 or higher is considered to be obese while a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 is considered overweight. Obesity is a result of an energy imbalance which involves consumption of too many calories and not getting adequate physical activity. Obesity has been shown to be associated with various consequences, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, coronary heart disease, gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility). Healthy nutrition and regular physical activity have a great impact in preventing overweight and obesity.

Epidemiology Summary 

Michigan has the 10th highest prevalence of obesity among adults in the United States. In 2009, three out of every ten Michigan adults were obese, while approximately 36% of adults were overweight.

Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Epidemiology Staff

Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Epidemiologist: Vacant

What We Do 

We conduct surveillance for the five-year long state obesity prevention strategic plan; various risk factors for obesity along with breastfeeding practices and overweight and obesity disparities within the Michigan adult population are studied. Baseline and target values are set for each of these health indicators and community efforts to achieve these goals are promoted. The State of Michigan has two on-going programs (Schools Implementing Nutrition Standards and Complete Streets) working towards reduction of the overweight and obesity epidemic in Michigan. Surveillance and evaluation of these interventions are performed routinely. The ultimate goal remains to prevent obesity within the State of Michigan.

Publications

Reports

• Overweight and Obesity in Michigan: Surveillance Report 2011 (PDF)
  
  
• Overweight and Obesity in Michigan: Surveillance Report 2009 (PDF)

Links

Links to other sites related to arthritis epidemiology:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Overweight and Obesity

Click here to go back to the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Unit Webpage 

You must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in order to properly view the PDF documents. You can get a free copy of this software by visiting Adobe's website.