Pinellas County’s average citizen needs to lose 43.8 pounds, which is 21 percent lower than the state’s average of 55.3 pounds and 26 percent lower than the country’s average of 59 pounds
PINELLAS COUNTY — The growing obesity rates in the United States have suggested a problem in the country. Per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than two out of every three adults are considered overweight or obese. One out of every three adults in the country are obese, and about one of every 13 adults are considered to be extremely obese.
Obesity Statistics found that obesity can be associated with multiple comorbidities, including certain kinds of cancer, disability, diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension.
Obesity in Florida
Florida doesn’t fare much better when compared to other states, according to the Florida Health Department. In the state’s population, 35 percent are at a healthy weight, 25 percent are considered obese, and the rest are considered overweight.
However, the University of Florida found the obesity rates may actually be much higher. Per their statistics, the obesity rate sits around 37 percent. Currently, the state ranks 27th in the country for adult obesity, according to the State of Childhood Obesity Organization.
Breaking down obesity facts in Pinellas County
Although Florida’s obesity rates are high, it seems that Pinellas County doesn’t fare so badly. The county’s average citizen needs to lose 43.8 pounds, which is 21 percent lower than the state’s average of 55.3 pounds and 26 percent lower than the country’s average of 59 pounds.
However, the county’s residents still have high body weight and BMI, or body mass index. The average man weighs 216 pounds, while the average woman in Pinellas County weighs 169 pounds. As for BMIs, the average for a male resident is 30.6, while the average for women in the area is 28.3, according to Dietspotlight.
For reference, a healthy BMI ranges between 18 and 24.
Dietspotlight, a resource for weight-loss and health information, was able to gather this information on Pinellas County through visitors who were interested in health and wellness information.
Obesity programs in Florida
In 2013, the Healthiest Weight Florida initiative was born. This program connects multiple state agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, and local community groups and attempts to educate adults and children about making healthy habits and exercising properly.
All research from Dietspotlight is verified and reviewed for its accuracy, relevancy, and timeliness by a team of medical and nutrition professionals from around the US.
Sources
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
