This measure reflects the percentage of Utah adults (age-adjusted) who have a body mass index of 30.0 or higher based on reported height and weight. 

Adults who have obesity, when compared with adults who are at a healthy weight, are more likely to have a decreased quality of life and an increased risk to develop serious health conditions, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, sleep apnea and breathing problems, some cancers, and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

Weight stigma, or discrimination and stereotyping based on an individual’s weight, may also negatively influence psychological and physical health. The costs associated with obesity and obesity-related health problems are huge. One study estimated the medical costs of obesity to be $342.2 billion (in 2013 dollars). Beyond direct medical costs, the indirect costs of decreased productivity tied to obesity are estimated at $8.65 billion each year among U.S. workers.

Statistical significance for this measure was determined by comparing the confidence intervals (listed in the comment) of each year to the year before. If the confidence intervals overlapped the change was not considered significant.

National data: The target value is the national age-adjusted percent of adults who are obese based on the U.S. BRFSS national data. 

Data sources: 

• Utah Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (https://ibis.health.utah.gov/ibisph-view/query/result/brfss/LandlineCellAgeAdj5_BMI/BMI.html)

America's Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2022.

Obesity is a complex health condition with many causes. We know the following contribute to obesity: 

1. Social and physical environment
2. Genetics
3. Prenatal and early life influences
4. Behaviors, such as poor diet and physical inactivity

Data Sources: America's Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2022.