undefinThis indicator reports the number and percentage of adults aged 20 and older self-report having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30.0 (obese). Respondents were considered obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) was 30 or greater. Body mass index (weight [kg]/height [m]2) was derived from self-report of height and weight. Excess weight may indicate an unhealthy lifestyle and puts individuals at risk for further health issues.

While County Health Rankings and other models refers to obesity as a Health Factor, and specifically a (un)healthy behavior, it can also be seen as a Health Outcome, affected by health behaviors (like eating fruits and vegetables, and physical inactivity) and by the socioeconomic characteristics, as well as the environment in which individuals live.  

This is a factor to investigate when it comes to health equity and identifying disparities.  Note the following national statistics. 

Obesity and Hispanic Americans

• Among Hispanic American women, 78.8 percent are overweight or obese, as compared to 64 percent of non-Hispanic white women.
• In 2018, Hispanic Americans were 1.2 times more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic whites.
• From 2013-2016, Hispanic children were 1.8 times more likely to be obese as compared to non-Hispanic white children.
• In 2018, Hispanic women were 20 percent more likely to be overweight as compared to non-Hispanic white women.
• People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, diabetes and LDL cholesterol – all risk factors for heart disease and stroke.¹
• In 2017, Hispanic high school students were 50 percent more likely to be obese as compared to non-Hispanic white youth (Obesity and Hispanic Americans - The Office of Minority Health (hhs.gov))

Obesity and American Indians/Alaska Natives

• American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents are 30 percent more likely than non-Hispanic white adolescents to be obese.
• American Indian or Alaska Native adults are 50 percent more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic whites.
• People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, diabetes and LDL cholesterol – all risk factors for heart disease and stroke (Obesity and American Indians/Alaska Natives - The Office of Minority Health (hhs.gov))

Within the report area, there are a total of 7,660 adults age 20 and older who self-reported having a BMI greater than 30.0. This represents a 35.7% of the survey population.
Note: In 2021, the CDC updated the methodology used to produce estimates for this indicator. Estimated values for prior years (2004 - 2017) have been updated in this platform to allow comparison across years. Use caution when comparing with saved assessments generated prior to November 10, 2021.

Note: This indicator is compared to the state average.
Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2019. Source geography: CountyShow more details (Sparkmap, 12/28/21)

Clinics

County Health Rankings maintains online database of strategies that have been identified as "What Works for Health" for the Health Factors that they measure.  "What Works for Health provides communities with information to help select and implement evidence-informed policies, programs, and system changes that will improve the variety of factors we know affect health."  Strategies for this indicator can be found at Adult obesity in Nebraska | County Health Rankings & Roadmaps.