FULL TEXT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Marie Kendra; (202) 973-1361 / [email protected]
Shelton Moore; (202) 973-5811 / [email protected]
NEW STUDY EXAMINES DEMOGRAPHIC AND CULTURAL LINKS TO OBESITY IN MAJOR U.S. CITIES
Study Identifies Factors Contributing to America's Growing Girth
Washington, D.C., March 4, 1997 -- Why is there a higher
percentage of obesity in Cleveland than in Phoenix? According to a
new study released today by the Coalition for Excess Weight Risk
Education (CEWRE), the difference in obesity levels nationwide is
determined by a combination of cultural and demographic factors unique
to each city.
The study, known as the National Weight Report, ranks the 33
largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. by percentage of obese
residents and explores demographic and cultural factors that
contribute to variability in those percentages. According to the
study, New Orleans has the highest obesity level (37.55 percent of the
adult population) while Denver boasts the lowest at 22.10 percent.
Specific cultural findings for some of the cities include:
Ë™ The high obesity level in Cleveland (31.5 percent of adult
population) may be related to the fact that many residents are
reluctant to give up the high-fat "heartland" foods that have defined
Cleveland culture for generations.
Ë™ The obesity level in Dallas (27.5 percent) may be associated with
frequent dining out by Dallas residents and larger portions of foods.
Ë™ New York City's obesity level (27 percent) reflects the reality that
New Yorkers have easy access to a plethora of restaurants and foods,
including many high-fat ethnic foods.
Ë™ In Atlanta (obesity level of 25.5 percent), high-fat, southern-style
"comfort" foods continue to hold personal meaning for many residents,
making it harder for them to adopt healthier diets.
Ë™ Phoenix residents claim that the region's hot climate can make it
too uncomfortable to exercise on a consistent basis. On the other
hand, hot weather clothing makes it difficult to camouflage fat, which
may contribute to the relatively low obesity level of 24.4 percent.
Ë™ In Washington, D.C., anthropologists found that hectic work
schedules and frequent dining out may contribute to obesity among city
residents. However, residents also have a strong desire to be fit,
helping D.C. to maintain the lowest proportion of obesity of the six
cities profiled (23.8 percent).
The National Weight Report indicates that for many Americans, being
"overweight" is normal. Respondents also expressed a strong loyalty
to frequently consumed foods -- so-called "comfort foods" -- whether
they are "healthy" or not. Interviewees also expressed a desire to
lower their fat intake, while overlooking the importance of total
calorie reduction to losing weight. In addition, many respondents
recognize that physical activity is an important weight loss tool but
do not exercise.
Obesity, which afflicts a third of American adults, presents a
major public health problem. As the second leading preventable cause
of death in the U.S., it results in some 300,000 deaths annually and
contributes to major diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer
and stroke.
"The coalition hopes the National Weight Report will bring new
attention to this important public health issue by providing insight
into some of the factors that contribute to excess weight," said Dr.
Xavier Pi-Sunyer, chairman of the Coalition for Excess Weight Risk
Education.
The National Weight Report's 33-city obesity ranking is based on a
list created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC gathered the data from the National Health Interview Survey
for the years 1990 and 1993. The sample size, approximately 20,000
persons for each year, represents persons age 20-74 who self-reported
height and weight.
Obesity was defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or greater.
BMI is a height-weight calculation that determines a person's health
risk associated with excess weight. A BMI greater than 27 indicates a
higher risk for weight-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart
disease, cancer, stroke and high blood pressure.
A statistical analysis of 23 cities was conducted to identify the
specific demographic and cultural factors that contribute to obesity.
Researchers found that nationwide, cities with higher unemployment
rates, a larger proportion of African Americans, lower per capita
income, higher annual precipitation and higher number of food stores
per capita have higher rates of obesity.
To expand on these statistical findings, researchers conducted
in-depth anthropological research in six profile cities (Atlanta,
Cleveland, Dallas, New York, Phoenix and Washington, D.C.). To gain
insight into the food and lifestyle choices in each city,
anthropologists conducted one-on-one interviews with residents;
analyzed the content of local publications and recorded observations
of outdoor activities, clothing styles, restaurants and stores. A
total of 389 men and women were interviewed in the six profile cities.
"The National Weight Report is designed to help people understand
the health risks associated with excess weight and to encourage the
use of BMI as a tool for measuring risk," says Dr. Pi-Sunyer. "It
helps to tailor education programs because it provides valuable
insight into the barriers to weight loss and maintenance of a healthy
weight on a regional basis."
Consumers can receive a brochure about weight loss and a BMI chart
by calling (202) 973-3604, sending an email message to
[email protected] or writing to P.O. Box 33671, Washington, D.C.,
20033-3671.
The Coalition for Excess Weight Risk Education is an alliance of
professional and voluntary health associations and corporate members
whose mission is to promote ways to prevent and reduce the health
risks of excess weight through healthy lifestyles, nutrition, physical
activity and other therapies.
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