Obesity Rates Remain High, New BRFSS Data Method Explained

In 2011, the prevalence of adult obesity remained high in the nation. Colorado had the lowest prevalence (20.7%) and Mississippi had the highest prevalence (34.9%). Obesity continues to be a common, serious, and costly public health problem.

Estimates of obesity prevalence from 2011 forward cannot be compared with estimates from previous years because of changes to the methods for collecting and analyzing adult obesity data with the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Data collected in 2011 provide a new baseline for obesity prevalence for data collected in subsequent years. While a new baseline for state adult obesity prevalence makes it impossible to compare 2011 data with previous years, the fact remains that the obesity prevalence in Colorado is high. About one in five adult Coloradans is obese.

For the 2011 obesity map and details on 2011 obesity rates by state, regions or subgroups, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html.

For talking points and FAQs on data and BRFSS method changes, go to: 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By4iEudJEICld2I1cmYwZmxPVUk/edit