Obesity in Pennsylvania rose again in 2020, now encompassing nearly a third of Commonwealth residents. Taylor Allen covered the trend, self-reported by residents, for AXIOS.
According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 31 percent of Pennsylvania adults reported being obese. A decade ago, that statistic was 28.6 percent.
The racial disparity continues to tinge on this health crisis across the United States.
Around 41.8 percent of Black Pennsylvanians self-reported obesity, as did 32.9 percent of Latino Pennsylvanians.
Meanwhile, 31.3 percent of white Pennsylvanians are obese.
Being overweight is a serious concern because of the condition’s related health issues: Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and even several mental health issues.
As bad as the news is, Pennsylvania is only in the middle of the pack nationwide when it comes to its obese population percentage. Mississippi ranks highest at 39.7 percent, while Colorado ranks lowest at 24.2 percent.
The issue is also intensifying in many children and teens, many of whom have gained weight at an alarming rate since the start of the pandemic, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials.
Read more about the obesity concern in Pennsylvania in AXIOS.