This indicator measures the percentage adults who are obese (BMI >30). We know that obesity prevalence rises with age, and that adults with a high school education or less and a lower income are more likely to be obese. Obesity is a separate and more severe condition than overweight. However, it’s important to understand the broader context of unhealthy weight in Chittenden County: 

To compare obesity rates among lower income adults with obesity rates among higher income adults, click on this indicator to make it full screen, then click the Toggle Comparison button. Federal poverty level (FPL) is a federal measure calculated from both annual household income and family size FPL is used to determine eligibility for government assistance programs. People living below 250% FPL, for example, are still considered low income, often lacking sufficient income to meet basic needs.

Achieving and keeping a healthy weight requires a balanced, low-calorie diet and more physical activity. Even modest weight loss for people who are overweight can lower risk for chronic disease. Less than half of adults (40%) ate the recommended number of servings of fruit and even less (34%) ate the recommended number of vegetables. To see more complete trend data on fruit and vegetable consumption, please see the Vermont Department of Health Healthy Vermonter 2020 Maps & Trends page here: http://healthvermont.gov/hv2020/IA/NutritionWeight... (click Additional Objectives to view different indicators).

Residents in communities with a more imbalanced food environment typical of "food deserts" (large geographic areas with no or distant grocery stores) have more health problems and higher mortality than residents of areas with a higher proportion of grocery stores, when other factors are held constant. Outcomes worsen when the food desert has high concentrations of nearby fast food alternatives. Healthy community design can improve people’s health by increasing access to healthy foods.

Obesity increases an individual’s risk of developing serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and arthritis. Healthy community design can improve people’s health by increasing physical activity and access to healthy foods. Imagine a community that is designed with streets that are safe and convenient to all modes of transport, offers services and jobs within a walk-able distance, and recreational green space is available. Such a community encourages a healthier lifestyle by integrating physical activity into the design of the community. Down-towns and village centers found throughout Chittenden County are examples of healthy community design.

Due to BRFSS weighting methodology changes beginning in 2011, comparisons between data collected in 2011 and later and that from 2010 and earlier should be made with caution. Differences between data from 2011 forward and earlier years may be due to methodological changes, rather than changes in opinion or behavior.

This indicator is age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. In U.S. data, age adjustment is used for comparison of regions with varying age breakdowns. In order to remain consistent with the methods of comparison at a national level, some statistics in Vermont were age adjusted. In cases where age adjustment was noted as being part of the statistical analysis, the estimates were adjusted based on the proportional age breakdowns of the U.S. population in 2000. For more detailed information on age adjustment visit http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/statnt/statnt20.pdf.

Vermont Department of Health

Vermont Department for Children and Families, Division of Economic Services

Local community coalitions

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission

AARP – VT

Vermont Department of Health, Burlington District Office, Physical Activity and Nutrition Program