Percentage of Overweight and Obese Adults

Goal
Collaborate with community partners and others to implement strategies and public policies to improve Oklahoma's health and fitness

Progress

The percentage of Oklahoma adults who are overweight or obese based on BMI (body mass index). Overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25.0 or greater. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or greater.

Back to Top

In Oklahoma, six of the top 10 causes of death are associated with smoking or obesity or both. Obesity related deaths are increasing at an alarming rate. Excess weight increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.

Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the U.S., causing an estimated 200,000 deaths annually. As an individual's BMI increases, so do the number of sick days, medical claims and health care costs.

In 2008, it was estimated that $147 billion was spent on obesity or obesity-related health issues. By 2030, obesity-related health care costs in Oklahoma could climb by 10.8%.

Back to Top

The information indicates that two-thirds of Oklahomans are overweight or obese. This ranks Oklahoma as the 6th worst state in adult obesity. Other rankings put Oklahoma 48th in deaths due to heart disease, 42nd in deaths due to cancer and 45th in the number of people engaging in regular physical activity.

Back to Top

The Get Fit Eat Smart Oklahoma Physical Activity & Nutrition State Plan recommends the following measures to address obesity in Oklahoma:

Increase the number of Oklahomans who meet the recommended levels of physical activity; and

Increase the percentage of Oklahomans who consume the recommended number of fruits and vegetables every day.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) created the Center for the Advancement of Wellness (The Center) to be a center of excellence in addressing tobacco and obesity in Oklahoma which are responsible for 75% of all premature deaths in the state. The Center works in a strategic partnership with the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) to implement the tobacco-related recommendations of Oklahoma Health Improvement Planning (OHIP) and continues to work with the OHIP Tobacco Work Group to meet the changing needs of tobacco control in Oklahoma.

Individuals interested in learning more about ways to quit smoking and improve their health may visit the Shape Your Future website at www.shapeyourfutureok.com (Link opens in a new window).The Shape Your Future campaign strives to encourage Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free.

In 2012, a total of 756 businesses, campuses, schools, communities or restaurants were deemed "Certified Healthy" by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Specifically, 349 businesses were designated as a Certified Healthy Business, 28 campuses were designated as a Certified Healthy Campus, 314 schools were designated as a Certified Healthy School, 52 communities were designated as a Certified Healthy Community and 13 restaurants were designated as a Certified Healthy Restaurant. These businesses and organizations met stringent requirements for healthy environments, including promotion of tobacco prevention activities and smoke free policies.

Back to Top