2009 Georgia Data Summary: 
OBESITY IN ADULTS 
 
Obesity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. 
 
The percentage of obese adults is rising rapidly in Georgia. 
 
 The percentage of obese adults has increased rapidly in all regions of the state 
 28% (1.9 million) of civilian adult, non-institutionalized Georgians are obese 
 
 The percentage of obese adults in Georgia does not meet the Healthy People 2010 national goal (15%) 
regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, income or education level 
 
Geographic trends in obesity* 
 
1993-1996 
 
1997-1999 
 
2000-2002 
 
2003-2005 
 
2006-2008 
 
< 10% 
 
Percent of obese adults: 
 
10-14% 
 
15%-19% 
 
20-24% 
 
25-29% 
 
30%+ 
 
Poor diet and physical inactivity have contributed to the rise in obesity. 
 Only 1 in 2 (48%) adults in Georgia are regularly active  Only 1 in 4 (25%) adults in Georgia consume 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily 
 
Environments and policies influence health behaviors in adults. 
 Adults are more likely to be regularly active if they have a safe and convenient place to walk 
 More environmental features and organizational policies are needed in communities, worksites, and health care settings to promote healthy eating and regular physical activity 
 
Obesity costs Georgia an estimated $2.4 billion every year. 
 The annual cost of obesity in Georgia is estimated at $2.4 billion ($250 per Georgian each year)#, which includes direct health care costs and lost productivity from disease, disability, and death (indirect costs) 
 The estimated average hospital length of stay for obese individuals is 60% longer than for normal-weight individuals nationwide 
 
Obese adults are at increased risk for other medical conditions. 
 
Obese adults are at increased risk for: - Cardiovascular disease - Diabetes - Hypertension 
 
- Stroke - Gall bladder disease 
 
- Osteoarthritis - Some cancer 
 
Definition of obesity: *Body Mass Index = 30.0 or more 
 
Data Source:  2008 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 
 
 2007 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 
 
 2001 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 
 
# Finkelstein EA, Fiebelkorn IC, Wang G. State-level Estimates of 
 
 Zizza C, Herring AH, Stevens J, et al. Length of Hospital Stays Annual Medical Expenditures Attributable to Obesity. Obes Res. 
 
Among Obese Individuals. Am J Public Health. 2004;94:1587-91. 2004;12:18-24