Obesity is a condition in which a person has so much fatty tissue as to pose a health concern. Research has shown that obesity and excess body weight have been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, sleep apnea, arthritis and asthma. For links to related organizations click here.

Obesity is routinely determined by measuring a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in pounds by the square of his or her height in inches, multiplied by 703. (Or weight in kilograms divided by height in meters) A BMI that falls between 19.5 – 24.9 is considered normal. A BMI of 25 – 29.9 is overweight, and a BMI of greater than 30 – 39.9 is obese, with a BMI of 40 and greater considered morbidly obese. Online BMI Calculator

BMI does not take into account differing ratios of fat to lean tissue and does not distinguish between different types of fat and the location on the body of the fat. If a person has a large amount of muscle, that person’s BMI may be high even if the person is not overweight or obese. In this case, waist circumference may be a better indicator of central obesity, or fat around the middle of the body. Central obesity has a strong relationship to cardiovascular disease.

Proper diet and exercise are the keys to reducing obesity in our state. Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting sugary drinks, and getting at least thirty minutes of physical activity several days a week are the best ways to begin. Additional Nutrition Tips and Exercise Tips

Obesity Quick Facts

Obesity is a health problem that costs our state and nation millions of dollars each year. There are direct costs for the care of those who suffer from health problems brought on by obesity, as well as indirect costs and quality of life issues that are affected by the disease.
Results from the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicate that an estimated 65% of adults are either overweight or obese. (This represents a prevalence that is 16% higher than that indicated by the previous survey.)
Approximately 70% of the diabetes risk in the United States can be attributed to obesity.
Obesity is a complex disease in which having too much body fat increases a person's risk for developing other health problems. Obesity generally is measured by body mass index (BMI), a calculation that shows weight in relation to height. As BMI increases, the risk of some diseases increases. A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese in adults.
Current statistics published by the American Obesity Association indicate that over 30% of young children and adolescents are overweight.
Obesity can affect people in many ways, and is linked with many health problems including: type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
The Southern Institute on Children and Families published its “South Carolina Obesity Assessment Project Final Report” (Report) in November 2005. The findings of the report indicate that there is not sufficient data available to evaluate obesity in South Carolina and that the key decision makers in the state are not engaged in the implementation of the state obesity prevention plan.
The Report lists 36.1% of children in South Carolina as overweight. Of lower- income children, the risks are higher, with 44.3% of children from families below the poverty level listed as overweight.

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State Plans

South Carolina is the 4th fattest state in the nation. How did this happen? Our problem with obesity has been developing for many years, and won’t be solved quickly. We have a state obesity plan prepared by the South Carolina Coalition for Promoting Obesity Efforts (view the SCCOPE Plan).
View links to other state obesity plans.

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