The Burden of Obesity in North Carolina Obesity-Related Chronic Disease

More than half (53%) of all deaths of North Carolinians are preventable. Overweight and obesity are significantly associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis, and poor health status. Inadequate fruits and vegetables, lack of leisure time physical activity, obesity, and overweight make up 80% of N.C.s risk factor or behaviors.

Preventable Causes of Death in N.C. State Center for Health Statistics, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, (2007).

The Burden of Obesity in North Carolina Heart Disease and Stroke

Heart Disease and Obesity Excess weight in the form of body fat puts a strain on the entire circulatory system. Excess weight in the form of body fat puts a strain on the entire circulatory system. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors.

Heart Disease and Obesity High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight. High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight. Overweight individuals are nearly 40 percent more likely to develop heart disease than healthy weight individuals; the rate increases to 50 percent for obese individuals. Overweight individuals are nearly 40 percent more likely to develop heart disease than healthy weight individuals; the rate increases to 50 percent for obese individuals. Morbidly obese persons have an elevated risk of nearly 70 percent. Morbidly obese persons have an elevated risk of nearly 70 percent.

High Blood Pressure Among Children High blood pressure in children is strongly correlated with being overweight. High blood pressure in children is strongly correlated with being overweight. The percentage of children with high blood pressure in the U.S. appears to be increasing as the percentage of children and youth who are overweight increases. The percentage of children with high blood pressure in the U.S. appears to be increasing as the percentage of children and youth who are overweight increases.