Our Nation’s Health: Obesity Rate at All-Time High; Childhood Poverty Continues to Decline
December 12 2018 - 8:00AM
Business Wire
- Hawaii is the healthiest state in
2018; Louisiana faces most challenges
- New tool helps states understand key
health insights to improve their overall rank
The nation’s obesity rate has reached the highest-ever level
this year, according to the United Health Foundation’s 2018
America’s Health Rankings® Annual Report. Obesity is a leading
contributor to cardiovascular disease, cancer and other conditions.
Additionally, an increase in drug deaths, suicides and
cardiovascular disease deaths is contributing to an increase in
premature death.
In its 29th year, the America’s Health Rankings Annual Report
also reveals bright spots, including the reduced rate of childhood
poverty and an increased number of mental health providers and
primary care physicians per 100,000 people. Key findings
include:
Obesity Prevalence Reaches All-Time High; Premature Deaths
Continue to Increase
- The obesity rate exceeded 30 percent of
the adult population for the first time in America’s Health
Rankings history, up 5 percent in the past year (from 29.9 percent
to 31.3 percent).
- Premature deaths increased 3 percent
(from 7,214 to 7,432 years lost before age 75 per 100,000
people).
Suicide Rate Increases
- The suicide rate has increased 16
percent since 2012 (from 12.0 to 13.9 deaths per 100,000
people).
- The suicide rate is 3.5 times lower in
New Jersey – the state with the lowest rate for this measure – with
7.5 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with Montana, the most at
26.0 deaths per 100,000.
- The suicide rate is much higher among
males: 22.2 deaths per 100,000 compared with females at 6.2 deaths
per 100,000.
Childhood Poverty Percentage Decreases; Number of Health Care
Providers Increases
- Childhood poverty – a key indicator of
socioeconomic status and overall health – decreased 19 percent in
the past five years from 22.6 percent in 2013 to 18.4 percent in
2018, and decreased 6 percent since 2017.
- The number of mental health providers
per 100,000 people increased 8 percent and the number of primary
care physicians increased 5 percent nationwide in the past
year.
“This year’s Annual Report spotlights an obesity problem that
continues to grow. This means more people will likely develop
obesity-related chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease,
diabetes and cancer,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical
officer of UnitedHealthcare National Markets, and an adviser to
America’s Health Rankings. “We encourage health professionals,
public health officials and elected leaders to use these findings
to explore opportunities to better support people in their
communities in all aspects of their health.”
State Rankings in 2018: Hawaii Ranks No. 1, Louisiana Ranks
No. 50The Annual Report ranks Hawaii as the healthiest state in
2018, followed by Massachusetts (2), Connecticut (3), Vermont (4)
and Utah (5). Louisiana ranks as the most challenged state this
year, while Mississippi (49), Alabama (48), Oklahoma (47) and
Arkansas (46) round out the states with greatest opportunities for
improvement.
Maine, California and North Dakota experienced the largest rank
improvements since last year, with Maine rising seven places to No.
16, and California and North Dakota jumping five places to No. 12
and 13, respectively. Oklahoma experienced the largest rank
decline, falling four places to No. 47.
In an effort to continually improve its offerings and
capabilities, America’s Health Rankings now offers a new “Adjust My
Rank” tool. This feature enables users to better understand their
community’s and state’s diverse public health needs and challenges,
to gain insights on how to improve their state’s rank.
America’s Health
RankingsAmerica’s Health Rankings Annual Report is the
longest-running annual assessment of the nation’s health on a
state-by-state basis. For 29 years, the report has analyzed a
comprehensive set of behaviors, community and environmental
conditions, policies, clinical care and outcomes data to provide a
holistic view of the nation’s health. This report looks at 35 core
measures across these categories.
About the United Health
FoundationThrough collaboration with community partners,
grants and outreach efforts, the United Health Foundation works to
improve our health system, build a diverse and dynamic health
workforce and enhance the well-being of local communities. The
United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group
(NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation
dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, the United
Health Foundation has committed $430 million to programs and
communities around the world. We invite you to learn more at
www.unitedhealthgroup.com/SocialResponsibility
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181212005053/en/
The United Health FoundationJenifer
McCormickjenifer_mccormick@uhg.com, 952-936-1917
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