- In 2002, West Virginia ranked 1st in the nation in the prevalence of obesity (27.6%) and 42nd highest in the prevalence of overweight (36.1%). More than 63% of West Virginians are considered overweight or obese. (Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey)
- West Virginia leads the country in unhealthy conditions despite spending more than $10 billion on health care in 2003. These costs could exceed $20 billion by 2010. The state faced a $168 million shortfall in Medicaid funding during the last budget cycle and a recent legislative report indicates that future state budget shortfalls, fueled in large measure by health care spending, are projected to grow to $1.4 billion over the next few years. (Source: Kaiser Foundation, Health Affairs, Legislative Report)
- One in every five dollars billed for hospital care in West Virginia is related to diabetes. Eight of every ten hospital discharges are related to cardiovascular disease. (Source: Bureau for Public Health, Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in West Virginia)
- 64% of West Virginians do not maintain a healthy weight and one in four West Virginians is obese. (There is a strong correlation (67%) between an unhealthy weight and diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, heart disease, asthma and/or cancer). (Source: Bureau for Public Health, Obesity in West Virginia)
- Based upon national studies and using formulas and ratios used in these national studies, the cost of obesity and overweight conditions in West Virginia is estimated within a range of $1.5 to 2.0 billion. (Source: CDC, Obesity Research, Bureau for Public Health, Obesity in West Virginia)
- The estimated amount of state tax dollars spent for medical conditions associated with poor weight control and physical inactivity is estimated to exceed $250 million. (Source: Projections based upon 2001 information set forth in Obesity in West Virginia)
- Using formulas and percentages from a national study, the estimated impact on West Virginia businesses and citizens annually for conditions associated with poor weight control and physical inactivity is:
- 400,000 lost work days due to obesity-related causes;
- 2.4 million restricted-activity days; and
- more than 2 million related prescriptions.
(Source: Bureau for Public Health, Obesity in West Virginia)
- Obese individuals spend 36% on health services and 77% more on medications than individuals who maintain a healthy weight. (Source: Bureau for Public Health, Obesity in West Virginia)
- According to a recent study, obesity is responsible for 61% of type II diabetes in this country. Obese individuals have a 27 times higher risk of developing diabetes than individuals that maintain a healthy weight. (Source: Bureau for Public Health, Obesity in West Virginia)
- Alarmingly, nearly 85,000 of our K-12 students are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. One in three children born in 2000 is at risk of developing diabetes due to physical inactivity and diet if current trends continue. (Source: Bureau for Public Health, Burden of Diabetes in West Virginia)
- In 2000, more than 35% of West Virginia adults reported getting no physical activity within the last month and nearly 70% of West Virginians are classified as sedentary. (Source: Bureau for Public Health, Physical Activity Facts)
