Ask a Researcher

May 2009

Getting too big for our britches: Obesity rate in the Twin Cities

Ela Rausch, Twin Cities Compass

Ela Rausch Twin Cities Compass tracks obesity as a Key Measure of health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally; today more than 300 million adults meet the clinical definition of obese. The Twin Cities region is no exception to this alarming trend: Obesity has also reached a record high; approximately one in four adults in the 7-county metro are obese.

How is obesity defined?

Both height and weight are taken into consideration when assessing whether or not a person is obese. A person whose Body Mass Index (BMI) score is 30 or higher meets the clinical definition of obese.

Who is faring the worst?

Obesity rates among our population have increased across all age groups over the last 15 years, doubling among adults ages 45-64 and tripling among those 18-44.

Prevalence is higher among men than women. Approximately 28 percent of adult men in our region are obese, compared to 21 percent of adult women.

The prevalence of obesity also varies among racial and ethnic groups in the Twin Cities. The rate is most alarming for U.S.-born Blacks, where nearly 40 percent of the population is obese. For African-born Blacks, the rate is half that, at approximately 20 percent. Hispanics also have a high rate of obesity, at nearly 30 percent. The rate of obesity for Whites is nearly 20 percent and Asians are the least likely to be obese, at around five percent.

Why is obesity such a concern?

May is both National Stroke Awareness Month and High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. Both of these conditions, and a variety of others, are related to obesity. Carrying around excess body fat can negatively impact a person's blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin resistance. When these levels become elevated, a person's risk for diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and cancer also increases. In addition to these life-threatening conditions, obesity can cause asthma, back problems and infertility.

Obesity not only threatens individuals' quality of life, but there is a monetary cost as well. The WHO estimates that obesity-related health problems account for as much as six percent of all health care costs in developed countries. Increased rates of obesity can signal higher health care costs for individuals, employers and the state.

What can we do about it?

Unlike many other serious diseases, obesity is both preventable and reversible. Individuals can reduce their risks associated with obesity by increasing their amount of weekly exercise and intake of healthy foods. Employers, educators, and local government officials can also play an important role in reducing obesity in the Twin Cities region by developing policies, events and environmental designs that support and encourage active, healthy lifestyles.

Ela is a former researcher for Twin Cities Compass and still works as a research associate at Wilder Research. Ela holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and a B.A. degree in Sociology and American Studies from the University of Minnesota.