Changes in Obesity Prevalence Among Adults in Georgia from 2000-2010: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

BACKGROUND:   Approximately one-third of adults in Georgia are obese and are at increased risk of chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers. In 2010, the prevalence of adult obesity in Georgia (29.6%) was 42% higher than in 2000, yet lower than that for US adults (35.7%). The purpose of this study is to examine changes in obesity prevalence and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) among adults in Georgia from 2000-2010.

METHODS:   Combined data from the 2000-2010 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed to describe obesity trends among adults (≥18 years old) in Georgia by sex, race, and obesity category. The World Health Organization classifies obesity into three categories: Class I (30 ≤ BMI <35), Class II (35 ≤ BMI <40), and Class III (BMI ≥40). Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated to determine differences in obesity categories by age groups (18-44 years, 45-64 years, and ≥65 years). 

RESULTS:   Overall, from 2000-2010, 26% of Georgia adults were obese, with the highest prevalence among females (26.1%), blacks (33.8%), and 45-64 year olds (30.1%). When analyzed by obesity category, 16.5% of Georgia adults were Class I, 5.8% were Class II, and 3.8% were Class III. During this period, the overall prevalence of Georgia adults who were Class I, Class II, and Class III increased by 34%, 45%, and 90%, respectively. Prevalence of obesity Classes I, II, and III among males increased by 40%, 33%, and 200%, respectively, while the prevalence of obesity Class I, Class II, and Class III among females increased by 27%, 54%, and 69%, respectively. Further analysis for this period showed that the overall mean BMI for Georgia adults (27.3) increased by 3% from 2000-2010. The mean BMI by age group changed by <1% among adults 18-44 years old and 45-64 years old for each obesity category. However, the mean BMI among those ≥65 years old increased by 2%, 1%, and 3% for obesity Class I, Class II, and Class III, respectively. 

CONCLUSIONS:   The prevalence of obesity continues to increase among Georgia adults, especially among females, blacks, and those 45-64 years old. Nutrition and Physical Activity programs must emphasize community-based strategies that promote access to affordable, healthy food, create safe recreational areas to perform physical activity, and encourage individual participation in coalitions that address obesity in their community.